Patient Rights & Responsibilities

In providing care, hospitals have the right to expect behavior on the part of patients and their relatives and friends, which considering the nature of their illness, is reasonable and responsible.

This statement does not presume to be all-inclusive. It is intended to convey the Joint Commission’s concern about the relationship between hospitals and patients and to emphasize the need for the observance of the rights and responsibilities of patients.

Please click on the tab below to download the basic rights and responsibilities of patients that are considered reasonably applicable to all hospitals. 

Patient Rights and Responsibilities