You have rights and can make decisions about your care. The hospital must help you understand and use your rights to:

  • Get emergency care if you need it
  • Get respectful care in a clean and safe environment
  • Get an interpreter if you need one
  • Get medical care without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, or how you pay
  • Get complete information about your diagnosis and treatment, including risks and benefits
  • Say no to treatment and be told how that may affect your health
  • Refuse resuscitation (restarting your breathing or heartbeat)
  • Decide who can visit you
  • Be restrained only for safety reasons, with a doctor's order, for limited time, with staff checking on you every 30 minutes
  • Know the names of doctors and staff caring for you
  • Have your medical information kept private
  • Take part in discharge planning and include a caregiver
  • See and get copies of your medical records
  • Get a clear bill that explains all charges
  • See the hospital's standard prices
  • Challenge bills you disagree with
  • Complain about care and get a written response
  • Refuse to take part in research
  • Decide to donate your organs if you're 16 or older

Need help? Senior citizens can get a 48-page guide from the New York State Health Department about your rights.

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Last Reviewed: June 9, 2023