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Patient Rights

Updated: 2/12/2026

Patient Rights and Responsibilities Patients play an important role in their care, and understanding both your rights and your responsibilities helps support a safe, organized, and collaborative experience. The information provided here is meant to guide your involvement in the care process and ensure that expectations are clear for everyone involved. If you have questions...

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patients play an important role in their care, and understanding both your rights and your responsibilities helps support a safe, organized, and collaborative experience. The information provided here is meant to guide your involvement in the care process and ensure that expectations are clear for everyone involved.

If you have questions or need clarification at any time, you may contact the Practice for assistance.

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Your Patient Rights

Understanding

Your Patient Rights

FAQs

Considerate and Respectful Care Policy

You have the right to receive care that upholds your dignity and reflects professional, fair, and high-quality clinical standards. This policy ensures that your individuality is respected and that the environment in which you receive care is both safe and supportive. As part of these protections, you are entitled to the following: Fair and professional care: You will receive high-quality treatment delivered with consistency, skill, and respect for clinical standards. Care without discrimination: Care will be provided regardless of color, race, religion, creed, or any other personal characteristic or protected status. Recognition of your dignity and individuality: Your personal values, preferences, and identity will be acknowledged and treated with respect. Privacy and a safe environment: You have the right to privacy during exams and conversations, and to receive care in surroundings that promote safety. Request for same-sex staff involvement: Whenever possible, you may ask for a staff member of the same sex to be present during exams or procedures performed by someone of the opposite sex. Limited undressing: You will not be asked to remain undressed longer than is necessary for an exam, test, or procedure. Private and discreet interactions: Consultations, examinations, and treatments will be conducted in a manner that protects your comfort and confidentiality. Protection of health information: Your privacy rights related to medical records and health information are described in the Practice’s Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP). Personal and religious expression: You may wear personal or religious items that are meaningful to you, as long as they do not interfere with treatment or diagnostic procedures.

Health Status, Communication, and Informed Consent Policy

You have the right to receive information about your health in a clear and understandable way so that you can participate meaningfully in your care. This policy ensures that you are informed, supported, and able to make decisions with confidence. As part of these protections, you are entitled to the following: Clear explanations of your health status: Your condition, test results, and treatment recommendations will be explained in terms and language that you and your caregivers can reasonably understand. Active participation in your care: You may take part in discussions about your treatment plan and engage in decisions involving your care, unless doing so is determined to be harmful to you. Right to know your care team: You may ask for and receive the names and roles of the health care professionals involved in your treatment. Information about follow-up care: You will be informed about what care or monitoring is recommended after your visit or procedure. Explanation of risks, benefits, and side effects: Medications, procedures, and treatment options will be reviewed with you so you understand their potential effects and expected outcomes. Access to experimental or innovative options : When applicable, you may be informed about new, innovative, or experimental treatments available for your condition. Awareness of alternative treatments: If appropriate, alternative approaches to diagnosis or treatment will be described so you can consider your options. Details about procedures: Before a procedure begins, you have the right to understand what it involves and to provide informed consent. Understanding possible outcomes: You may ask about the expected results of your treatment, including outcomes and possible complications. Involvement in pain management: Your pain will be assessed, and you will be included in developing a plan for managing it effectively. In situations where another health care institution may contribute to your care, you also have the right to: Know which institutions are involved: You may be informed about the facilities or providers who may participate in your care. Understand their role: You have the right to know what services or support these institutions will provide. Decline their involvement: You may refuse care from outside institutions when appropriate. Additional rights include: Help obtaining follow-up care: Your provider may assist you in arranging follow-up services, when available. Requesting a different provider or second opinion: You may change providers or seek a second opinion from another clinician or specialist at your own expense.

Decision-Making and Treatment Choice Policy

You have the right to take an active role in decisions about your care. This policy supports your ability to choose how you participate, who may assist you, and what treatments or procedures you are willing to receive. As part of these protections, you are entitled to the following: Designating a health care representative: You may choose someone you trust to help make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Limiting who is involved in your care: You may exclude individuals whom you do not wish to participate in your treatment discussions or decisions. Requesting services when appropriate: You may ask about additional services you believe you need, with the understanding that the Practice may decline requests that are not medically necessary. Refusing treatment: You may decline any treatment or procedure offered to you, even after it has been explained, as long as refusal does not place you at immediate risk. Participating in research only by choice: You will not be included in any research study, investigational drug use, or medical device investigation without your voluntary, written consent. Declining research involvement: You may refuse participation in experimental treatments or studies at any time. Receiving the information required for consent: Before agreeing to a treatment or procedure, you may ask questions and expect clear explanations about what it involves. Providing consent before procedures: No procedure will begin without your informed consent, except when required in urgent or emergency situations.

Access to Services and Communication Support Policy

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You have the right to access services that help you communicate effectively and receive care without unnecessary barriers. This policy ensures that you can understand your treatment, navigate the facility safely, and receive appropriate support when needed. As part of these protections, you are entitled to the following: Interpreter and translation assistance: You may request interpreter, translation, or communication support services to help you understand your care in a timely and accurate manner. Use of a service animal: You may bring a service animal with you to the Practice, except in areas or situations where restrictions apply for safety or clinical reasons. Accessible facilities: You have the right to access buildings, rooms, and services in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Timely responses to questions and requests: You can expect reasonable and prompt attention to your questions, concerns, and requests for assistance during your visit.

Ethical Decision-Making Policy

You have the right to take part in discussions about the ethical aspects of your care. This policy ensures that you are informed, supported, and able to express your preferences when serious or sensitive decisions arise. As part of these protections, you are entitled to the following: Open discussions about conflict resolution: You may talk with your doctor about any disagreements or concerns related to your care and work together to find an appropriate resolution. Decisions regarding resuscitation : You may discuss choices related to do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) orders or the withholding of resuscitative services when medically appropriate. Decisions about life-sustaining treatment: You may participate in conversations about foregoing or withdrawing life-sustaining measures when such decisions are part of your care planning. Consideration of clinical trials or investigational studies: You may ask questions and discuss whether participation in research or investigational treatment is an option for you. Notification regarding refusal of treatment: If your refusal of necessary treatment prevents the Practice from providing care that meets ethical or professional standards, you will be informed that the treatment relationship may need to end.

Protective Services and Patient Safety Policy

You have the right to be protected from harm and to receive support when concerns arise about your safety, treatment, or well-being. This policy ensures that you can seek help, report issues, and expect a fair and timely response from the Practice and appropriate oversight agencies. As part of these protections, you are entitled to the following: Access to protective and advocacy services: You may seek assistance from protective or advocacy organizations if you need support related to safety, rights, or well-being. Clear information about complaint procedures: You may receive the Practice’s policies for: Initiating a complaint How complaints are reviewed How complaints are resolved Where and how to file complaints , including the appropriate contact information Ability to discuss concerns openly: You may speak with your physician or the Practice’s management team about any problems, questions, or issues related to your care or experience. Right to file formal complaints: You may file a complaint with appropriate agencies if you have concerns involving: Abuse Neglect Misuse of property Unresolved problems Patient safety or quality-of-care concerns Fair evaluation of concerns: You have the right to a fair and impartial review if you believe your rights have been violated. Protections under state law: When applicable, you may receive: Care and treatment for mental illness or developmental disability , as permitted by law All legal and civil rights to which you are entitled as a citizen Access to emergency procedures: You may expect emergency care within the Practice’s scope to be provided without unnecessary delay. Information needed to approve care: You have the right to receive the explanations and details required to make informed decisions about treatments or procedures.

Billing, Financial, and Administrative Rights Policy

You have the right to receive clear, honest, and accessible information about the financial aspects of your care. This policy ensures transparency in billing practices and supports your ability to make informed decisions about the costs and resources related to your treatment. As part of these protections, you are entitled to the following: Review of your medical bills: You may examine your health care bills, regardless of your ability to pay or the source of payment. Access to financial resource information: You may request information about programs, options, or resources that may help address financial needs related to your care. Clarity regarding Medicare participation: You may ask whether the Practice, your physician, or other team members accept Medicare. Understanding Medicare-related charges: You may receive explanations about the Medicare charges associated with your services and treatment. Reasonable estimates upon request: You may request a reasonable estimate of your expected charges before receiving treatment, along with an explanation of how those charges are determined. Freedom to choose suppliers: You may select the provider of your choice for: Prescription drugs Medical supplies Medical equipment Protection under applicable law: You are protected by regulations, including CA Section 1320 of the Health and Safety Code, which ensures that you are not required to purchase medications, supplies, or equipment from any specific vendor.

Your Patient Responsibilities

Your responsibilities as a patient are an important part of maintaining a safe, respectful, and effective care environment. Fulfilling these responsibilities helps support your treatment plan, protects the rights of others, and ensures that care can be provided in a coordinated and timely manner. As part of your role in the care process, you are expected to: Provide accurate and complete health information: Share truthful details about your medical history, current health status, medications, prior hospitalizations, and any other information needed to support your care. Inform the Practice of changes or concerns: Notify the care team about changes in your condition, any risks related to your care, safety concerns, or if you believe your patient rights have been violated. Ask questions and confirm understanding: Speak up if you do not understand any part of your treatment plan, instructions, or expectations, and ask for clarification when needed. Follow the care plans and instructions provided: Adhere to the treatment recommendations given by your physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. Keep scheduled appointments: Attend your appointments as planned or provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Accept responsibility when refusing care: Understand that declining recommended treatment or not following instructions may affect your health outcomes. Pay your bills on time: Fulfill financial obligations related to your care in a timely manner. Follow Practice rules and procedures: Adhere to policies designed to support safety, efficiency, and respectful interactions. Respect staff and other patients: Demonstrate courtesy, consideration, and cooperation toward all members of the care team and other individuals receiving care. Participate in pain management communication: Work with your providers to assess, discuss, and manage pain, including communicating concerns about medications or treatment options. Refrain from abusive behavior: Avoid language or conduct that is threatening, aggressive, or inappropriate, as these behaviors may result in dismissal from the Practice. Understand that ongoing noncompliance may affect care: Repeated refusal to follow medical advice or treatment plans may lead the Practice to end the care relationship when appropriate.

Filing a Complaint With the Texas Medical Board

If you have a concern about the professional conduct or quality of care provided by a physician or other licensed individual overseen by the Texas Medical Board, you have the right to file a complaint directly with the Board. This process allows patients to raise concerns with the appropriate regulatory authority for review and investigation. You may report complaints involving: Physicians Physician assistants Other licensees or registrants regulated by the Texas Medical Board To file a complaint, you may use the following contact information: Mailing address for investigations: Texas Medical Board Attention: Investigations 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610 P.O. Box 2018, MC-263 Austin, TX 78768-2018 Phone numbers for assistance: (512) 305-7030 — for callers within Texas (800) 248-4062 — for callers outside Texas Email for filing or requesting help: ve ****** @ ********** tx.us For additional details on how to submit a complaint or to access online resources, you may visit the Texas Medical Board website .