Patient Rights & Responsibilities - Watkins Mill Surgery Center

Patient Information

Patient's Rights & Responsibilities

Respecting the unique individuality of every patient is a major goal of Watkins Mill Surgery Center. To attain this goal, we have determined that the rights and responsibilities of every patient should be protected and preserved.

Patient's Rights

To be informed of the rules and regulations as they apply to your conduct.

To expect privacy and dignity in treatment consistent with providing you with good medical and psychiatric care.

To receive considerate, respectful care at all times and under all circumstances.

To expect prompt and reasonable responses to your questions.

To know who is responsible for authorizing and performing your procedures or treatments.

To know the identity and professional status of your care giver.

To know what the patient support services are available, including access to an interpreter if language is a problem.

To have access to your medical record according to Center Policy.

To be informed of the nature of your condition, proposed treatment or procedure, risks, benefits and prognosis, and any continuing health care requirements after your discharge in terms you can understand.

To be informed of medical alternatives for care or treatment.

To refuse treatment, except as otherwise provided by law, and to be informed of the consequences of your action.

To receive impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations regardless of race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or, physical handicap.

To know if the medical treatment prescribed is for experimental purposes and to give your written consent to participate if you choose.

To participate in the decision-making process related to the plan of your care.

To have access to professionals to assist you with emotional and/or spiritual care.

To exercise your cultural values and spiritual beliefs as long as they do not interfere with the well-being of others, or the planned course of any medical care.

To participate in the discussion of ethical issues that arise.

To express concerns regarding any of these rights in accordance with the grievance process.

To formulate advance directive and appoint a surrogate to make health care decisions on your behalf to the extent permitted by law.

Patient's Responsibilities

Providing accurate and complete information about your present and past medical conditions and all other matters pertaining to your health.

Reporting unexpected changes in your condition to your health care providers.

Informing your health care provider whether or not you understand the plan of care and what is expected of you.

Following the treatment plan recommended by your health care provider.

Keeping appointments and, if you cannot, notifying the proper person.

Knowing the consequences of your own actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the health care provider’s instructions.

Being considerate of the rights of other patients and Center personnel and to follow Center policy and regulations affecting care and conduct.

The Center welcomes patient comments. The patient is notified of the following: “If you have concerns about the care you or your family member have received, we encourage you to speak with your physicians or with the supervisor of the area you are in. If you are uncomfortable of cannot resolve your concerns, please feel free to contact our Administrator at 240-751-1951.

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin or disability in the operation and administration of its services, facilities, programs, benefits, and employment opportunities.

Patient concerns should be directed to the Maryland Department of Health and Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality, 7120 Samuel Morse Drive, Second Floor, Columbia, MD 21046-3422 or online at https://health.maryland.gov/ohcq/