Patient Rights & Responsibilities

YNHHS does not restrict, limit or deny care or visitation based on race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, citizenship status or any other basis protected by law. YNHHS provides emergency medical care to all patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Patient Rights

As a patient, you have the right to:

1. Understand your rights and responsibilities.
2. Patient and family-centered care that is safe, considerate and high-quality.
3. Clear information about your health status, treatment and care, benefits, risk and caregivers.
4. Take part in decisions about your care, treatment, services and discharge.
5. Have help making an advance directive and have your wishes as expressed in your advance directive honored.
6. Confidentiality and privacy in all matters, including visit or restriction, on request.
7. Safety and security in an environment that offers dignity, including freedom from neglect or mistreatment.
8. Assessment and management of pain.
9. Receive information in a language you understand, free of charge.
   1. If English is not your primary language, YNHHS will provide language assistance services through interpreters or written information.
   2. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, YNHHS will provide sign language interpreters or other aids and services.
10. Prompt response to concern, complaints or request for help, without fear of reprisal.
    1. If you are not happy with how your complaint was handled by staff, you can contact Bridgeport Hospital Patient Relations at 203-384-3704 or [email protected]; Greenwich Hospital Patient and Guest Relations at 203-863-4746 or [email protected];Yale New Haven Hospital Patient Relations at 203-688-3430 or [email protected]; Northeast Medical Group Patient Experience at 203-502-6527 or [email protected]; Lawrence+Memorial Hospital Patient Relations at 959-201-5032 or [email protected]; or Westerly Hospital Patient Relations at 401-348-3610 or [email protected].
    2. If your complaint was not resolved to your satisfaction by the hospital, you have the right to contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134, 860-509-8000. Westerly Hospital can contact Rhode Island Department of Health Office of Facilities Regulation, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908, 401-222-2566, TTY 711.
    3. You have the right to contact the Joint Commission, One Renaissance Blvd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, 630-792-5000.
    4. If you feel you were discriminated against you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/ or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20204; 1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD). Complaint forms are available at https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html

Patient Responsibilities

As a patient, you have responsibility to:

1. Give staff full, accurate information, including medical history, medications, symptoms and changes in your condition. Tell us if you have any reactions or allergies to medicine or anesthesia.
2. Ask questions about your care and treatment, especially if information is not clear.
3. Take an active role in both your care and discharge planning.
4. Let staff know if you do or do not want family or others involved in your care or decision-making.
5. Tell us if you have an advance directive. If not, ask about making an advance directive (you can choose someone who knows your wishes and can speak for you if you are unable).
6. Ask about managing pain and discuss pain relief with your doctor or nurse.
7. Respect others by following YNHHS rules and policies. Show consideration for other patients and staff.
8. Leave valuables at home.
9. Do not use tobacco, vapor products or electronic nicotine delivery systems in YNHHS buildings or on the property.
10. Provide us with your insurance information and ask about financial help.
11. Tell staff if you cannot keep a scheduled appointment.