Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities

All CMC doctors, healthcare providers and employees must be aware of the patient’s rights and must be respected.

1. Patients must be treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, religion, gender, social status, language, physical or mental disabilities, or ability to pay.
   • Right to maintain cultural practices and pursue spiritual beliefs
   • Right to be visited by family and friends during visiting hours unless advised otherwise by the attending physician or restricted by guidelines to control transmission of infectious diseases. Patients also have the right to refuse visitors.
   • Right to seek a second opinion related to medical care and to make decision against medical advice with the understanding and accepting the responsibility for any medical risks and consequences resulting from the decision
   • Right to make healthcare decisions in advance and appoint a representative to assist the medical team to make a clinical decision in behalf of the patient.
   • Right to choose to participate or not in any research study the patient is invited to volunteer
2. Patients must be provided with safe and quality medical care
   • Right to receive timely, effective and appropriate care in treatment of the patient’s medical condition with provision of the Act of Prohibiting the Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the Confinement or Treatment of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Certain Cases (Republic Act No. 10932)
   • Right to appropriate assessment and management
   • Right to safety and security measures that prevent harm, errors, and infection
   • Right of newborn babies to safe care and to receive optimal health through appropriate nutrition and promoting strong mother-baby bond.
3. Patients must receive information and explanation about their medical condition
   • Right to be informed in detail of the medical condition, treatment options including the risks and benefits, results and other significant information
   • Right to take part in the planning of medical treatment with input and support from family.
   • Right to appeal, refuse or discontinue recommended treatment
4. Patients must know the identities and roles of healthcare providers responsible to his/her treatment and care
5. Patients must be provided with privacy and treated with confidentiality of medical records in accordance to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173)
   • Right to be interviewed, examined and treated in privacy
   • Right to confidentiality and security of medical records where access is strictly limited to healthcare professionals involved in patient’s care.
   • Right to privacy is respected during registration, patients must be in a private or semi-private space where personal information is not overheard or seen by others.
   • Right to access their medical records and to obtain copy upon request in accordance to hospital’s policy
6. Patients must be aware of estimated costs for procedures and treatments
7. Patients must have access to give feedback
   • Right to voice concerns about care without fear
   • Right to receive the same level of quality service and care that is not compromised by the feedback provided to the hospital.
8. Patient must have access to meet every diverse needs
   
   Language Barriers:
   • Interpreter service must be provided when needed which is available in-person, via phone, or through video conference.
   • Simple, clear languages must be used and avoid medical jargon in explaining procedures, diagnoses and care plans.
     Cultural considerations:
   • Cultural preferences, such as dietary restrictions, gender preferences for caregivers, or traditional healing methods if feasible must be accommodated and respected.
   • Cultural competence lectures and training must be conducted to all staff to understand and respect different cultural beliefs, values and practices.
     Level of understanding:
   • Assessment of health literacy must be done to evaluate patient’s and family’s understanding and tailor communication accordingly.
   • When explaining complex procedures, diagnoses and care plans, the staff must utilize visual aids (e.g. diagram, picturesor videos) and must ask patients and families to repeat information in their own words to ensure comprehension.
     Physical or Mental Disabilities:
   • The hospital is equipped with easy access of wheelchairs, ramps, elevators and wide doorways to cater patients with physical or mobility impairments.
   • Sign language interpreter and Braille materials are available in accommodating patients with sensory and cognitive disabilities.
     Lifestyle considerations:
   • Individual lifestyle factors are considered according to work schedules, caregiving responsibilities and personal preferences in providing patient-centered care.

 

Patients must be made aware of their responsibilities for the mutual respect and understanding between the patients and the hospital, its staff and healthcare providers. These includes:

1. Patient must provide complete and accurate information
   • Provide complete, detailed and accurate information about the patient’s health, including present and past conditions, allergies, medications, previous hospitalizations and any other health related matters
   • Inform the doctors of any changes in patient’s health status as well as specific concerns related about his/her condition
   • Permit the hospital to obtain medical records done on other hospitals and clinics
   • Inform the staff if leaving the hospital against medical advice from emergency department, wards and clinics
2. Patient must follow the doctor’s recommended treatment plan.
   • Comply with the treatment plan prescribed by the healthcare professionals
   • Take only medications served by the nurse-in-charge while admitted and do not self- administer home medications or supplements without informing the nurses or doctors
   • Ensure that medical information is understood and ask questions when they are unclear
   • Participate in activities for the purpose of patient safety and quality improvement
   • Inform the staff of anticipated problems in following the prescribed treatment
   • Be responsible for any consequences if the patient decided against medical advice and refuse treatment or leave the hospital
3. Patient must show respect and consideration for others.
   • Treat hospital staff and other patients and visitors with respect and courtesy
   • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of others
   • Follow and be on-time for appointments and inform ahead of time for any changes
   • Be responsible for the safekeeping of valuables and personal belongings during the hospital stay
   • Treat the hospital properties and facilities with due care and responsibility
4. Patient must report any potential safety risk
   • Communicate concerns that may cause harm (e.g., medication error, equipment malfunction, wet floors without signage)
   • Inform the staff of changes in the symptoms, unusual side effects and complications.
5. Patient must abide by the hospital rules and regulations pertaining to patients and visitors.
   • Follow rules on visiting hours, discharge times, designated public areas, and infection control.
6. Patient must understand and fulfil financial responsibilities in accordance with the Prohibition on the Detention of Patients in Hospitals and Clinics of Republic Act NO. 9439
   • Seek clarification for financial issue, deductibles, Philhealth and health insurance coverage.
   • Patients who lack financial means must sign a promissory note guaranteeing payment through an installment scheme co-signed by a guarantor. This covers the ward patients and not the private rooms/suite unless mortgage etc.
   • Hospitals cannot withhold the remains of a deceased patient due to unpaid bills. The family must issue a promissory note for the unpaid balance.