Patient Bill of Rights

Patient Bill of Rights

As a patient in a hospital in New York State, you have the right, consistent with law, to:

  • Understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, the hospital MUST provide assistance, including an interpreter.
  • Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of payment.
  • Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
  • Receive emergency care if you need it.
  • Be informed of the name and position of the doctor who will be in charge of your care in the hospital.
  • Know the names, positions and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.
  • A no smoking room.
  • Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
  • Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.
  • Receive all the information you need to give informed consent for an order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an individual to give this consent for you if you are too ill to do so. If you would like additional information, please ask for a copy of the pamphlet ‘Do Not Resuscitate Orders – a Guide for Patients and Families.’
  • Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
  • Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.
  • Privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.
  • Participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge from the hospital. The hospital must provide you with a written discharge plan and written description of how you can appeal your discharge.
  • Review your medical record without charge. Obtain a copy of your medical record for which the hospital can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.
  • Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
  • Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving, and to have the hospital respond to you and if you request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the hospital’s response, you can complain to the New York State Health Department. The hospital must provide you with the Health Department telephone number.
  • Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
  • Make known your wishes in regard to anatomical gifts. You may document your wishes in your health care proxy or on a donor card, available from the hospital.

If you have any questions, please contact a Patient Representative at (516) 296-3221.

Parents Bill of Rights

Parents Bill of Rights

Patient Responsibilities

The Nassau University Medical Center recognizes the primary role its patients play with regard to their care, their safety and the safety of others, and the safeguarding of the rights of other patients and staff.

A bill of patient responsibilities describing this role is set forth below in the interest of promoting a safe, comfortable environment in which the best possible care may be rendered. NUMC patients shall be responsible:

  • To provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medication and other matters relating to his/her health.
  • To report unexpected changes in his/her condition to the responsible practitioner as soon as possible.
  • To make it known whether he/she understands a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him/her.
  • For following to the best of his/her ability the plan for medical care as recommended by the physician primarily responsible for his/her care.
  • To keep appointments and when unable to do so, to notify the hospital with sufficient time to reschedule.
  • For his/her actions if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the practitioner’s instructions.
  • For assuring that the financial obligations of his/her health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
  • For following hospital rules and regulations regarding patient care and conduct.
  • For assisting in the control of noise and the number of visitors.
  • To comply with the No Smoking Policy as posted and assist Medical Center staff in their efforts to provide a smoke-free environment for all.
  • For being respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.
  • For being considerate of the rights of others.
  • To fill out the patient evaluation form to provide feedback to the hospital.