Florida Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Per Florida Statute 381.026, Florida law requires that your health care provider or
health care facility recognize your rights while you are receiving medical care, and
that you respect the health care provider's or health care facility's right to expect
certain behavior from patients. You may request a copy of the full text of this law
from your health care provider or health care facility. Below is a summary of your
rights and responsibilities:

Patient Rights:
1. A patient has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation
   of their individual dignity, and with protection of their need for privacy.
2. A patient has the right to receive a prompt and reasonable response to questions
   and requests.
3. A patient has the right to know who is providing medical services and who is
   responsible for their care.
4. A patient has the right to know what patient support services are available,
   including access to an interpreter if they do not speak English.
5. A patient has the right to know the rules and regulations that apply to their conduct.
6. A patient has the right to receive information from the health care provider about
   their diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis.
7. A patient has the right to refuse any treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
8. A patient has the right to request full information and counseling on the availability
   of known financial resources for their care.
9. A patient who is eligible for Medicare has the right to know, upon request and in
   advance of treatment, whether the health care provider or health care facility
   accepts the Medicare assignment rate.
10. A patient has the right to receive, upon request and prior to treatment, a reasonable
    estimate of charges for medical care.
11. A patient has the right to receive a copy of a reasonably clear and understandable,
    itemized bill and, upon request, to have the charges explained.
12. A patient has the right to impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations,
    regardless of race, national origin, religion, handicap, or source of payment.
13. A patient has the right to treatment for any emergency medical condition that will
    deteriorate from failure to provide treatment.
14. A patient has the right to know if medical treatment is for purposes of experimental
    research and to give their consent or refusal to participate in such research.
15. A patient has the right to express grievances regarding any violation of their rights,
    as stated in Florida law, through the grievance procedure of the health care provider
    or facility and to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Patient Responsibilities:
1. A patient is responsible for providing accurate and complete information about
   present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters
   relating to their health to the best of their knowledge.
2. A patient is responsible for reporting unexpected changes in their condition to the
   health care provider.
3. A patient is responsible for reporting to the health care provider whether they
   understand a planned course of action and what is expected of them.
4. A patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the
   health care provider.
5. A patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when unable to do so for
   any reason, notifying the health care provider or facility.
6. A patient is responsible for their actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow
   the health care provider's instructions.
7. A patient is responsible for ensuring that the financial obligations of their health
   care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
8. A patient is responsible for following health care facility rules and regulations
   affecting patient care and conduct.