Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Each patient receiving medical care at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital has certain rights regarding the nature of his or her treatment. In turn, patients and his or her loved ones also have the responsibility of actively participating in the treatment plan.


Patient Bill of Rights

Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH) is sponsored by the Bon Secours Health System, Inc. As a ministry of the Catholic Church in the United States, OLBH abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Facilities. OLBH provides care in a manner consistent with the values in its mission and vision and with the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith.

1. Patients have the right to receive medical care regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability or ability to pay.
2. Patients have the right to receive care with consideration, respect and dignity. This care includes the psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs of the patient and his or her family.
3. Patients have the right to treatment of symptoms that respond to treatment. Patients have the right to appropriate pain management.
4. Patients have the right to necessary and current information about their diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Patients have the right to read the records of their care and to have the information explained, as permitted by law.
5. Patients or surrogates have the right to make decisions about plans of care before and during the treatment and to accept or refuse a treatment or plan of care as allowed by law. Hospital personnel should tell the patient of any policy affecting his or her choice while in the hospital.
6. Patients have the right to know the names of doctors, nurses and others involved in their care, including students or residents.
7. Patients have the right to have an Advance Directive (Such as: living will, healthcare surrogate and durable power of attorney.)
8. Patients have the right to privacy. Patients have the right to personal and family confidentiality as permitted by law.
9. Patients have the right to expect a consistent quality of care in all hospital departments and help in locating other services when needed.
10. Patients have the right to be told of resources for solving problems.
11. Patients have the right to be told of hospital charges for services and payment methods.
12. Patients have the right to expect care to be rendered in a safe manner in a safe environment at all times.

1. Patients are responsible for giving accurate, up-to-date information about complaints, past illness or injuries, hospital stays, medicines or other health problems.
2. Patients should discuss questions or concerns about their illness or treatment with their physicians or nurse.
3. Patients are responsible for following the medication and treatment plan that has been recommended by the physician.
4. Patients are responsible for following the hospital's rules and regulations concerning patient care and behavior.
5. Patients are responsible for giving information for insurance claims and for paying the charges for care received.
6. Patients are responsible for realizing personal lifestyle may affect one's health.
7. Patients are responsible for following the hospital's rules and regulations with regard to their safety and the safety of others.