Patients’ Rights
Patients have the right to:
- Full privacy and security of individually identifiable health information according to regulations outlined under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. Communication, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and will be conducted discreetly.
- To be advised as to the reason for the presence of any individual besides the healthcare provider.
- Know the name and the professional status of the physician or other credentialed healthcare practitioner who has primary responsibility for coordination of their care and the names and professional relationships of other practitioners who will see them.
- Be given the opportunity to participate in decisions involving their health care.
- Receive information from the physician or other credentialed healthcare practitioner about their illness or condition, recommended course of treatment and prospects for recovery in terms they can understand. Interpreters will be provided when necessary. When it is medically inadvisable to give such information to a patient, the information will be provided to a person designated by the patient or to a legally authorized person.
- Be fully informed about the recommended treatment or a procedure and the expected outcome before it is performed. Except in emergencies, this information shall include a description of all the procedure(s) or treatment(s), the medically significant risk(s) involved, an alternate course of treatment or non-treatment, and the risk(s) involved in each. This information will include the name of the person who would carry out the treatment(s) or procedure(s).
- Twenty-four-hour access to physicians or other credentialed healthcare providers, including emergency services, when required. Care needed during or outside of business hours can be accessed by calling the clinic phone number. Request another provider within WHA. If a suitable one is not available, WHA will facilitate referral to outside organization
- Be informed of their financial responsibility prior to treatment and receive an explanation of the bill for services, regardless of the source of payment.
- Choose where to be seen when referred to a facility for a diagnostic test or health care treatement or service and receive the test or service at a facility other than the one recommended by their healthcare practitioner. If the patient chooses to have the diagnostic test, health care treatment or service at a facility different from the one recommended by a practitioner, they are responsible for determining the extent or limitation of coverage at the facility chosen.
- Voice grievances regarding treatment or care that is, or fails to be, furnished. Women’s Healthcare Associates will investigate all grievances made by the patient or the patient’s representative regarding treatment or care that is, or fails to be furnished and respond appropriately.
- Receive verbal and written notice of these rights in advance of the date of the treatment in a language and manner that the patient or the patient’s representative understands.
- Exercise these rights without being subjected to discrimination or reprisal.
- Exercise these rights without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, cultural background, economic status, educational background, religious background or the source of payment for care.
If a patient is judged incompetent under applicable State health and safety laws by a court of proper jurisdiction, the rights of the patient are exercised by the person appointed under State law to act on the patient’s behalf.
Patients’ Responsibilities
Patients and/or their guests who are unable or unwilling to comply with these responsibilities may be asked to leave the premises and/or dismissed from care.
Provision of Information. The patient has the responsibility to provide, to the best of their knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalization, medications (prescriptions, over the counter medications, and supplements), allergies, and other matters relating to their health. They have the responsibility to report unexpected changes in their conditions to the responsible practitioner. A patient is responsible for making it known whether they understand a recommended course of action and what is expected of them.
Following the treatment plan. The patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for their care.
Keeping appointments. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when they are unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the responsible practitioner or the facility.
Refusal of Treatment. The patient is responsible for their actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner’s instructions.
Charges. Patients are informed of the need to accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by insurance and they are responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of their health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
Respect and Consideration. Patients, support people and guests are responsible for behaving respectfully toward all health care professionals and staff, as well as other patients and visitors. Vulgar language and/or hate speech will not be tolerated.
If you have a concern about your care
Please let us know. We want to hear your feedback, complaint or grievance. Any of our staff members can help, and you may also share feedback or initiate a complaint or grievances with our Patient Relations department at by leaving a message at (503) 646-2793 or emailing [email protected].
Oregon Medical Board
(971) 673-2700
Oregon State Board of Nursing
(971) 673-0685
Revised 2021-05.