Your Rights as a Patient

As a patient at LMC, you have the right to:

Information & Communication

• Be informed of your rights before care begins or is discontinued. You may choose a representative to receive this information on your behalf.

• Receive information in clear, understandable language. This includes written and verbal communication tailored to your age, level of understanding, language needs, and any vision, hearing, or cognitive impairments.

• Know the name and role of the physician responsible for your care and the identities of other providers involved in your treatment.

• Receive understandable explanations about your diagnosis, treatment options, expected outcomes, and recovery.

Participation in Your Care

• Receive sufficient information to make informed decisions, including the right to give or withhold consent for treatments or procedures—except in emergencies.

• Learn about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any proposed treatment or procedure.

• Participate in the development and implementation of your care plan.

• Request or refuse treatment, to the extent permitted by law.

• Formulate advance directives and expect staff to honor them within legal limits.

• Have a family member or representative, as well as your personal physician, notified of your hospital admission.

Respect, Safety & Privacy

• Receive care without discrimination based on gender, culture, religion, education, economic status, or payment method.

• Be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect in a safe environment free from abuse, neglect, harassment, or exploitation.

• Remain free from restraints or seclusion unless medically necessary and never as punishment or convenience.

• Receive appropriate assessment and management of pain.

• Expect full privacy during examinations, discussions, consultations, and treatments.

• Know the reason for the presence of any individual involved in your care.

Confidentiality & Access to Your Records

• Have all personal and medical information kept confidential. Your written consent is required before records are shared with anyone not directly involved in your care.

• Access your medical records within a reasonable time frame (typically within 48 hours of request).

Quality of Care & Support

• Receive reasonable responses to requests for service.

• Receive continuity of care throughout your hospitalization.

• Be informed of your care needs after discharge.

• Receive an explanation of your bill, regardless of payment source.

Research & Ethics

• Be informed if your physician proposes any research or experimental treatment that may affect your care.

• Refuse to participate in research without affecting your right to receive care.

• If participating in research, receive full support of your rights including detailed informed consent. All research-related documents will be included in your medical or research file.

Advocacy & Legal Representation

• Access protective and advocacy services, or request that staff help you access them.

• Have your rights extended to your legally authorized representative if you are unable to make decisions.

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

To help us provide safe and effective care, we ask that you:

Provide Accurate Information

• Share complete and truthful information about your health, including past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and current symptoms.

Ask Questions & Communicate

• Ask questions when you do not understand instructions, information, or expectations.

• Inform your care team about any perceived risks or unexpected changes in your condition.

Follow Your Care Plan

• Follow the treatment plan agreed upon with your physician and healthcare team.

• Understand that refusal of treatment or failure to follow medical advice may impact your health outcomes.

Respect Appointments & Scheduling

• Keep your appointments or notify your physician/hospital promptly if you must cancel or reschedule.

Fulfill Financial Obligations

• Ensure that the financial responsibilities related to your care are met in a timely manner.

Respect Others as well as Our Hospital’s Policies

• Follow LMC’s policies, rules, and regulations.

• Be considerate of other patients, visitors, and hospital staff.

• Respect hospital property and the belongings of others.