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Patient Rights

A Statement to Our Patients

FMH staff contribute to the health and well-being of our patients by providing quality healthcare as prescribed by those who are treating you. We want you and your family to know your rights, as well as your responsibilities, as a patient receiving services at any FMH facility. We encourage you to talk openly with those caring for you.

Quality Healthcare

• We work together to coordinate your healthcare needs for prevention, diagnosis, treatment,
  rehabilitation,  comfort, care and support.
• We do our best to provide clear, complete healthcare information and to answer your questions in a language you understand. Interpretation services are available.
• We will work with you to appropriately assess and manage pain you may
  experience. In addition, staff will seek to educate you about effective pain
  management practices.
• We provide equal access to needed healthcare, without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, handicap or source of payment.

Safe, Considerate and Respectful Care

• We tell you who we are and what we do. We call you by your name and take time to listen to you.
• We honor your privacy and protect the confidentiality of your healthcare information.
• We are committed to providing a medically safe, secure and healing environment.
• We respect your personal values, beliefs, and cultural heritage. Chaplains are available to assist you and
  your  family with religious or spiritual support upon request.

Care that Involves You and Your Family

• If you wish, you may establish Advance Directives to provide your healthcare instructions, appoint a healthcare agent, or become an organ donor. It is important for you to communicate your advance directives or any changes to your healthcare agent and healthcare team.
• If you have a concern or suggestion, we encourage you to tell us in person, by phone or in writing. We will review your comments objectively and address them with you openly and without retribution.
• If you decide to refuse treatment or change your mind about a procedure for which you have given consent, we will respect your decision and inform you of the medical consequences and any options.
• If you choose, we will involve your family in your care as much as possible.
• If you choose to change physicians or be moved to another facility, we will do our best to assist you in obtaining care elsewhere whenever possible.
• If you are facing a difficult treatment or care related issue, you and/or your family may consult with the Ethics Committee if the issue has not been resolved through discussion with your healthcare team.
• If you are asked to take part in a research study related to your illness, you may choose not to join this study or to withdraw from it at any time and still receive the same quality of medical care available to you.

Please Help Us to Help You

• You know yourself best. We need to know about your symptoms, past treatments, medicines and other
  illnesses, and any pain you may experience.
• Please share these so that together we may plan the best care for you or your family.
• We ask you and your family to respect others’ privacy and safety in ways such as respecting confidential conversations, limiting noise, and controlling the number of visitors you receive.
• Please immediately report to our staff any situation that appears unsafe.
• We ask you to be responsible for doing the things you agree to do in your plan of care and to meet your financial obligations. If you cannot follow your healthcare plan for any reason, please tell us.
• Your long term health depends not only on care received at FMH, but also on decisions you make in your daily life. Take time to recognize the effect of your lifestyle on your personal health.
• Each patient has the right to access protective services. Staff are required to assess and report abuse/neglect or exploitation of children, aged persons, disabled adults and domestic violence victims. Brochures which list community resources are available to all domestic violence victims.

A Statement to Infants, Children & Teens
Additionally, we want you to know…

• We provide care that respects your need to grow, play and learn. People who have experience with infants, children and teenagers will care for you.
• We will work with you and your parents to plan the care that is best for you. We want your parents to be as involved as they desire, and to feel free to ask any questions they may have regarding your treatment and care.
• For your comfort, a parent may stay with you during most of your medical treatments.
• We understand that you and your parents may feel angry, lonely, tired, sad or scared. Everyone does sometimes, especially in a different environment away from home. It is okay to cry and talk to us about your feelings, questions or concerns.
• We will try to keep your schedule as normal as possible. This includes uninterrupted sleep, quiet
  times, play times, school and the comfort of your family and friends.

For a written copy of A Statement to Our Patients, please contact the Patient Relations Department at extension 3564.

Una copia en español de Las Responsabilidades y Derechos del Paciente está a su disposición si usted la desea. Por favor póngase en contacto con la Oficina de Servicios para Pacientes llamando a la extensión 3564.

If you should have concerns about the care you receive at Frederick Memorial Hospital or any of its satellite facilities,
you are encouraged to speak directly with your care giver, the manager and/or director of the service line, or the
hospital representatives in the Patient Relations Department by calling 240-566-3564. 
Click Here for more information.

You may also contact the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations at: The Joint Commission,
601 13th Street, NW, Suite 1150N, Washington DC, 20005.
1-800-994-6610