Patients Right To Know

PATIENT RIGHTS

1. The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care.
2. The patient has the right to personal and informational privacy.  Discussion or consultation involving his care will be conducted discreetly and only with those involved in his care or monitoring its quality.  All communications and records pertaining to his care will be treated confidentially.  The patient can expect to be interviewed, examined, and treated in surroundings conducive to visual and auditory privacy.  Those not directly involved in his care must have the patient's permission to be present.
3. The patient has the right to obtain from his doctor, complete and current information on his current diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in terms that the patient can reasonably be expected to understand.  When it is not medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information will be made available to an appropriate person in his behalf.
4. The patient has the right to receive from his doctor, information necessary to give informed consent prior to any procedure or treatment.  Except for emergencies, such information will include but not necessarily be limited to the specific procedure or treatment, the significant risks involved and probable outcome.  Where medically significant alternatives exist or at the patients request for medical alternatives, the patient has the right to such information.  The patient has the right to know who is performing the procedures or treatment.
5. The patient has the right to refuse treatment or the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of his decision.
6. The patient has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care.  He will be informed by his doctor or his delegate of the patients continuing health care requirements following discharge.
7. The patient has the right to be advised if an experimental procedure or treatment affecting his care is proposed and he has the right to refuse such procedure or treatment.
8. The patient has the right to request and receive an itemized and detailed explanation of his total bill for services rendered.
9. The patient has the right to lodge a grievance or complaint about the care he received while a patient here, directly with the Maine Department of Human Services Division of Licensing and Certification.  To do so, you may call or write:
                                       State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services
                                       Division of Licensing and Certification, Medical Facilities
                                       41 Anthony Ave. #11 SHS
                                       Augusta, Maine  04333-0011
                                       Telephone #:  1-800-383-2441
   
                                        TTY (207) 624-5512
   
                                        Office of the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman
                                        www.cms.gov

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

1. NMOFS encourages and welcomes all patients to voice grievances.  The staff at our facility is dedicated to providing its patients with appropriate treatment in a safe, comfortable, and pleasant environment.
2. Grievances may be made free from interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal from the staff at NMOFS.
3. Grievances may be made verbally or in writing.
4. Complaints may be made anonymously.  Although they will be reviewed and regarded as valuable input.
   
5. All written patient grievances received by NMOFS will be addressed within thirty days of the submission date.
6. NMOFS will attempt to resolve grievances through the following staff in this order:
   1. Front Office Manager
      
   2. Practice Manager
   3. Governing Body
   In cases where the patient is not satisfied with the NMOFS grievance procedure or outcome, the patient has the right to contact the Maine Department of Human Services.

       If a complaint cannot be resolved immediately, it will be forwarded to the office manager and an  investigation will follow.  The investigation process will be no longer than 5 working days in length.  The complaint will be responded to in writing within 7 days of its receipt.  Any corrective action indicated through the investigative component will be implemented.  This will be indicated in the letter to the person making the complaint.                  

  PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Tell us about your past and present health conditions.  Ask questions if you do not understand anything or want to know more.  This helps you and your doctor make better choices.
2. Follow your caregiver's instructions.  Ask questions if you do not understand.  Tell us if you will have difficulty carrying out your treatment.  Make sure you understand what may happen if you do not follow your doctor's recommendations.
3. If you have a living will, healthcare power of attorney or other written instructions, please give us a copy.
4. Be considerate of other patients and staff and follow rules about noise, smoking and visitors.  Ask your visitors to do the same.
5. You are responsible to give us your current insurance information and for paying your bills.
   
6. You are responsible to provide current contact information (telephone numbers and mailing address).