Hospital Information for the Public

Patient Rights and Organization Ethics

Criteria in the patient rights and organization ethics category concern the improvement of patient outcomes by respecting each patient’s rights and conducting business relationships with patients and the public in an ethical manner.

Patient Rights

This area reflects an evaluation of the hospital's protection of patient rights and whether hospital staff members treat patients with dignity and respect. Surveyors evaluate whether patients are treated as individuals with unique personal and health care needs; whether patients are encouraged to be actively involved in decisions about their care; whether patients are able to accept or refuse specific treatments or participation in clinical research; whether the hospital protects the confidentiality of specific patient information; and whether the hospital has procedures to communicate patient rights.

Organization Ethics

This area reflects an evaluation of the hospital's development and implementation of a code of ethical behavior to guide its conduct with patients and the public.