Patient Bill of Rights
At Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC, our mission is to deliver high-quality care for the body, mind, and spirit of every person we serve. As we fulfill this mission, we deeply respect your rights and support your responsibilities as a patient. In turn, we ask that you respect the rights of other patients and the healthcare professionals who care for you. We encourage you to take an active role in your care and assume responsibility for your health. We are committed to honoring your rights and assisting you with your responsibilities to the fullest extent possible, except in cases where safety concerns or specific medical needs may prevent us from doing so. Should such a situation arise, we will communicate it to you clearly. If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities, please discuss them with your doctors and healthcare team.
Your Rights as a Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC Patient
Dignity and Respect
- To be treated with dignity and respect, honoring your personal values, beliefs, and healthcare preferences.
- To receive care that acknowledges your cultural, spiritual, and religious needs.
- To keep your personal items with you, or have them stored securely upon request.
- To receive care free from discrimination based on diagnosis, age, religion, race, national origin, creed, color, gender, marital status, sexual preference, disability, veteran status, or source of payment.
Safety and Comfort
You have the right:
- To receive appropriate treatment for pain management.
- To receive care in a safe and secure environment.
- To be free from unnecessary restraints or seclusion.
- To be treated by competent personnel in an environment free from abuse, harassment, neglect, and exploitation.
- To access information about patient advocacy services, including domestic violence resources and protective services programs for adults or children.
Privacy and Confidentiality
You have the right:
- To access your medical records within a reasonable timeframe, except in certain therapeutic circumstances as determined by your attending physician.
- To have your privacy protected during your care.
- To make private phone calls and have confidential conversations with your healthcare providers and visitors.
- To keep your medical records and personal healthcare information confidential, as outlined in our notice of privacy practices.
- To decide who may or may not receive information about your healthcare and be involved in discussions regarding your care.
Patient Rights and Communication
At Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC, we prioritize transparent communication and respect for your rights. Here’s how we ensure you are well informed and supported throughout your healthcare journey.
Information and Communication
You have the right:
- To be informed about your patient rights during the admission process.
- To ask questions and receive comprehensive information about your healthcare.
- To receive detailed information regarding end-of-life care.
- To review the information in your medical record.
- To receive healthcare information in a manner that you can understand. We provide medically trained interpreters at no cost to you.
- To know the names and professional status of your doctors and other healthcare team members.
- To request an itemized explanation of your bill and any charges.
- To have your doctor and your personal contact notified if you are admitted to the hospital.
- To refuse treatment and be informed of the medical consequences of such refusal.
Making Decisions About Your Healthcare
You have the right:
- To make informed decisions regarding your healthcare, with access to all necessary information.
- To be informed in advance about your care and treatment, including any changes.
- To receive information about your diagnosis, prognosis, care options, risks and benefits of treatments, and discharge and transfer plans.
- To choose which healthcare treatment options to accept or decline.
- To seek second opinions from additional doctors or healthcare providers, though additional costs may apply.
- To transfer your care to another doctor or healthcare provider.
- To decide whether to participate in medical research testing new medications or treatments.
- To appoint a surrogate decision-maker if you are unable to make decisions yourself. This person could be your Attorney-in-Fact as named in your Advance Directives documents, your guardian, your closest next-of-kin, or a court-appointed advocate who will consider your wishes, values, and beliefs.
Legal Age for Decision-Making
- You are considered of legal age at 18 years old in Iowa, 19 years old in Nebraska, or if you are an emancipated minor.
- To participate in the development and implementation of your care plan and any changes.
- To be free from chemical and physical restraints that are not medically necessary.
Advance Directives and Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation
You have the right:
- To have your Advance Directives forms included in your medical record.
- To request written information about completing Advance Directives forms (such as a Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare).
- To complete or update your Advance Directives forms to reflect your current healthcare wishes.
- To have your Advance Directives wishes honored by your doctors and healthcare team or to be notified why they cannot honor your wishes.
- To have your wishes regarding organ, tissue, and eye donation respected.
Voicing Your Concerns
You have the right:
- To voice complaints and file grievances without discrimination or reprisal.
- To have your complaints and grievances addressed promptly.
- To report a formal grievance with Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC or with an outside agency. Formal grievances can be reported by speaking with your healthcare team, contacting Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC management, calling the Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC Patient Action Line, or reaching out to an external agency.
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Your rights and well-being are our top priorities. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns during your stay with us.
