Section 29-5108. PATIENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

5108.1Each Provider shall develop a written statement of patient rights and responsibilities consistent with the requirements of this section, which shall be given to each patient in advance of receiving services or during the initial assessment before the initiation of services.

 

5108.2The written statement of patient rights and responsibilities shall be available for distribution to the general public.

 

5108.3Each Provider shall develop policies which ensure that each patient receiving services has the following rights:

 

(a)To be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect;

 

(b)To control his or her own household and lifestyle;

 

(c)To participate in the planning of his or her care and treatment;

 

(d)To receive treatment, care and services consistent with the plan of care and to have the plan of care modified for achievement of outcomes;

 

(e)To receive services by competent personnel who can communicate with the patient;

 

(f)To refuse all or part of any treatment, care or service and be informed of the consequences;

 

(g)To be free from mental and physical abuse, neglect and exploitation from persons providing services;

 

(h)To be assured that for purposes of record confidentiality, the disclosure of the contents of the patient's records is subject to all the provisions of applicable District and federal laws;

 

(i)To voice a complaint or grievance regarding treatment or care, lack of respect for personal property by persons providing services without fear of reprisal;

 

(j)To have access to his or her records; and

 

(k)To be informed orally and in writing of the following:

 

(1)Services to be provided, including any limits;

 

(2)The amount charged for each service, the amount of payment required by the patient and the billing procedures, if applicable;

 

(3)Whether services are covered by health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or any other third party sources;

 

(4)Acceptance, denial, reduction or termination of services;

 

(5)Complaint and appeal procedures;

 

(6)The name, address and telephone number of the provider; and

 

(7)The telephone number of the Medicare Home Health Hotline and hours of operation.

 

5108.4Each patient shall be responsible for the following:

 

(a)Treating all Provider personnel with respect and dignity;

 

(b)Providing accurate information when requested;

 

(c)Informing Provider personnel when instructions are not understood or cannot be followed; and

 

(d)Cooperating in making a safe environment for care within the home.

 

5108.5Each Provider shall take appropriate steps to ensure that each patient, including patients who cannot read or have a language or communication barrier, has received the information required pursuant to this section. Each Provider shall document in the records the steps taken to ensure that each patient has received the information.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 3957 (May 23, 2003).