Patient 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 name, positions and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.
A no smoking room.
Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Receive all the information that 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 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. 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.
Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving and to have the hospital respond to you and if your request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the hospital's response, you can complain to the New York State Health Department. The hospital must provide you with the Health Department telephone number.
Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
Make known your wishes in regard to anatomical gifts. You may document your wishes in your health care proxy or on a donor card, available from the hospital
Patient's Responsibilities
In providing care to a patient, The Brooklyn Hospital Center has a right to expect behavior on the part of patients and their relatives and friends, which, considering the nature of the patient's illness is reasonable and responsible.
To provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to his/her health.
To report unexpected changes in his/her condition to the responsible practitioner.
For reporting whether he/she clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him/her.
For following the treatment recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for his/her care. This may include following the instructions of nurses and allied health personnel as they carry out the coordinated plan of care, implement the responsible practitioner's orders and enforce the applicable Hospital Center rules and regulations.
For keeping appointments and, when he/she is unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the responsible practitioner or the Hospital Center.
For his/her actions if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow practitioner's instructions.
For assuring that the financial obligations of his/her health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
For following Hospital Center rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
For being considerate of the rights of other patients and Hospital Center personnel and for assisting in the control of noise, and observing the policy regarding the number of visitors allowed and visiting hours.
For being respectful of the property of other persons and of the Hospital Center.