What Are Your Rights As A Home Health Patient?
By Jason Morris, Southeast Louisiana Home Health, Northshore LIVING WELL Magazine
With the advances in modern technology and the cost effectiveness of health care at home, the patient’s demand for home health care is growing. However, many people don’t know their rights as a patient receiving services at home. Unfortunately, many times we just “go with the flow” because we don’t know enough about it. As a home health patient, federal law requires all individuals receiving home care services be informed of their rights in writing by the agency providing the services. Your rights as a patient include:
- The choice of the agency to provide your care.
- To be able to refuse treatment within the confines of the law and be informed of the consequences.
- To receive respect of you and your property.
- To receive care in accordance with the physician’s orders.
- To be admitted by the agency chosen only if they have the ability to provide safe and professional care at the level of intensity needed.
- To be properly informed so consent can be given prior to the start of a treatment or procedure.
- To be advised of any change to the plan of care before the change is made.
- To be informed of your rights under state law to formulate advance directives and have the agency comply with the advance directives.
- To be informed with reasonable notice of termination of services or transfer to another facility.
- To be informed of what to do in the event of an emergency.
- To be able to voice any grievances or complaints to the agency without fear of restraint or discrimination.
- To be advised of the telephone number and hours of operation of the state’s home health hotline, which receives questions and complaints about Medicare & state certified agencies.
Know your rights as a patient and use them to ensure you are receiving the best possible care for your situation. If you have any questions about your rights or would like to choose Southeast Louisiana Home Health as your home health provider, call us at 1-800-479-4712.
