Patient's 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 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 all the information 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 your nurse or Patient Relations 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 and 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. Medical Records is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Call
(607)762-2112.
Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
Your Compliments and Concerns The staff of United Health Services Hospitals is dedicated to delivering
very good care to our patients. We want your visit to be as comfortable as
possible, and we welcome your comments. If you have suggestions during your
visit or wish to express a concern or complaint, please ask to speak with
the manager of the service you’re receiving. All concerns will be addressed
as promptly as possible to help ensure your complete satisfaction.
However, if you’re still not satisfied once you’ve spoken with the manager,
you may wish to follow this process to escalate your concern:
1. If the manager you’ve already spoken with isn’t the department manager of
the service you’re receiving, ask to speak with the department manager
2. Contact our Patient Relations Department at 607.763.6777
United Health Services wishes to promote open communication and resolve
concerns regarding your hospital experience. We encourage you to express
concerns to the responsible department manager, or contact Patient Relations
at 607.763.6777 if you have a question, comment, or complaint.
You also have the right to contact the New York State Department of Health
at 800.804.5447 and/or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181,
800.994.6610 or
complaint@jcaho.org with your complaints.
Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to
visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
