Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) respects, protects and supports each patient’s rights, recognizing that each patient is an individual with unique needs. We strive to provide considerate, respectful care to every patient. We do not restrict, limit or deny care or visitation on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical or mental disability, citizenship status or any other basis protected by law. YNHHS hospitals 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, risks and care-givers.
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 visitor restrictions, 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. Prompt response to concerns, complaints or requests for help, without fear of reprisal.
10. You have the right to receive information in a language you understand, free of charge.
    
    • If English is not your primary language, YNHHS will provide language services through interpreters or written information.
    • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, YNHHS will provide sign language interpreters or other aids and services.

Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) respects, protects and supports each patient’s rights, recognizing that each patient is an individual with unique needs. We do not restrict, limit or deny care or visitation on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical or mental disability, citizenship status or any other basis protected by law.

If you think Yale New Haven Health failed to provide these services or discriminated against you, or if you have a complaint was not resolved by the hospital, you have the right to contact the appropriate delivery network Patient Relations Department (Yale New Haven Hospital, 203-688-3430; Bridgeport Hospital, 203-384-3704; Greenwich Hospital, 203-863-4746; Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, 860-442-0711, ext 5032; Westerly Hospital, 860-442-0711, ext 5032; or Northeast Medical Group, 203-843-9110). If your complaint was not resolved by the hospital, you may contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health (410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134, 860-509-8000) or the Rhode Island Department of Health Office of Facilities Regulation (3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908, 401-222-2566; TTY: 711). You have the right to contact the Joint Commission, One Renaissance Blvd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, 630-792-5000. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, 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. 20201; 1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD). Complaint forms are available at this site.

Patient Responsibilities

As a patient, you have a 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 hospital rules and policies.
8. Leave valuables at home.
9. Do not use tobacco, vapor products or electronic nicotine delivery systems in hospital buildings or property.
10. Provide us with your insurance information and ask about financial help.
11. Tell staff if you cannot keep a scheduled appointment.