Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Thank you for choosing Augusta Health for your healthcare needs. We believe that patients have a fundamental right to considerate care that safeguards their Personal Dignity and Respects their Cultural, Psychosocial, and Spiritual values.

You have the right to:

1. Receive Beneficiary notices related to non-coverage and the right to appeal premature discharge, as well as the Medicare outpatient observation notice (MOON);
2. Participation in making informed decisions regarding the development and implementation of your plan of care;
3. Make informed decisions regarding your care (as allowed under Virginia State Law). This includes being informed of your health status, being involved in care planning and treatment, and being able to request or refuse treatment. This right shall not be construed as a mechanism to demand the provision of treatment or services deemed medically unnecessary or inappropriate;
4. Have a family member or representative of your choice and to have your own physician notified promptly of your admission;
5. Personal privacy;
6. Provision of care in a safe setting;
7. Freedom from all forms of abuse or harassment and seclusion or restraint;
8. Confidentiality of clinical records;
9. Be involved in the planning of your care and treatment, including a pain management plan, in collaboration with your physician and treatment team.
10. Access your medical records, including current medical records, upon an oral or written request, in the form and format requested, if it is readily producible in such form and format (including in an electronic form or format when such medical records are maintained electronically); or, if not, in a readable hard copy form or such other form and format as agreed to by Augusta Health and you, within a reasonable time frame.
11. Have impartial access to care regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, culture, ethnicity, gender identity, expressions, religion, language, or source of payment;
12. Formulate Advance Directives and have hospital staff/practitioners comply with the Advance Directives in accordance with federal and state law, rules, and regulations;
13. Choose who may visit you, subject to your consent, regardless of whether the visitor is a friend, family member, a spouse, a domestic partner (including same-sex domestic partner), or other type of visitor, as well as the right to withdraw such consent to visitation at any time. The hospital will not restrict, limit, or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability; and will ensure that all visitors enjoy full and equal visitation privileges consistent with patient preferences. (The hospital shall retain the right to limit visitors based on medically appropriate circumstances, safety, and security situations, and or infection concern policies.);
14. Submit a written or verbal grievance pertaining to your care or treatment. Your grievance may be directed to your nurse, physician, Department Director, or to Patient Relations. A Patient Relations website is available at patientrelations@augustahealth.com. A Patient Relations phone line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 540-332-4893. Voicemail is available during non-business hours, along with instructions for reaching the Nursing Supervisor on duty. You may also register a complaint with: the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Licensure and Certification, Complaint Unit, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463, or by phone at 1- (800) 955-1819, by fax at 1- (804) 527-4503, or by e-mail at OLC-Complaints@vdh.virginia.gov.

You have the responsibility of/for:

1. Providing accurate and complete information about your illness and medical history including present complaints, past illness and hospitalizations, and other matters related to your health.Knowing and following hospital rules and regulations; i.e., no tobacco use.
2. Following your physicians prescribed plan of treatment, care, and services.
3. Notifying your physician or nurse if you do not understand your diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis.
4. Any consequences and other adverse outcomes if you refuse treatment or do not follow the physician’s prescribed treatment plan.
5. Letting the nurse and your family know if you feel you are receiving too many outside visitors.
6. Being considerate of other patient’s rights, privacy, and property, as well as assisting with noise control and the number of visitors you receive.
7. Fulfilling your financial obligations associated with your health care.
8. Advising your nurse or physician of any concerns, dissatisfaction, or safety issues you may have in regard to your care while in the hospital.
9. Safeguarding any valuables or personal belongings retained by you at the bedside, including eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, cell
   phones, and clothing, etc.
10. Cooperating with your health care team to maintain your and your family’s safety, i.e., calling for assistance when needed or as instructed.
11. Being knowledgeable of your medical insurance benefits plan and your obligations regarding deductibles, copayments, pre-authorization requirements, etc.

Revised 7.2026