These rights may be exercised by the adult patient or another person authorized to act on the patient's behalf in the event the patient is unable to act on his or her own behalf. For patients who are minors, the parent or legal guardian is entitled to exercise these rights.

Patients have the right to:

1. Receive quality medical care regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, diagnosis, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, veteran status, religion, gender, age, ability to pay, or conditions of reimbursement.

2. Receive compassionate care that respects their personal, spiritual, cultural, and religious values and beliefs.

3. Participate in resolution of ethical dilemmas about patient care decisions. Resources to facilitate resolution of ethical issues are available for patients and their families.

4. Know the name and role of their attending physician and any other caregiver(s) participating in their care.

5. Request that an individual of his/her choice, family member or otherwise, and/or a physician of his/her choice be notified in the event that he/she is admitted to the hospital.

6. Be well-informed about his/her illness, possible treatments and likely outcomes and to discuss this information with his/her physician in a manner which the patient can understand.

7. Receive information about any proposed treatment or procedure in order to make an informed decision whether to consent to or refuse a course of treatment. Except in emergencies, this information shall include the purpose and description of the procedure, probable result, significant risks, and alternate courses of treatment.

8. Actively participate in decisions regarding medical care, including managing pain effectively. To the extent permitted by law, this includes the right to refuse treatment after being informed of the consequences of refusal, the right to leave the care of the entity against physician's advice, except in extraordinary circumstances, or both.

9. Be free from restraints and seclusion except where necessary for medical treatment or patient safety, or where required by law. Restraints and seclusion are not to be used for coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation. If the patient has any questions regarding the use of restraints, he/she should feel free to ask his/her care nurse or physician.

10. Privacy and confidential treatment of all communications and records about his/her care. Release of medical records will only occur with the patient's consent or where permitted by law. While a patient, he/she may examine his/her medical record with a healthcare provider designated by the entity, except to the extent that such review is determined by the patient's attending physician to be potentially harmful to the health of the patient. Fulfillment of patient requests to review and/or receive a copy of his/her medical record will occur in a timely manner.

11. Accept or decline participation in research. Participation is voluntary and will only occur after a full explanation has been given and written permission has been obtained. The patient's decision not to participate in research or to discontinue participation at any time will not result in any penalty, loss of benefits, or loss of access to care to which the patient is otherwise entitled.

12. Be informed of entity policies that affect care and treatment.

13. Be informed about charges, professional fees and payment arrangements. BNHC will not deny medically necessary care based on payor issues. Should any dispute occur regarding third party coverage, BNHC will keep the patient and/or guardian informed.

14. Know if the entity has relationships with outside parties that may influence the patient's treatment or care. These relationships may be with educational institutions, other healthcare providers, or insurers.

15. Access protective services that are independent of BNHC, if the patient and/or family have a concern about patient abuse, neglect, or misuse of a patient's property while in the care of an BNHC entity.

16. Be informed of realistic care alternatives and continuing care requirements when the current level of care is no longer appropriate. Alternatives include ambulatory, home care, inpatient, or outpatient care or transfers to another setting. If transfer is recommended or requested, the patient will be informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. The patient will not be transferred until another institution and/or provider agrees to accept the patient.

17. Receive information concerning advance directives such as a living will and healthcare power of attorney. These documents express the patient's choices for treatment or designate someone to represent the patient in the event the patient is unable to communicate his or her wishes. The advance directive will be respected to the extent permitted by law.

18. Receive information describing the patient's rights and responsibilities and the complaint resolution process for the entity.

Patients have the responsibility to:

1. Cooperate with members of the BNHC staff in order to provide the necessary personal and medical history required for treatment. The patient should notify the physician or care nurse of any changes in his/her health. All drugs given to the patient during the course of treatment at a BNHC entity have been specifically prescribed as part of the patient's plan of care. The patient should not take any other drugs, prescription or otherwise, without the knowledge of his/her physician.

2. Provide a copy of his/her written advance directive.

3. Be considerate of the privacy and needs of other patients. Patients and their visitors will follow smoking regulations and refrain from using the telephone, television, or lights in a way that might disturb others.

4. Ask questions when he/she does not understand information, medical words, or instructions.

5. Tell the physician or other member of the healthcare team whether or not he/she is willing and able to follow the recommended treatment plan. The most effective plan is the one that all participants agree is best and that will be carried out in its entirety.

6. Participate actively in follow up care when the current level of care is no longer appropriate.

7. Provide information necessary to obtain insurance, Medicare and/or Medicaid payments. The patient will work with the entity, when needed, to arrange for payment.
   Recognize that he/she makes decisions daily that impact on personal health.