Better Technology for Better Healthcare

Patient Rights

All patients admitted to JFL will receive an information package which includes a written copy of the hospital’s statement of Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities and Insurance Notice. The package also includes information on our process of addressing your complaints and/or concerns. This information is also available to you throughout your stay. Additionally, copies of the Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities documents are posted in public areas accessible to patients and their visitors.

HIPPA

Do you know your rights as a patient? As a patient it is important for you to understand that you have rights regarding the privacy and confidentiality of your health information. HIPAA, better known as the Heath Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a law that mandates how your health information is accessed, used and disclosed as well as what rights you as the patient are entitled to. Included in the HIPAA law is information about: Hospital Privacy Notice. Disclosures of health information to agencies outside of the hospital. Patients privacy rights. Use of your health information. Who has access to your health information. If you have more questions about your rights as a patient, would like more information or have a confidential privacy complaint, please feel free to contact the Office of Corporate Compliance at (340)778-6311, ext. 2728. Privacy, it’s your RIGHT! Please note that at JFL we keep your information confidential. We will ask about your medical history, personal life and treatment as part of your routine care. This information is needed to care for you properly, and like the staff working at JFL, they must follow a strict code to keep your details confidential.

INFORMED CONSENT

It is the policy of JFLH to request that patients who present themselves for care provide an authorization for treatment by completing a Consent form. The details of the form will be explained to the patient as the document is a formal request for treatment. In the event that procedures (i.e. surgery or special diagnostic test) or additional consent forms are necessary, your admitting physician and/or the surgeon/diagnostician, will be present to explain. However, it is the right of the patient to refuse to sign the request for treatment or Consent form. In that event, the admitting physician will be called and may authorize the admission if he/she feels that refusal will be immediately detrimental to the patient.

ADVANCED DIRECTIVES

JFL respects and encourages patient self-determination. Patients will be encouraged to be active participants in the decision making process regarding their care through education, inquiry and assistance, as requested. Patients will be encouraged to communicate their desires in regard to advance directives to their spouses or significant others, to allow for guidance of health care providers in the event that the patient becomes incapacitated, rendering them unable to make decisions. Therefore, to assure that the treatment decisions are those specified by the patient, (whether expressed by the patient or made by a surrogate acting for patient) and to assure compliance with the Virgin Islands Uniform Rights of the Terminally III Act of 1993 (Act No. 5894) and in accordance with the Federal Law, Patient Self –Determination Act of (42 U.S.C., Section 1395 cc (a), JFL recommends that patients execute advance directives with the assistance of their family attorney. We are committed to working with patients and their families to assure that the decisions regarding treatment options are made in keeping with the current ethical, legal and clinical standards, and in an atmosphere of respect and caring.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU…

We are here to serve you and your family. We want to make your visit or stay with us as comfortable and worry-free as humanly possible. We pride ourselves in providing the best possible care available. That is why we welcome your comments on services that are provided. Remember, this is your hospital.

As a patient, it is your right to expect…

Information about pain and pain relief measures. A concerned staff committed to pain prevention. Health professionals who respond quickly to reports of pain. State-of-the-art pain management.

As a patient, we expect that you…

Ask your doctor or nurse what to expect regarding pain and pain management. Discuss pain relief options with your doctor or nurse. Work with your doctor and nurse to develop a pain management plan. Ask for pain relief when pain first begins. Help the doctor and nurse measure your pain. Tell the doctor or nurse if your pain is not relieved.

Patient and family involvement

Consenting to treatment (Informed Consent) Making decisions about your care (lSpeak UP) Managing pain effectively. (Pain Management) Resolving dilemmas about care decisions. (refer to Advocay Menu) Providing JFL with your advancedirectives.(Advanced Directives)