Rights & Responsibilities

You Have the Right to the Best Care

You or your surrogate (as allowed by law, regulations, and SGMC’s ability, mission and policy) has the right to:

A. receive treatment regardless of disabilities, race, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, culture, language barriers, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or sources of payment.

B. with your permission, have family or a surrogate decision-maker, as allowed by law, to be identified and to be involved in your care.

C. care that respects your psychosocial, spiritual and personal values, beliefs, preference and cultural values.

D. be free from mental, physical, sexual and verbal abuse, neglect and exploitation.

E. receive information regarding advance directives upon request and have them honored as allowed by law, regulations and SGMC policy.

F. access, request amendment to and receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information.

G. confidentiality of personal information.

H. a safe, secure, supportive environment that preserves dignity and contributes to a positive self-image.

I. know the names and professional status of your caregivers and to consult with a specialist when medically appropriate.

J. consent or to refuse to consent to photographic, video, electronic or audio media recording made for purposes other than identification, diagnosis or treatment, and to consent or refuse to consent to any medical or clinical research trials.

K. make informed decisions, which includes the right to:

1. receive information about your health status and to participate in your plan of care;
2. receive information about any proposed procedures or treatments including any risks, expected or known possible outcomes, reasonable alternative treatment options and any unanticipated outcomes;
3. request or to refuse treatment, as allowed by law; and
4. include or to exclude family in care.

L. effective communication which includes communication assistance for your special needs, if any, and assistance in communication with family members or significant others outside of SGMC.

M. an itemized explanation of your bill.

N. be involved in resolving dilemmas about care, treatment and services, to freely voice complaints, and to recommend changes without being subject to coercion, discrimination, reprisal, or unreasonable interruption of care, treatment, and services. You have the right to timely resolution of any complaints regarding your care.

O. pain management.

P. a list of protective and advocacy services when requested.

Q. full and equal visitation privileges, unless restricted for medically appropriate circumstances.

R. privacy while receiving care and treatment and during personal hygiene activities, such as toileting, bathing and dressing.

S. have healthcare professionals not involved in treatment or examination excluded from the examination or treatment area.

T. retain and use personal clothing, unless doing so is medically or therapeutically contraindicated.

U. keep personal effects in your room, unless doing so interferes with the provision of care or infringes on the rights of others.

V. remain free from restraints or seclusion, except as clinically necessary.

W. have your wishes regarding organ donation documented and honored, within the limits of the law and capabilities of the facility.

X. have access to a telephone and space for private telephone conversations.

Y. have a family member or representative notified upon your admission.

Z. have your physician notified upon your admission.

AA. request and receive a written summary of per service charge rates.

BB. object to a premature discharge and appeal a discharge through the discharge appeals process.

CC. request a room transfer if another patient or visitor in that room is unreasonably disturbing.

Patient Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

A. providing information:

1. providing caregivers with complete and accurate health information, including information about any perceived risks in your care and unexpected changes.
2. letting your caregivers know whether you clearly understand the planned treatment and what is expected of you.

B. asking questions regarding your care, treatment and services.

C. following instructions, including safety instructions, regarding care, treatment and services and for expressing concerns about your ability to follow your plan of care.

D. following your treatment plan and keeping appointments or canceling them in advance.

E. your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the healthcare provider’s instructions or SGMC’s policies.

F. making sure the financial obligations of your healthcare are fulfilled as soon as possible.

G. following SGMC's rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct, which prohibits smoking and offensive, threatening and/or abusive language or behavior.

H. being considerate and respectful of the rights and property of other patients, visitors and SGMC staff.

Filing Complaints

Privacy: If you believe that your privacy has been violated and the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, please contact the respective campus Patient Representative:

• SGMC/SGMC Smith Northview: 229-259-4414 or 229-259-4415
  
• SGMC Lanier Campus: 229-482-8400
  
• SGMC Berrien Campus: 229-433-8664

Complaint: Voicing your complaint directly to a caregiver or other SGMC staff member should, in most instances, resolve the problem promptly without the need for further action or a formal review.

Grievance: Should you wish to file a grievance, please contact the appropriate SGMC Patient Representative and be specific that you are filing a grievance. Please note that you have the right to file a grievance with the state or other regulatory agency without first filing a grievance with SGMC.

Georgia Healthcare Facility Regulation Complaint Intake Unit

1-800-878-6442

Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for the State of Georgia
1-844-455-8708

Billing: Should you have questions relating to your bill, please contact Patient Financial Services at 229-333-1040.