PATIENTS' RIGHTS

We will:

  1. Provide considerate and respectful care with respect for your personal dignity.
  2. Provide care in a safe setting, free from abuse or harassment.
  3. Respect for your personal privacy and for the confidentiality of information about you and your medical conditions.
  4. Allow you to have a person of your choice present during an examination and wear your own clothes, except when it interferes with your care.
  5. Provide an attending physician to coordinate your care and your continuing health needs after discharge.
  6. Except in emergencies, treat you only if you give us permission. You can participate in the development of your care plan, including the right to refuse treatment to the full extent permitted by law and the right to transfer to another facility, if that is medically appropriate.
  7. Give you the right to refuse to participate in clinical training programs or research projects.
  8. Tell you the identity and professional status of your care providers and any relationships between your care providers.
  9. Provide flexible visiting hours and allow guardians and families to visit children and the terminally ill at any time.
  10. Provide an interpreter if you have difficulty understanding English or if you have a hearing impairment, so you can understand your care and treatment.
  11. Professionally assess and manage your pain.
  12. Provide written information about hospice and the criteria for hospice services. We will help you make an advance directive and will comply with it.
  13. Use restraints or seclusion only if medically needed and only by trained staff.
  14. Give you an itemized, detailed, and understandable bill and explanation of charges.
  15. Tell you the hospital rules and regulations that you must follow.
  16. Post the number of nursing staff working on the unit and the number of patients on the unit.

 We ask that you:

  1. Give us the information we need to give you the care you need.
  2. Be an active partner in your care.
  3. Ask your doctor or other health care professional if you have questions or concerns about your care. If you don’t understand, ask again.
  4. Keep your appointments, or phone us if you can’t.
  5. Be considerate of other patients and visitors at all times.
  6. If you have any concerns, speak with your caregivers. They will listen to your concerns and work with you to address them.

 

You have the right to complain about any aspect of your care or discharge to SVMC and state and federal agencies without fear of reprisal. You, a family member, or significant other can initiate this process. If your concern cannot be resolved by your physician or the nursing staff, you may contact a hospital representative in the office of:

  1. Patient Advocate
    802-440-4054
  2. Privacy Officer
    802-447-5592
  3. Chief Nursing Officer
    802-447-5004
  4. President and CEO
    802-447-5236
    All are located at 100 Hospital Drive, Bennington, VT 05201
  1. Department of Disabilities, Aging and
    Independent Living
    Division of Licensing and Protection

    HC 2 South, 280 State Drive
    Waterbury, VT 05671-2060
    Phone/Voice: 802-241-0480; Fax: 802-241-0343
    dlp.vermont.gov
  2. The Vermont Department of Disability, Aging and Independent Living, Survey and Certificate Intake/Complaint
    HC2 South, 280 State Drive
    Waterbury, VT 05671-2020
    Email (preferred method): ahs.dailscintake@vermont.gov
    Phone: 888-700-5330; Fax: 802-241-0383
  3. Vermont Department of Health
    Board of Health/Board of Medical Practice
    P.O. Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402-0070
    Phone: 802-657-4220
  4. U.S. Department of Health and
    Human Services
    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
    JFK Federal Building, Room 2325
    Boston, MA 02203
    Phone: 617-565-1188; Fax: 617-565-4630
  5. The Joint Commission
    Email: complaint@jointcommission.org
    Office of Quality Monitoring / The Joint Commission
    One Renaissance Blvd.
    Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
    Phone: 800-994-6610
  6. BFCC-QIO Program KEPRO 
    5700 Lombardo Center Dr., Suite 100
    Seven Hills, OH 44131
    Toll-free phone: 888-319-8452
    TTY: 855-843-4776
    Toll-free fax: 844-878-7921

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