Section 481.51.6. Patient rights and responsibilities.

The hospital governing board shall adopt a statement of principles relating to patient rights and responsibilities. In developing a statement of principles, the hospital may use reference statements of patient rights and responsibilities developed by the American Hospital Association, The Joint Commission (TJC), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), DNV GL – Healthcare (DNV GL), the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ), and other appropriate sources.

         51.6(1) The statement of principles shall be made available to patients of the hospital.

         51.6(2) The statement of principles regarding patient rights shall, at a minimum, address:

            a.               Access to treatment regardless of age, race, creed, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, diagnosis, or source of payment for care;

            b.               Preservation of individual dignity and protection of personal privacy in receipt of care;

            c.               Confidentiality of medical and other appropriate information;

            d.               Assurance of reasonable safety within the hospital;

            e.               Knowledge of the identity of the physician or other practitioner primarily responsible for the patient’s care as well as identity and professional status of others providing services to the patient while in the hospital;

            f.                Nature of patient’s right to information regarding the patient’s medical condition unless medically contraindicated, to consult with a specialist at the patient’s request and expense, and to refuse treatment to the extent authorized by law;

            g.               Access to and explanation of patient billings; and

            h.               Process for patient pursuit of grievances.

         51.6(3) The statement of principles regarding patient responsibilities shall, at a minimum, address:

            a.               Need of patient to provide accurate and complete information regarding the patient’s health status;

            b.               Need of patient to follow recommended treatment plans;

            c.               Requirement that patient abide by hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct and be considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel; and

            d.               Obligation to fulfill the patient’s financial obligations as soon as possible following discharge.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 135B.

[ARC 9253B, IAB 12/1/10, effective 1/5/11; ARC 1305C, IAB 2/5/14, effective 3/12/14; ARC 2472C, IAB 3/30/16, effective 5/4/16]