In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF Healthcare System is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the gift of life. Because of the importance of respecting each patient's personal dignity, we strive to provide considerate, respectful care focused on each patient's individual needs, within the system's ability, stated Mission, applicable law and Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Facilities. Toward that end, we recognize the following rights and responsibilities of patients:

 

As The Patient*, You Have The Right To:

 

• Receive medical care that respects your personal values and beliefs and strives to address your physical, emotional and spiritual needs

• Be informed of your diagnosis (the condition for which you are seeking care),treatment, prognosis (possible outcome) and proposed procedures, including the risks involved, in terms that you understand.

• Receive appropriate initial and ongoing assessment and management of pain. OSF Healthcare System coordinates and supports activities and resources to ensure that your pain is recognized and addressed in a timely manner.

• Know all of your treatment options and participate in decisions about your care. This includes the right to accept or refuse treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusing treatment. This decision-making power transfers to a patient's legally authorized responsible person or next of kin under one or more of the following circumstances:
  1. The patient has been declared incompetent (unable to make decisions) in accordance with the law.
  2. The patient has been found by his or her physician to be unable to understand the proposed treatment or procedure.
  3. The patient is unable to communicate his or her wishes regarding treatment.
  4. The patient is a minor (not of legal age).

• Have an advance directive in which you can express your wishes regarding treatment and select someone to make healthcare-related decisions for you, should you be unable to do so.

• Agree or refuse to participate in proposed research studies affecting care and treatment and to have those studies fully explained prior to making your decision.

• Some outpatient areas routinely initiate emergency measures. This information will be posted in their department.

• Have the right to be free from abuse, exploitation, retaliation, humiliation, and neglect, (financial or otherwise).

• Be free from restraints unless needed for the purpose of protecting the patient or others from injury or with critical medical treatment. Restraints are used while always preserving the patient's Rights, dignity and well-being. Restraints will be removed as soon as the patient demonstrates no risk to self or others. Patients will not be restrained for coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation.

• Have privacy and confidentiality as they relate to you and your medical records. OSF Healthcare System recognizes your right to review these records and otherwise restricts access to them, allowing them to be viewed only by individuals who are legally authorized to do so.

• Have your physician's plan of care carried out in a safe and competent manner by qualified personnel.

• Know the identity of your physicians, nurses and others involved in your care and know if any of the caregivers are students, resident physicians or other trainees.

• Have OSF Healthcare System respect your right to life, dignity and religious and cultural beliefs.

• Receive care to make you as comfortable as possible at all stages of life, including end-of-life care, and have your spiritual needs and those of your family met.

• Request a discussion of ethical issues relating to your care, including issues of conflict resolution, resuscitation (being revived if you stop breathing) and life-sustaining treatment.

• Be made aware of protective services. Specific information on protective agencies and procedures will be provided upon request.

• Receive any necessary assistance with communication, including interpreters and assistive devices.

• Receive a detailed billing explanation and obtain an itemized bill upon request.

• Be informed of the process for the initiation, review and when possible, resolution of patient complaints concerning safety treatment or services. Contact our Patient Relations Department at (309) 655-2222.

• If a concern shared during this visit has not been addressed to your satisfaction, you may also contact

The Joint Commission at (800)-994-6610, or the Illinois Department of Public Health hotline at (800) 252-4343 or send a letter to 535 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62761.

 

As The Patient*, You Are Responsible For:

 

• Providing, to the best of your ability, accurate and complete information about your pain; medical history, including past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, sensitivities or allergies to drugs and other agents; and other matters related to your health.

• Informing appropriate healthcare professionals of any change in your condition or reaction to your treatment.

• Asking questions if you do not understand your plan of care or treatment.

• Following the instructions of your healthcare providers.

• Informing healthcare providers if pain has not been relieved and working with them to develop a pain management plan.

• Keeping appointments. Should you be unable to do so, you are responsible for notifying the appropriate healthcare providers in a timely fashion.

• Accepting consequences for refusing treatment or not following healthcare providers' instructions.

• Following OSF Healthcare System rules and regulations affecting patient care, conduct, safety and visiting hours.

• Showing consideration for other patients and respecting OSF Healthcare System staff and property. This includes controlling noise, limiting number of visitors and observing the no-smoking policy.

• Informing healthcare providers of any advance directives that are in effect and providing copies of such documents.

• Notifying healthcare providers as soon as possible if your rights have been or may be violated.

• Providing insurance information for processing bills and ensuring that financial obligations are fulfilled as promptly as possible.

*If the patient is a minor (not of legal age), these responsibilities may apply to the patient's parent or guardian.