Our patients shall be provided care based on sound clinical decision making according to each individuals care needs. As a patient, you will be provided impartial access to treatment and you have the right and responsibility to be informed and participate in decisions involving your care and treatment.
Florida Law requires that UF Health The Villages® Hospital and your physicians respect your rights and in turn you understand our rights to expect certain behaviors during the course of your care and treatment. A summary of our Patient Rights and Responsibilities are as follows:
You Have the Right To
- Safe, considerate and respectful care with the every consideration of privacy and confidentiality of your health care information.
- Receive medical treatment and accommodations regardless of race, national origin, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and source of payment.
- Obtain current, relevant and understandable information from your health care team and to feel unencumbered the ask questions regarding your care and treatment.
- Know the identity of the physicians, nurses and care givers providing your medical services.
- Be provided information by your health care providers concerning your plan of care to include diagnosis, course of treatment, prognosis, risks, benefits and alternatives.
- Refuse recommended treatment or plan of care to the extent permitted by law.
- To consent or decline participation in medical treatment for the purposes of experimental research.
- Request a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care prior to treatment.
- Request a copy of an understandable and reasonably clear itemized bill and if requested an explanation of the charges.
- Upon request be given full information and necessary counseling on the availability of known financial resources for care.
- If Medicare eligible, know whether the health care provider or facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate.
- Express grievances with regards to any violation or your rights through the grievance procedure and to the appropriate state licensing agency.
If the patient is incapacitated, incompetent or a minor, their rights can be exercised by a legally authorized person. The full text of the laws regarding Patient Rights and Responsibilities are available upon request.
You are Responsible For
- Communicating previous medical history to include; hospitalizations, medications, or unexpected changes in your health.
- Cooperating with health care providers providing your care and to ask questions to clarify your plan of care and what is expected of you.
- Following the recommended treatment plan by following the instructions provided.
- Keeping appointments or to notify the health care facility when you cannot keep a scheduled appointment.
- Prompt response to financial obligations related to the health care treatment received.
- Abiding health care facility rules and regulations affecting your care and conduct.
- Informing your health care providers or Risk Management at 352.323.5410 regarding any concern where you weren’t able to exercise your rights. You may also file a complaint to the Agency for Healthcare Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308 or by e-mail at ahca.myflorida.com or by calling 1.888.419.3456/1.800.955.8771 Florida Relay Service (TDD number).
Quality of Care
UF Health The Villages® Hospital facilities are The Joint Commission accredited. If you have any concerns about patient safety or quality of care, please contact the nursing supervisor. If your concerns are not addressed by the facility, you may contact The Joint Commission at jointcommission.org and select the "Report a Patient Safety Event" link on the homepage, or by fax to 630.792.5636 or by mail to: The Office of Quality and Patient Safety, The Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181.
Quality Data
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration's Florida Health Finder website, provides a vast number of quality metrics on Florida hospitals. Metrics included are readmissions, mortality rates, complication rates, infection rates, patient experience and other patient safety indicators.