Your Rights Receive appropriate care, treatment and consideration Be treated with dignity and respect Participate actively in decisions regarding health care Receive full consideration of privacy during health care and treatment. Have confidential handling of all communications and records. Receive a reasonable response to any reasonable request Receive complete information about health condition, proposed treatment, and alternatives, including nontreatment or second opinion, in order to give "informed consent" or to refuse treatment Leave the hospital at any time, even against medical advice, unless you have a contagious disease Be informed about continuing health care requirements Your Responsibilities Know and utilize basic first aid skills. Seek professional care when appropriate Cooperate with health care provider Make preferences known clearly. Keep personal and family records and share them with health care provider. Question the reason for the presence of anyone not directly involved in care Ask what information is public record and can be released without written permission Seek additional information if request not honored Refuse service from unidentified personnel Ask for clarification of anything not understood. Understand risks of treatment and nontreatment. Understand the intended effects of a prescribed drug, in addition to known side effects Sign "Leave the Hospital Against Medical Advice" form, if that is your decision Examine your bill. Ask for an explanation of care and treatment costs Accept responsibility for health care and recovery. Utilize community resources as needed Know your insurance plan and its coverage Tell your physician's office staff if you have a change of address or insurance coverage