In addition to responsibilities in
your care, you also have rights at the VA Medical Center. You are assured the
following rights unless "not medically advised."
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Rights related to medical
care include: |
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access to prompt and appropriate treatment for physical and/or emotional
disorders and disabilities. |
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healthcare
decisions based only on your needs and safety, without regard to compensation or financial risk to the medical
center. |
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consent
to or refuse treatment when you have complete information. |
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participation
in all aspects of your care with a family member or health care
agent, (if desired), which includes resolving problems
or ethical questions abut your care. |
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establish
an advance directive and/or assign someone to be your decision-maker
if you become unable to understand or tell us your
wishes.
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care
in the least confining environment and free from unnecessary
medicine.
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appropriate
assessment and management of pain. |
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confidentiality
of your medial record unless you consent to a release or it is
required by law. |
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Personal rights
include: |
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treatment with dignity, respect and privacy, in a safe environment |
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reasonable protection form harm,
including protective services if needed |
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ability to communicate freely and privately
with persons outside the medical center |
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choice to have or refuse visitors |
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reasonable access to telephones,
unopened mail and assistance in writing letters if needed |
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opportunities
for social interaction, pastoral care, religious worship, and other spiritual
services |
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restrictions in communication
evaluated and fully explained to you and your family.
You and your family can help decide without restrictions |
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regular exercise, within the
limits of your medical condition |
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a choice to wear your own clothes and
keep personal possessions, including your own money |
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all
legal rights while in the hospital; except where the law provides
otherwise |
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opportunity to tell us about your concerns and resolve complaints without fear of
retaliation |
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having rights respected during research, investigation, and clinical trials
involving human subjects |
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identification of a health care agent
who may have information about you and participate
in decisions about your care. This would include: |
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Ethical issues |
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- Resolution of conflicts |
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- Withholding resuscitative
services |
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- Forgoing or withdrawal of
life-sustaining treatment |
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- Participation in
investigative studies and/or clinical trials |
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