Section 240. Patient rights

A. The hospice program shall establish and implement written policies and procedures regarding the rights of patients. A copy of the patient's rights shall be displayed in the hospice office for public review.

B. Written procedures to implement the policies shall ensure that each patient is:

1. Treated with courtesy, consideration and respect;

2. Assured the right to privacy;

3. Assured confidential treatment of his medical and financial records as provided by law;

4. Free from mental and physical abuse and property exploitation;

5. Assured the right to participate in the planning of his care, including appropriate assessment and management of pain and the right to refuse services;

6. Served by individuals who are properly trained and competent to perform their duties;

7. Assured the right to voice grievances and complaints related to hospice program services without fear of reprisal;

8. Advised, before care is initiated, of the extent to which payment for services may be expected from federal or state programs, and the extent to which payment may be required from the patient;

9. Advised orally and in writing of any changes in fees for services that are the patient's responsibility. The hospice program shall advise the patient of these changes as soon as possible but no later than 30 calendar days from the date the hospice program became aware of the change;

10. Provided with advance directive and Durable Do Not Resuscitate Order information prior to start of services; and

11. Given five days oral and written notice when the hospice program determines to terminate services.

C. At the time of admission, patient rights shall be reviewed with patients and primary caregivers who shall receive a written summary of the policies. The review shall be documented in the patient's record.

D. Before care is initiated, the hospice program shall inform the patient, orally and in writing, of the general nature of hospice care and policies of the hospice program, including, but not limited to:

1. The type and frequency of service or services to be delivered, the purpose of the service or services, and the name of the individual supervising the service or services;

2. Any anticipated effects of treatment, as applicable:

3. A schedule of charges for services;

4. The method of billing and payment for services, including the:

a. Services to be billed to third party payers;

b. Extent to which payment may be expected from third party payers known to the hospice program; and

c. Services that may not be covered by third party payers;

5. The charges that the individual may have to pay;

6. The requirements of notice for cancellation or reduction in services by the hospice program and the patient; and

7. The refund policies of the hospice program.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.