SUMMARY OF FLORIDA PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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Florida law requires that your health care provider or health care facility recognize your rights while you are receiving medical care and that you respect the health care provider's or health care facility's right to expect certain behavior on the part of patients. You may request a copy of the full text of this law from your health care provider or health care facility. A summary of your rights and responsibilities follows:

A patient has the right to:

• Be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation of his/her individual dignity, and with protection of his/her need for privacy.
• A prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests.
• Know who is providing medical services and who is responsible for his/her care.
• Know what patient support services are available, including whether an interpreter is available if he/she does not speak English.
• Bring any person of his or her choosing to the patient-accessible areas of the health care facility or provider’s office to accompany the patient while the patient is receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment or is consulting with his or her health care provider, unless doing so would risk the safety or health of the patient, other patients, or staff of the facility or office or cannot be reasonably accommodated by the facility or provider.
• Know what rules and regulations apply to his/her conduct.
• Be given by the health care provider information concerning diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis.
• Refuse any treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
• Be given, upon request, full information and necessary counseling on the availability of known financial resources for his/her care.
• A patient who is eligible for Medicare has the right to know, upon request and in advance of treatment, whether the health care provider or health care facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate.
• Receive, upon request and prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care.
• Receive a copy of a reasonably clear and understandable, itemized bill and, upon request, to have the charges explained.
• Impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations, regardless of race, national origin, religion, handicap, or source of payment.
• Treatment for any emergency medical condition that will deteriorate from failure to provide treatment.
• Know if medical treatment is for purposes of experimental research and to give his/her consent or refusal to participate in such experimental research.
• Express grievances regarding any violation of his/her rights, as stated in Florida law, through the grievance procedure of the health care facility which served him/her and to the appropriate state licensing agency.

A patient is responsible for:

• Providing the health care provider, to the best of his or her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his or her health.
• Reporting unexpected changes in his or her condition to the health care provider.
• Reporting to the health care provider whether he or she comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him or her.
• Following the treatment plan recommended by the health care provider.
• Keeping appointments and, when unable to do so for any reason, notifying the health care provider or health care facility.
• His or her actions if he or she refuses treatment or does not follow the health care provider’s instructions.
• Assuring that the financial obligations of his or her health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
• Following health care facility rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.

Summary of Patient Rights — Condition of Participation for Hospital Patients (Part 482)

A patient has the right to:

• File complaints/grievances about their care and health care services.
• Participate in the development and implementation of their treatment/care plan, discharge plan, and pain management.
• Make informed decisions regarding care based on information pertinent to the patient’s health status, diagnosis, and prognosis.
• Formulate Advance Directives and have those who provide care in the hospital comply with those directives (in accordance with applicable laws).
• Have a family member or representative of his/her choice and physician promptly notified of their admission to the hospital.
• Personal privacy, respect, dignity, and comfort.
• Receive care in a safe setting.
• Be free from all forms of abuse or harassment.
• Confidentiality of their clinical records.
• Access information in their clinical records within a reasonable time frame in accordance with applicable laws or other regulations.
• Be free from restraints or seclusion imposed as coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation.
• Receive or deny visitors whom he/she designates (including but not limited to a spouse, same-sex partner, another family member or friend).
   

029215   Rev. 08/2025

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION FOR COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMHCS) is committed to addressing any concerns you may have regarding the care and services provided. We strive to maintain an environment where patients, families, and visitors feel comfortable voicing concerns or submitting complaints without fear of retaliation and without compromising current or future care. If you have concerns about the quality of care or services, please first speak with a member of your healthcare team (e.g., your nurse, physician, or case manager). For inpatient concerns that remain unresolved, you may request to speak with the charge nurse, department manager, or director. During evenings or weekends, contact the hospital operator to reach a nursing supervisor. If your concerns persist or require further attention, our Patient Advocacy Department is here to help at (941) 917-1311 or patientadvocate@smh.com.

029215   Rev. 08/2025