Christiana Care is dedicated to improving the health of all individuals in the communities we serve. According to our mission and our core values, we believe you should be told of your rights and responsibilities. If the patient is an infant, minor or an incompetent adult, the parent or decision-maker will carry out these rights and responsibilities.

You Have the Right:

1.  To considerate, respectful service with identification of your needs including safety and comfort.

• To express your spiritual beliefs and cultural practices in coordination with your treatment plan while not interfering with the rights and beliefs of others. 

2.  To have your pain assessed and managed properly.  

3.  To be free from physical and mental abuse and/or neglect.

4.  To have access to treatment or accommodations that are available and medically indicated regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, source of payment, sexual orientation or any other factor that might form the basis
for discrimination. 

5.  To be told of your rights as a patient at the earliest possible time in your service.

6.  To confidentiality, regarding your medical care and information related to that care, as supported by the following rights:

• To refuse to talk with or see anyone not directly involved in your care.
• To be interviewed and examined in surroundings designed to provide reasonable visual and auditory privacy. This includes the right to have a person of one's own sex present during certain parts of physical examination, treatment or procedure performed by a health professional of the opposite sex. You have the right not to remain disrobed any longer than necessary.
• To expect that any discussion or consultation involving your case will be conducted privately. Staff not directly involved with your care will not be present without your permission.  
• To have your medical record read only by staff directly involved in your treatment or in the monitoring of its quality. Other persons can read your medical record only with your written permission or that of your decision-maker.
• To expect communications and other records about your care, including the source of payment, to be treated as confidential. 

7.  To know the names of your treating doctors, and the names and duties of other staff having direct contact with you.

8. To have information necessary for you to understand your condition and to be a part of planning your treatment.

9.  To disclosure should an unanticipated outcome occur including those potentially associated with an error in care. 

10. To obtain information in your medical records, upon request, unless such information is specifically restricted by the attending doctor for medical reasons.

11. To obtain an interpreter or other aides, where possible, if you do not understand the predominant language of the community or have a communication deficit. 

12. To have proper procedures followed to obtain your consent. Other than in a medical emergency, your health care provider is responsible for obtaining the necessary consent from you or your decision-maker before the start of a procedure or treatment.

13. To be told the health care provider proposes to engage in or perform medical research/educational projects affecting your care or treatment. You have the right to refuse to be a part of such activity.

14. To have help in obtaining consultation or change to another provider at your request and own expense.

15. To refuse drugs, treatments or services. A health care provider shall tell you of the possible outcomes of your refusal.

16. To be transferred to another facility or service, or agency when medically possible, after you or your decision-maker receive information regarding the transfer. The facility or service to which you are to be transferred must first have accepted you for transfer.

17. To expect, upon discharge of service, information about your continuing health care needs and the means for taking care of them.

18. To receive and review an explanation of charges related to your care.

19. To receive information and counseling on the availability of financial aid for health care.

20. To share concerns about policies and services with a Patient Representative, or with an agency or regulatory body having jurisdiction over Christiana Care, without restraint, interference or reprisal. 

21. To complete an Advance Directive (Individual Instructions {Living Will}, or Power of Attorney for Health Care).  These Advance Directives will be honored within the limits of the law and this organization's mission and core values.

22. Along with your doctor, and/or your decision-maker, to withhold or withdraw treatment, within the limits of the law and this organization's mission and core values. You have the right to be told of the medical outcomes of such actions.

23. To bring your concerns before the Ethics Consultation Committee. Your health care provider will help you in making these arrangements.

24.  To freedom from restraints and seclusion in any form when used as a means of coercion, discipline, retaliation or convenience by staff.

You Are Responsible:

1.  For being considerate of other patients and Christiana Care staff by: 

• Treating Christiana Care staff with respect.
• Respecting the property of others.
• Treating health care equipment with care and safety.
• Respecting privacy of other patients when in a Christiana Care facility.
• Reminding family/visitors to maintain a quiet atmosphere and follow Christiana Care policies when in a Christiana Care facility.

2.  For providing accurate and complete demographic information as well as present and past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, allergies and other matters related to your health.

3.  For telling your health care provider about changes in your health, medications, insurance, financial status or service provider.

4.  For following the treatment plan given by your health care provider.  Let your health care provider know immediately if you do not understand or cannot follow the plan.

5.  For your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the plan of the health care provider.

6.  For telling your decision-maker or approved members of your family that they are expected to be available to Christiana Care staff for review of your treatment if you are unable to communicate. 

7.  For seeing that your health care costs are paid as soon as possible.

8.  For your valuables and personal belongings.

9.  For informing your health care provider and providing a copy of your Advance Directive, (i.e. Individual Instructions {Living Will} or Power of Attorney for Health Care),when admitted for service.

If you have any concerns and are an outpatient, please call your health care provider.

If you have unresolved concerns, and are an inpatient, please call:
     Christiana Hospital, Patient Relations - 733-1340 (ext. 1340)
     Wilmington Hospital, Patient Relations - 428-4608 (ext. 4608)
     Riverside Administration - 765-4400 (ext. 4400)

Concerns may also be directed to:

Delaware Office of Health Facilities, Licensing & Certification, Suite 200,
2055 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE  19808, 1-800-942-7373 
and/or the Joint Commission.