We consider you a partner in your hospital care.  When you are well-informed, participate in hospital decisions, and communicate openly with your doctor and other hospital professionals, you help make your care effective.  This hospital encourages respect for the personal preferences and values of each individual.

While you are a patient in the hospital, your Rights include the following:

You have the right to considerate and respectful care.  You have the right to be well-informed about your illness, possible treatments and probable outcome by discussing the information with your doctor.  You have the right to know the names and roles of the people treating you.

You have the right to have an advance directive, such as a living will or health care proxy.  These documents express your choices about your future care or name someone to decide if you cannot speak for yourself.  If you have a written advance directive, you should provide a copy to the hospital, your family and your doctor.

You have the right to reasonable privacy.  The hospital, your doctor, and others caring for you will protect your privacy appropriately.

You have the right to expect that treatment records are confidential unless you have given permission to release information or reporting is required or permitted by law.  When the hospital releases records to others, such as insurers, it emphasizes that the records are confidential.

You have the right to access information in your medical records and to have the information explained, except when restricted by law.

You have the right to expect that the hospital will give you hospital services in accordance with the conditions of your admission and necessary emergency care as required by applicable law.  Treatment, referral, or transfer if you are medically stable may be recommended.  If transfer is recommended or requested, you will be informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives by your doctor.   You will not be transferred until the other institution agrees to accept you.

You have the right to know if this hospital has relations with outside parties as applicable to your treatment and care.

You have the right to consent or decline to take part in research affecting your care.  If you choose not to take part , you will receive the appropriate care the hospital otherwise provides.

You have the right to be told of realistic care alternatives when hospital care is no longer appropriate.

You have the right to know about hospital rules that affect you and your treatment and about charges and payment methods.  You have the right to know about hospital resources, such as patient representatives and ethics committees, that can help you resolve problems and questions about your hospital stay and care.

You have the right to consent to or refuse a treatment as permitted by law, throughout your hospital stay.  If you refuse a recommended treatment, you will receive other needed and available care.

You have the right to participate in development and implementation of your plan of care, make decisions regarding your care and be informed of your status.

You have the right to receive care in a safe setting, free from harassment, and to be free from restraints and seclusion used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation by staff.

You have the right to file a grievance related to your stay at the hospital.  To file a grievance, contact:  Administration at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, 2735 Silver Creek Road, Bullhead City, Arizona  86442  (928) 763-0201.

You have the right to file a complaint related to your stay at this hospital with:  Office of Health Care Licensure, Arizona Department of Health Services, 150 N.18th Ave., Suite 450, Phoenix, Arizona  85007, (800) 221-9968.

You also may file a complaint with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) by calling 800-994-6610.

You have Responsibilities as a patient.  You are responsible for providing information about your health including past illnesses, hospital stays and use of medicine. You are responsible for asking questions when you do not understand information or instructions.  If you believe you can't follow through with your treatment, you are responsible for telling your doctor.

This hospital works to provide care efficiently and fairly to all patients and the communities.  You and your visitors are responsible for being considerate of the needs of other patients, staff, and the hospital.  Visiting hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You are responsible for providing information for insurance and for working with the hospital to arrange payment if necessary.

Your health depends not just on your hospital care but, in the long term, on the decision you make in your daily life.  You are responsible for recognizing the effect of lifestyle on your personal health.

A hospital serves many purposes.  Hospitals work to improve people's health; treat people with injury and disease; educate doctors, health professionals, patients, and communities; and improve understanding of health and disease.  In carrying out these activities, this institution works to respect your values and dignity.