Rights & Responsibilities

Health care is a cooperative effort between the patient and providers.

Patient Rights

You have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of your race, religion, age, sex, beliefs or lifestyle
• Receive high quality, accessible, culturally-centered care with regard to your privacy
• Have confidential treatment of your medical records and communication
• Release of your medical records: 1)  with your written consent, 2) in cases of medical emergencies, or 3) in response to court-ordered subpoenas (Confidentiality can be violated if you pose a threat of harm to yourself or others)
• Be informed of your healthcare provider’s name and position
• Receive comprehensive information regarding diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
• Participate in decisions related to your care
• Access other medical opinions before making treatment decisions
• Consent to or refuse treatment and to be informed of the consequences of making this decision
• Express any grievance to the management of AHS without fear of restraint, interference, or discrimination

Patient Responsibilities

You have a responsibility to:

• Present a comprehensive, honest medical history
• Treat AHS staff with consideration and respect
• Ask for clarification if information or instructions are not understood
• Participate in health care decisions
• Follow medical treatment plan
• Report any changes or lack of improvement in your health status
• Observe the privacy and confidentiality of others at AHS
• Arrive promptly at appointment time
• Notify AHS if unable to keep appointment