The Board of Directors and Administration of MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center affirm that, as a patient receiving care at the MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, you have the right to:

Receive Reasonable and Necessary Medical Care

• When able, the hospital must make a reasonable response to your request for care, regardless of race, religion, sex, color, national  origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability to pay. The hospital will provide  evaluation, treatment and referral to other  sources of care as medically needed.
• When medically advisable, you may be transferred to another facility. This will happen only after you have received complete information about the need for the transfer and other options. You will be informed of risks, benefits and options. You will not be transferred until the other  facility agrees to accept you.
• You have the right to request, accept or reject measures and treatment necessary to relieve pain and suffering in accordance with  customary medical practice.
• You have the right to information about your continuing healthcare needs in the form of discharge instructions.
• You and your family have the right to be involved in your treatment and the plan of care. You have the right to be informed of that plan of care.
• You have the right to information about Advance Directives (living will and/or medical power of attorney). These documents may  express your choices about medical care. These documents may also identify your choice of someone to be your decision maker  if you cannot make decisions for yourself.

Refusal of Care

• You may refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and you will be informed of the medical results of that action. If you refuse a recommended treatment, you will be fully informed of potential outcomes. You will also receive other needed and available care, if  you agree, and will be referred to other care options as needed.

Respect and Privacy

• You have the right to be treated with respect, dignity and consideration at all times.
• You have the right to receive treatment in privacy. Whenever possible, you will receive care out of sight of other patients, visitors  and employees. You have the right to expect  that only individuals involved in your care or in education programs that are part of the  hospital’s mission will discuss your condition.
• Information that identifies you and your condition is confidential. Maryland law or federal regulation limits disclosure of such  information. Generally, your medical information is available to hospital employees and others associated with your care. With  limited exceptions set forth in the law, your records cannot be released to others, unless we have your permission.
• You have the right to be involved in every aspect of your care. To support that involvement, MedStar Franklin Square offers  counseling, pain management and other comfort care measures.

Information

• You have the right to current information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in terms you can understand.  When a patient is not physically or mentally able to understand this information, it must be made available to the legally identified  person making decisions on your behalf.
• You have the right to review your medical records with the doctor. You also have the right to have the information explained,  except when restricted by law.
• You have the right to information necessary to give informed consent to any elective treatment or procedure. You have the right  to know about:  
  • – the significant risks and benefits  
  • – probable length of treatment  
  • – your recuperation time  
  • – options for care
• In life-threatening emergencies, you may need to receive treatment before consent is obtained.
• You have the right to see and obtain a copy of your health record.
• You also have the right to know the names and roles of everyone involved in your care.
• You have the right to information about any relationship that the hospital may have with  other healthcare and educational institutions as it relates to your care.
• You have the right to receive, examine and obtain an explanation of your bill, regardless  of the source of payment.
• You have the right to a safe environment.
• You have the right to access protective  services (services that determine the need for  protective intervention, correction of  hazardous living conditions, investigation of  abuse, neglect, etc.)
• You have a right to obtain a list of disclosures  we have made.

The Board of Directors and Administration of MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center affirm that, as a patient receiving care at Franklin Square, you are responsible for:

• Showing consideration to other patients and staff. This includes respecting other patients’  privacy and their need for quiet in order to rest and recuperate. Failure to comply may  result in administrative discharge.
• Telling us everything about your current condition and past medical history. This includes information about any prescription and non-prescription medications you are  taking.
• Letting your doctor and nurse know whether you have an Advance Directive (living will, medical power of attorney). Advance Directives include information about your  wishes regarding care decisions should you become unable to make decisions for yourself.  You must supply a copy to the hospital.
• Being available for treatment and medications.
• Providing accurate information and/or  making  necessary correspondence for prompt payment.
• Providing accurate information and/or making necessary arrangements for prompt payment of bills.
• Asking questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment,  you are responsible for informing your healthcare team.

Making Healthcare Decisions in Advance

Making Healthcare Decisions in Advance Maryland law gives you the right to make many healthcare decisions in advance. One way to do this is with a written advance directive, which states your treatment preferences, especially about life-sustaining procedures, and names an agent to make your healthcare decisions if you cannot.

When you come to the hospital, you will be asked if you already have an advance directive. If you do, you will be asked to provide a copy so that it can be included in your hospital chart. If you would like to develop an advance directive, ask your nurse to notify a case manager to assist you.

Naming a Healthcare Agent

You can allow anyone to be your healthcare agent, except for an employee of the healthcare facility where you are receiving care. Choose your agent carefully, and make sure he or she knows what you want. Your agent will then follow your wishes, even if your friends or family disagree.

What Happens If You Do Not Make an Advance Directive?

Advance directive forms are available in the Case Management Office. If you have questions or want more information, ask your doctor, nurse or social worker, or call 443-777-7547.

No one can deny you healthcare because you do not have an advance directive, but you should know what happens legally if you do not.

Maryland law allows a surrogate to make medical decisions for you if you have not named a healthcare agent and are no longer able to decide treatment issues yourself. Your closest relative will be asked to make these decisions. If there is no one to be a surrogate, the court might appoint a guardian to make your medical decisions. This may be someone who does
not know you personally.

Concerns and Questions

You have the right to have your questions and concerns addressed by the staff of this hospital, starting with the manager of the department, your physician, any supervisory staff and our senior leadership.

You may also contact the Customer Help Line at 443-777-6555. We will thoroughly investigate all patient safety concerns. If your concerns about patient safety and quality are not resolved, we encourage you to contact the Joint Commission.

You can reach the Joint Commission at 1-800-994-6610 or email your complaints to complaint@jointcommission.org. You can reach the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 1-877-402-8218 or download the Complaint Report Form at http://dhmh.maryland.gov/ohcq (search “complaint form”)