SJH presents this summary of Patient Rights as approved by the New Jersey State Department of Health and required under NJSA 8:43G-4.1, and with the expectation that observing these rights will contribute to more effective care and greater satisfaction for the patient, the physician, and the hospital.  Below is a summary of Patient Rights; complete copies of the New Jersey Code Subchapter are available at nurses’ stations, other registration areas and the Administrative Offices for review by patients and their families.  As a patient in a hospital in New Jersey, you have the right, consistent with the law, as summarized below:

To receive the care and health services that the hospital is required by  law to provide.

To treatment and medical services without discrimination based on race, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preference, handicap, diagnosis, ability to pay, or source of payment.

To retain and exercise to the fullest extent possible all the constitutional, civil and legal rights to which you are entitled by law.

To be informed of the names and functions of all health care professionals providing you with personal care.  These people shall identify themselves by introduction or by wearing nametags.

To receive as soon as possible, the services of a translator or
interpreter if you need one to help you communicate with the hospital’s health care personnel.

To receive an understandable explanation from your physician of your complete medical condition, recommended treatment, expected results, risks involved, and reasonable medical alternatives.

If  your physician believes that some of this information would be detrimental to your health or beyond your ability to understand, the explanation must be given to your next of kin or guardian. 

To give informed, written consent prior to the start of specific, non-emergency medical procedures or treatments.  Your physician should explain to you, in words you understand, specific details about the  recommended procedures of treatment, any risks involved, time required for recovery, and any reasonable medical alternatives.  If you are incapable of giving informed written consent, consent shall be sought from your next of kin or guardian, or through your advanced directive.

To refuse medication and treatment after possible consequences of this decision have been explained clearly to you, unless the situation is life threatening or the procedure is required by law.

To be included in experimental research only when given informed written consent to such participation.

To effective management of pain as appropriate to the medical diagnosis or surgical procedure.

To be informed of the names and functions of any outside health care and educational institution involved in your treatment. You may refuse to allow their participation.

To receive, upon request, the hospital’s written policies and procedures regarding life-saving methods and the use or  withdrawal of life support mechanisms.

To receive information and assistance from your attending physician and other health care providers if you need to arrange for continuing health care after your discharge from the hospital.

To receive sufficient time before discharge to arrange for continuing health care needs.

To be informed by the hospital about any appeal process to which you are entitled by law.

To be transferred to another facility when the hospital is unable to  provide the type or level of medical care you need, or when the transfer is requested by you.

To receive from a physician an explanation of the reasons for transferring you to another facility, and information about alternatives to the transfer. This explanation of the transfer shall be given in advance to you and/or your next of kin or guardian except in a life-threatening situation where immediate transfer is necessary.

To be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect for your dignity and individuality.

To freedom from physical and mental abuse.

To freedom from restraints, unless they are authorized by a  physician for a limited period of time to protect you or others from injury.

To have physical privacy during medical treatment and personal   hygiene functions, unless you need assistance for your own safety.  The patient’s privacy shall also be respected during other health care procedures and when hospital personnel are discussing you.

To confidential treatment of information about you.  Information In your records will not be released to anyone outside the hospital without your approval, unless it is required by law.

To receive a copy of the hospital payment rates.  If you request an itemized bill, the hospital must provide one and explain any questions you may have.  You have a right to appeal any charges.

To be advised in writing of the hospital’s rules and regulations regarding the conduct of patients and visitors.

To have prompt access to the information in your medical record.  If your physician feels that this access is detrimental to your health, your next of kin or guardian has a right to see your record.  This right continues after discharge.

To obtain a copy of your medical record, at a reasonable fee, within 30 days after a written request to the hospital.

To have access to storage space in your room for private use. The hospital must also have a system to safeguard your personal property.

To receive a summary of your patient rights that includes the name
and phone number of the hospital staff member to whom you can ask questions or complain about any possible violation of your rights.  Complete copies of Subchapter 4 are available at the Nurses’ station and other Patient Care Registration areas for your review.

To present grievances to a designated hospital staff member and to receive a response in a reasonable period of time.  The hospital must  provide you with the address and telephone number of the New Jersey Department of Health agency that handles questions and complaints.  If you have a question, or want to file a complaint about possible patient rights violations, you may contact:  Patient Representative Newcomb/Millville Divisions (507-7848); Patient Representative Elmer Division (363-1770); Patient Representative Bridgeton Division (575-4770); or the NJ Department of Health, 300 Whitehead Rd., CN 367, Trenton, NJ  08625-0367 or the NJ DOH Complaint Hotline at 1-800-792-9770.

To be informed by the hospital if part or all of your bill will not be covered by insurance.  The hospital is required to help you obtain any public assistance and private health care benefits to which you may be entitled.

To contract directly with a NJ licensed registered professional nurse of the patient’s choosing for private professional nursing care during his or her hospitalization.  The hospital, upon request, shall provide you with an approved list of nursing associations.