Patient – Rights / Safety / Privacy

Patient Rights

Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

MGRMC considers you a partner in your health care. While a patient at Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center or any of its satellite entities operating under its single group license, you (and/or your designated personal representative) have certain rights and responsibilities.  

You Have the Right To:

  • Be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration, and to receive privacy in treatment and care for personal needs;
  • Not be subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation, coercion, manipulation, sexual abuse, or sexual assault;
  • Not be discriminated against based on race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or diagnosis;
  • Have access to a qualified interpreter if you do not speak English as your primary language.
  • Not be subjected to seclusion or restraint, except as allowed to prevent imminent harm to self or others or as allowed to provide necessary medical treatment;
  • Not be subjected to misappropriation of personal and private property by a hospital’s medical staff, personnel members, employees, volunteers, and students;
  • Consent to or refuse treatment, except in an emergency when you or your representative may not be able to make that decision;
  • Refuse examination or withdraw consent for treatment before treatment is initiated;
  • To receive treatment that supports and respects the patient’s individuality, choices, strengths, and abilities;
  • Participate or have the patient’s representative participate in the development of or decisions concerning treatment;
  • Receive a referral to another health care institution if the hospital is not authorized or not able to provide physical health services or behavioral health services needed by the patient;
  • Be informed of alternatives to a proposed psychotropic medication or surgical procedure and associated risks and possible complications of the proposed psychotropic medication or surgical procedure, except in an emergency;
  • Be informed of proposed involvement of the patient in research, experimentation, or education, if applicable;
  • Participate or refuse to participate in research, experimental treatment, or education, if applicable;
  • Have a description of health care advance directives and policies provided at the time of admission, before any invasive procedure, or at the start of a series of treatments;
  • Have an advance directive completed or placed on file for your visits, such as a Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney;
  • Consent to photographs before you are photographed, except as allowed for the identification and administrative purposes at admission or the time of service;
  • Provide written consent to the release of information in the patient’s medical record or financial records, except as otherwise permitted by law;
  • To review, upon written request, the patient’s own medical record according to A.R.S. §§ 12-2293, 12-2294, and 12-2294.01
  • To have access to a telephone
  • Request information regarding the charges for services that are being provided to you, including an itemized copy of your bill and an explanation regarding the charges. An itemized copy of your bill will only be sent if requested.
  • Request an explanation regarding a payment made by your insurance company.
  • Review upon request a schedule of rates according to A.R.S. § 36-346.01(C). Notify the receptionist or clerk regarding this request.
  • Have a family member, personal representative, and or physician notified of your admission to the hospital.
  • To receive assistance from a family member, representative, or another individual in understanding, protecting, or exercising the patient’s rights;
  • Voice complaints without fear about the care you receive and have those complaints reviewed and resolved when possible.
  • File a complaint or grievance with the hospital. Contact Taylor Payne, MGRMC Director of Regulatory Compliance and Section 504 Coordinator at (928) 348-3850 or send your complaint via mail to Taylor Payne, Director of Regulatory Compliance, 1600 S. 20th Ave, Safford, AZ, 85546
  • File a complaint or grievance with the hospital’s Compliance Hotline, 1-855-252-7606
  • File a complaint with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Medical Facilities Licensing, 150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 450, Phoenix, AZ 85007 - (602) 364-3030
  • File a complaint with the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization with jurisdiction in Arizona. The Medicare QIO for Arizona is Livanta Quality Improvement Organization, BFCC-QIO Area 5, 10820 Guilford Road, Suite 202, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-1105, 1-877-588-1123
  • Inspect the most recent license inspection report per A.R.S. § 36-425(D). The most recent inspection report is on file in the Regulatory Compliance Office of MGRMC. Contact Taylor Payne, Director of Regulatory Compliance at (928) 348-3850 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday-Friday to review this report.

You have the Responsibility as a Patient of Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center to:

Give your physician and staff complete and accurate information.

  • Request additional information or explanation when you do not fully understand information and instructions.
  • Accept responsibility for refusing treatment or not following your physician’s recommendations.
  • Be considerate of other patient’s needs for privacy and quiet.
  • Observe the non-smoking policy while in the hospital, and if you smoke, to smoke only in approved locations.
  • Speak up and inform a healthcare worker about anything you feel is unsafe.
Patient Safety

Patient Safety

While you are in the hospital, many people will enter your room, from doctors and nurses to aides and orderlies. The following information will help make your hospital stay safe and comfortable.

Don't Be Afraid To Ask...

A number of people may enter your hospital room. Be sure to:

  • Ask for the ID of everyone who comes into your room.
  • Speak up if the hospital staff does not ask to check your ID.
  • Ask if the person has washed his or her hands before they touch you.
  • If you are told you need certain tests or procedures, ask why you need them, when they will happen, and how long it will be before you get the results.

Fight Infection

While you are in the hospital to get well, you should know that there is the possibility of developing an infection. The single most important thing you can do to help prevent infections is to wash your hands and make sure that everyone who touches you-including your doctors and nurses washes their hands too.

Prevent Medication Errors

By taking part in your own care, you can help the members of your health care team avoid medication errors.; Here's how:

  • Be sure all of your doctors know what medications you have been taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal and vitamin supplements, natural remedies and recreational drugs.
  • Be sure that all of your doctors know of any allergies you may have...and that means Any Allergies!
  • When you are brought medications or IV fluids, ask the person to check to be sure you are the patient who is supposed to receive the medications. Show that person your ID bracelet to double-check. Remember--you play an important role in helping to reduce medication errors.

Know Your Medications

While you are hospitalized, your doctor may prescribe medications for you. Be sure that you understand exactly what they are and why they are being prescribed.

Prevent Falls

Patients often fall because they are on medications that make them dizzy, they are weak and unsteady due to illness or medical procedures, or because they've been sitting or lying down for too long. For your safety, please:

  • Always call for assistance before getting out of bed.
  • Keep the call button within easy reach.
  • Have necessary items within reach, such as your glasses, tissues, the telephone, and anything else you need.
  • When you get assistance, rise slowly from your bed or chair to prevent dizziness.
  • Walk close to the wall and hold onto the handrail while in the bathroom.
Patient Privacy

Patient Privacy and Information

 

You have rights under a federal law that protects your health information.  These rights are important for you to know.  Federal law sets rules and limits on who can look at and receive your health information.

 

Who Must Follow This Law?

  • Most doctors, nurses, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and many other health care providers.
  • Health insurance companies, HMOs, and most employer group health plans.
  • Certain government programs that pay for health care, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
 

What Information Is Protected?

  • Information your doctors, nurses, and other health care providers put in your medical records.
  • Conversations your doctor has with nurses and others regarding your care or treatment.
  • Information about you in your health insurer's computer system.
  • Billing information about you at your clinic.
  • Most other health information about you held by those who must follow this law.
 

You Have Rights Over Your Health Information

 

Providers and health insurers who are required to follow this law must comply with your right to:

  • Ask to see and get a copy of your health records.
  • Have corrections added to your health information?
  • Receive a notice that tells you how your health information may be used and shared.
  • Decide if you want to give your permission before your health information can be used or shared for certain purposes, such as for marketing.
  • Get a report on when and why your health information was shared for certain purposes.
  • File a complaint.

To make sure that your health information is protected in a way that doesn't interfere with your health care, your information can be used and shared:

  • For your treatment and care coordination.
  • To pay doctors and hospitals for your health care and help run their businesses.
  • With your family, relatives, friends, or others you identify who are involved with your health care or your health care bills unless you object.
  • To make sure doctors give good care and nursing homes are clean and safe.
  • To protect the public's health, such as by reporting when the flu is in your area.
  • To make required reports to the police, such as reporting gunshot wounds.
 

Without Your Written Permission, Your Provider Cannot:

  • Give your health information to your employer.
  • Use or share your health information for marketing or advertising purposes.
  • Share private notes about your mental health counseling sessions.

Patient Rights

MGRMC considers you a partner in your health care. While a patient at Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center or any of its satellite entities operating under its single group license, you (and/or your designated personal representative) have certain rights and responsibilities.

You Have the Right To:

  • Be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration, and to receive privacy in treatment and care for personal needs;
  • Not be subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation, coercion, manipulation, sexual abuse, or sexual assault;
  • Not be discriminated against based on race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or diagnosis;
  • Have access to a qualified interpreter if you do not speak English as your primary language.
  • Not be subjected to seclusion or restraint, except as allowed to prevent imminent harm to self or others or as allowed to provide necessary medical treatment;
  • Not be subjected to misappropriation of personal and private property by a hospital’s medical staff, personnel members, employees, volunteers, and students;
  • Consent to or refuse treatment, except in an emergency when you or your representative may not be able to make that decision;
  • Refuse examination or withdraw consent for treatment before treatment is initiated;
  • To receive treatment that supports and respects the patient’s individuality, choices, strengths, and abilities;
  • Participate or have the patient’s representative participate in the development of or decisions concerning treatment;
  • Receive a referral to another health care institution if the hospital is not authorized or not able to provide physical health services or behavioral health services needed by the patient;
  • Be informed of alternatives to a proposed psychotropic medication or surgical procedure and associated risks and possible complications of the proposed psychotropic medication or surgical procedure, except in an emergency;
  • Be informed of proposed involvement of the patient in research, experimentation, or education, if applicable;
  • Participate or refuse to participate in research, experimental treatment, or education, if applicable;
  • Have a description of health care advance directives and policies provided at the time of admission, before any invasive procedure, or at the start of a series of treatments;
  • Have an advance directive completed or placed on file for your visits, such as a Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney;
  • Consent to photographs before you are photographed, except as allowed for the identification and administrative purposes at admission or the time of service;
  • Provide written consent to the release of information in the patient’s medical record or financial records, except as otherwise permitted by law;
  • To review, upon written request, the patient’s own medical record according to A.R.S. §§ 12-2293, 12-2294, and 12-2294.01
  • To have access to a telephone
  • Request information regarding the charges for services that are being provided to you, including an itemized copy of your bill and an explanation regarding the charges. An itemized copy of your bill will only be sent if requested.
  • Request an explanation regarding a payment made by your insurance company.
  • Review upon request a schedule of rates according to A.R.S. § 36-346.01(C). Notify the receptionist or clerk regarding this request.
  • Have a family member, personal representative, and or physician notified of your admission to the hospital.
  • To receive assistance from a family member, representative, or another individual in understanding, protecting, or exercising the patient’s rights;
  • Voice complaints without fear about the care you receive and have those complaints reviewed and resolved when possible.
  • File a complaint or grievance with the hospital. Contact Taylor Payne, MGRMC Director of Regulatory Compliance and Section 504 Coordinator at (928) 348-3850 or send your complaint via mail to Taylor Payne, Director of Regulatory Compliance, 1600 S. 20th Ave, Safford, AZ, 85546
  • File a complaint or grievance with the hospital’s Compliance Hotline, 1-855-252-7606
  • File a complaint with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Medical Facilities Licensing, 150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 450, Phoenix, AZ 85007 – (602) 364-3030
  • File a complaint with the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization with jurisdiction in Arizona. The Medicare QIO for Arizona is Livanta Quality Improvement Organization, BFCC-QIO Area 5, 10820 Guilford Road, Suite 202, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-1105, 1-877-588-1123
  • Inspect the most recent license inspection report per A.R.S. § 36-425(D). The most recent inspection report is on file in the Regulatory Compliance Office of MGRMC. Contact Taylor Payne, Director of Regulatory Compliance at (928) 348-3850 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday-Friday to review this report.

You have the Responsibility as a Patient of Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center to:

Give your physician and staff complete and accurate information.

  • Request additional information or explanation when you do not fully understand information and instructions.
  • Accept responsibility for refusing treatment or not following your physician’s recommendations.
  • Be considerate of other patient’s needs for privacy and quiet.
  • Observe the non-smoking policy while in the hospital, and if you smoke, to smoke only in approved locations.
  • Speak up and inform a healthcare worker about anything you feel is unsafe.

Patient Safety

While you are in the hospital, many people will enter your room, from doctors and nurses to aides and orderlies. The following information will help make your hospital stay safe and comfortable.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask…

A number of people may enter your hospital room. Be sure to:

  • Ask for the ID of everyone who comes into your room.
  • Speak up if the hospital staff does not ask to check your ID.
  • Ask if the person has washed his or her hands before they touch you.
  • If you are told you need certain tests or procedures, ask why you need them, when they will happen, and how long it will be before you get the results.

Fight Infection

While you are in the hospital to get well, you should know that there is the possibility of developing an infection. The single most important thing you can do to help prevent infections is to wash your hands and make sure that everyone who touches you-including your doctors and nurses washes their hands too.

Prevent Medication Errors

By taking part in your own care, you can help the members of your health care team avoid medication errors.; Here’s how:

  • Be sure all of your doctors know what medications you have been taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal and vitamin supplements, natural remedies and recreational drugs.
  • Be sure that all of your doctors know of any allergies you may have…and that means Any Allergies!
  • When you are brought medications or IV fluids, ask the person to check to be sure you are the patient who is supposed to receive the medications. Show that person your ID bracelet to double-check. Remember–you play an important role in helping to reduce medication errors.

Know Your Medications

While you are hospitalized, your doctor may prescribe medications for you. Be sure that you understand exactly what they are and why they are being prescribed.

Prevent Falls

Patients often fall because they are on medications that make them dizzy, they are weak and unsteady due to illness or medical procedures, or because they’ve been sitting or lying down for too long. For your safety, please:

  • Always call for assistance before getting out of bed.
  • Keep the call button within easy reach.
  • Have necessary items within reach, such as your glasses, tissues, the telephone, and anything else you need.
  • When you get assistance, rise slowly from your bed or chair to prevent dizziness.
  • Walk close to the wall and hold onto the handrail while in the bathroom.

Patient Privacy

While you are in the hospital, many people will enter your room, from doctors and nurses to aides and orderlies. The following information will help make your hospital stay safe and comfortable.

Who Must Follow This Law?

  • Most doctors, nurses, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and many other health care providers.
  • Health insurance companies, HMOs, and most employer group health plans.
  • Certain government programs that pay for health care, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
 

What Information Is Protected?

  • Information your doctors, nurses, and other health care providers put in your medical records.
  • Conversations your doctor has with nurses and others regarding your care or treatment.
  • Information about you in your health insurer’s computer system.
  • Billing information about you at your clinic.
  • Most other health information about you held by those who must follow this law.
 

You Have Rights Over Your Health Information

 

Providers and health insurers who are required to follow this law must comply with your right to:

  • Ask to see and get a copy of your health records.
  • Have corrections added to your health information?
  • Receive a notice that tells you how your health information may be used and shared.
  • Decide if you want to give your permission before your health information can be used or shared for certain purposes, such as for marketing.
  • Get a report on when and why your health information was shared for certain purposes.
  • File a complaint.

To make sure that your health information is protected in a way that doesn’t interfere with your health care, your information can be used and shared:

  • For your treatment and care coordination.
  • To pay doctors and hospitals for your health care and help run their businesses.
  • With your family, relatives, friends, or others you identify who are involved with your health care or your health care bills unless you object.
  • To make sure doctors give good care and nursing homes are clean and safe.
  • To protect the public’s health, such as by reporting when the flu is in your area.
  • To make required reports to the police, such as reporting gunshot wounds.
 

Without Your Written Permission, Your Provider Cannot:

  • Give your health information to your employer.
  • Use or share your health information for marketing or advertising purposes.
  • Share private notes about your mental health counseling sessions.