Florida law requires that your health care provider or health care facility recognize your rights while you are receiving medical care and that you respect the health care provider’s or health care facility’s right to expect certain behavior on the part of patients. You may request a copy of the full text of this law from your health care provider or health care facility. A summary of your rights and responsibilities follows:

• A patient has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation of his or her individual dignity and with protection of his or her need for privacy and to be called by their proper name.
• A patient has the right to receive care in a safe environment, free from all forms of abuse, neglect or mistreatment, and may request an escort during any type of exam.
• A patient has the right to a prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests.
• A patient has the right to know who is providing medical services and who is responsible for his or her care.
• A patient has the right to know what patient support services are available, including whether an interpreter is available if he or she does not speak English.
• A patient has the right to know what rules and regulations apply to his or her conduct.
• A patient has the right to have a family member or person of your choice and your own doctor notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
• A patient has the right to have someone remain with you for emotional support during your hospital stay, unless your visitor’s presence compromises your or others’ rights, safety or health.  You have the right to deny visitation at any time.
• A patient has the right to be given by the health care provider information concerning diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis.
• A patient has the right to refuse treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
• A patient has the right to be given, upon request, full information and necessary counseling on the availability of known financial resources for his or her care.
• A patient who is eligible for Medicare has the right to know, upon request and in advance of treatment, whether the health care provider or health care facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate.
• A patient has the right to receive, upon request, prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care.  The Agency for Health Care Administration makes available data on hospital prices and performance at http://www.floridahealthfinder.gov. Pricing and performance data provided by AHCA are a compilation of charges for the average patient, and your bill may vary from the average depending upon the severity of your illness and your individual care needs.
• A patient has the right to receive a copy of a reasonably clear and understandable, itemized bill and, upon request, to have charges explained.
• A patient has the right to impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations, regardless of race, national origin, religion, physical handicap, or source of payment.
• A patient has the right to treatment for any emergency medical condition that will deteriorate from failure to provide treatment.
• A patient has the right to know if medical treatment is for purposes of experimental research and to give his or her consent or refusal to participate in such experimental research.
• A patient has the right to express grievances regarding any violation of his or her rights, as stated in Florida law, through the grievance procedure of the health care provider or health care facility which served him or her and to the appropriate state licensing agency.
• A patient has the right to be informed and participate in his or her plan of care.  This includes formulation of Advanced Directives or to appoint someone to make health care decisions for them if they are unable, and to have hospital staff and practitioners who provide care, comply with these directives. If they do not have an advanced directive, the hospital can provide them with information and help them complete one.
• A patient has the right to have their pain assessed and to be involved in decisions about treating your pain.
• A patient has the right to be free from the use of seclusion and restraint, of any form, as a means of coercion, discipline, conveniences, or retaliation of staff.

If you have a problem or complaint, you may talk to your doctor, practitioner, nurse manager or department manager. You may also contact Administration at (386) 496-2323 or email [email protected].

If your concern is not resolved to your liking, you may also contact the following:

Agency for Health Care Administration Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Bureau of Health Facility Regulation Medicare Web Site
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #31 www.medicare.gov
Tallahassee, FL. 32308
1-800-Medicare
1-800-633-4227
(850) 487-2717