Patient's Rights

Parkland Health & Hospital System is committed to giving you the best possible care. We respect your right as a patient.

Patients have the rights to:

1. Participate in the development and implementation of your plan of care.
2. Information necessary to make informed decisions regarding your care, treatment and services.
3. Request, accept or refuse treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal.
4. Formulate advance directives and appoint a surrogate to make health care decisions on your behalf.
5. Have a family member or representative and physician of your choice notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
6. Personal privacy and an environment that preserves dignity and contributes to your positive self image.
7. Receive considerate and respectful care in a safe setting, free from all forms of neglect, abuse and harassment.
8. Confidentiality of your information and clinical records.
9. Timely access to information in your clinical records by you and your legally designated representative.
10. Freedom from restraint or seclusion that is not medically necessary or imposed to ensure the immediate physical safety of you staff or others.
11. Receive visitors, subject to clinical restrictions or limitations, including the right to determine who may visit.
12. Reasonable response to requests and needs for treatment or service regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, ability to pay, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
13. End of life care that optimizes comfort and dignity, effectively manages pain and includes consideration of psychosocial, spiritual and cultural concern.
14. Receive information about patient rights and patient complaint resolution processes.
15. Participate in consideration of ethical issues that affect your care.
16. Be informed of any human experimentation, research or educational projects affecting your treatment.
17. Have a legally authorized representative exercise these rights on your behalf.
18. Receive information in words you can understand.
19. Give or withhold consent regarding the production or use of recordings, films, photographs, videos or other images of you for the purpose of care.
20. Receive information about the individuals responsible for providing your care, including student doctors, nurses and other health care providers who assist in your care.
21. Access proactive and advocacy services.
22. Be informed of the hospital's right to dispose of patient medical records as specified in the Texas Health and Safety Code.
23. Receive information about hospital policy regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in the event your circulatory or respiratory function stops and communicate your wishes and be involved in treatment decisions regarding CPR.

A minor receiving comprehensive medical rehabilitation services is entitled to:

1. Appropriate treatment in the least restrictive setting available.
2. Not receive unnecessary or excessive medication.
3. An individualized treatment plan and to participate in the development of the plan.
4. A humane treatment environment that provides reasonable protection from harm and appropriate privacy for personal needs.
5. Separation from adult patients.
6. Regular communication between the minor patient and the patient's family.

Patient Responsibilities

As a patient, you have the responsibility to:

1. Provide complete and accurate information that facilities your care, treatment and services.
2. Ask questions or acknowledge when you do not understand the treatment course of care decision.
3. Follow your treatment plan and the hospital's instructions, rules and regulations.
4. Respect the rights of others, being considerate and respectful of patients, visitors and staff.
5. Fulfill financial obligations to the hospital and physician.

Questions or Problems?

Concern regarding your care

You have the right to tell us when you have a concern or complaint about your health care services. If you present a concern, your care will not be affected in any way. An issue can be addressed most promptly by talking with your nurse or other health care provider. If you feel an issue is not being addressed appropriately, please contact the Parkland Patient Relations Department at 469-419-0820. A representative will contact you within 48 hours. You may file a complaint directly with an oversight agency regardless of whether you have used the Parkland complaint process.

If you feel your concern is not being address by Parkland, you may contact: