Patient Bill of Rights

AmeriCares FreeClinic’s Patient Bill of Rights was adopted as a reaffirmation of the mission and philosophy of the AmeriCares Free Clinics, and to state publicly those basic rights a patient being cared for at the Clinics may expect.

1. The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care.

2. The patient has the right to know what Clinic rules and regulations apply to his/her conduct as a patient.

3. The patient has the right to receive from his/her physician, complete, current information concerning his/her diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, in terms s/he can reasonably be expected to understand.  When the patient’s physician considers that it is not medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information will be given to an appropriate person on the patient’s behalf.  The patient has the right to know the name of the physician responsible for delivering his/her care.

4. The patient has the right to receive from his/her physician, information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment.  Except in emergencies, such information should include – but not necessarily be limited to – the specific procedure and/or treatment, those risks considered medically significant by the patient’s physician, and the probable duration of incapacitation.  Where medical alternatives for care or treatment exist which are considered significant by the patient’s physician, or when the patient requests information concerning medical alternatives, the patient has the right to such information.  The patient also has the right to know the name of the person responsible for the procedure and/or treatment.

5. Consistent with the AmeriCares Free Clinics’ obligations, policies and the philosophy by which the Clinic is guided, the patient has the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by the law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of his/her action.

6. The patient has the right to every consideration of privacy concerning his/her medical care.  Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential, and will be conducted discreetly.  Those not directly involved in the patient’s medical care must have his/her permission to be present.

7. The patient has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his/her care will be treated as confidential.

8. The patient has the right to receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, gender, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation or sexual orientation.

Patient Responsibilities

Just as the AmeriCares Free Clinics have responsibilities to its staff and clientele, so too, does the patient have responsibilities when under the care of the Clinic.  These include the following:

1. The patient is responsible for providing accurate and complete health information concerning his/her past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, allergies and all other pertinent items.  The patient should bring any information relating to his/her health to the Clinic at the time of the visit.

2. The patient is responsible for participating in the development of his/her care plan, adhering to the developed plan, and complying with Clinic policies and procedures governing his/her care.

3. The patient is responsible for voicing concerns or problems to Clinic staff, and for requesting further information concerning anything s/he does not understand.

4. The patient is responsible for being respectful of other people and of Clinic property. This implies that no patients will be seen under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

5. The patient is responsible for his/her actions if s/he refuses treatment or does not follow medical instructions.

6. The patient is responsible for maintaining the treatment recommended by the physician, and for remaining under medical supervision.

7. The patient is not allowed to contact volunteer physicians outside of the Clinic.  Any communication must go through the Clinic Director.  The only exception to this is, if a patient has been referred to a specialist and that specialist physician asks that the patient return, call him/her for a specific reason or needs to cancel an appointment.

8. The patient is responsible for abiding by Clinic rules and regulations, and for seeing that those who accompany him/her do likewise.

9. The patient is responsible for providing truthful information about income and insurance status, notifying clinic of changes and providing written income verification which is a prerequisite of receiving free medication.

10. The patient is responsible for being considerate and cooperative with Clinic staff, and for avoiding discrimination against health care providers because of race, color, gender, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation or sexual orientation.