Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Yale New Haven Hospital supports the rights of all patients and expects its staff and physicians to observe and protect these rights as a part of patient care. The prevention and treatment of disease, the education of healthcare professionals and patients, and clinical research must be conducted with an overriding concern for the patient and the recognition of the patient's dignity as a human being.

Your Rights

As a patient of YNHH, you have the right to expect:

• care that is safe, high quality, respectful and considerate of your personal, spiritual, cultural and religious beliefs and values.
• information that is understandable and complete, including rights, health status, treatment and care options, and who is providing your care.
• participation in the decisions about your care, treatment and services, including during research, investigation and clinical trials.
• respect for your wishes as outlined in an advance directive.
• confidentiality and privacy in all matters.
• commitment to your safety and security in an environment that preserves dignity, including freedom from abuse and neglect, as well as your right to voice complaints and grievances without being subject to reprisal.
• assessment and management of pain.
• prompt response to requests for assistance, concerns and complaints.

Your Responsibilities

As a patient of YNHH, you have a responsibility to:

• inform caregiver staff of your past and current medical history, including changes in your condition.
• ask questions about your care and treatment, particularly if instructions are not clear - interpreters, translators and assistance for the deaf and hard of hearing are available.
• participate in your plan of care by cooperating with care and participation in discharge planning.
• respect others by adhering to hospital policies regarding your safety and your comfort.
• notify hospital staff if you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment.
• provide information regarding insurance coverage and payment plans.
• tell us how we can provide better care or service to you and your family.

For More Information

If you have a complaint that has not been addressed to your satisfaction by patient relations through the hospital patient complaint and grievance process, you may contact the Connecticut Department of Health (860-509-8000) or the hospital’s accrediting agency, The Joint Commission (630-792-5000).