MORE RIGHTS OF PATIENTS Page 64. Perhaps the most important thing for patients or their advocates to realize is that few doctors and nurses understand what the law is on patients’ rights. Nonetheless, you will encounter people in the hospital who think they know the law, who act like bullies, and who will assure you that you must or can’t do something because “it’s the law.” If someone says they are relying on the law, ask them specifically which law, and ask for a copy of it. If you read and understand the material in this book, you will know more about the law of patient rights than almost anyone you are likely to encounter in a hospital, health care facility, managed care organization, or doctor’s office.” Page 70. You should not allow discussion to occur over or around you: you have a right to participate in, and to ultimately determine your own care. You also have a right not to have your private medical information discussed in the hospital corridors or in other public places in the hospital. And when the physician does come to speak with you, the physician should say something like, “I’m here to talk to about private medical things-do you want anyone here to stay or leave? It’s your call. “The physician should sit down for this discussion. Page 73. An investigative report by Michael J. Berens of the Chicago Tribune, published in late 2000, revealed that “overwhelmed and inadequately trained nurses kill and injure thousands of patients every year as hospitals sacrifice safety for an improved bottom line. Most cases involve drug overdoses and monitoring failures.” Jim Novax O’Kelly
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 04:54:40 +0000
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