Patients Bill of Rights
View your rights as a patient
in a hospital in New York State
On April 14, 2003, Federal Privacy Standards known as The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) became effective to protect patients’ medical records and other health information provided to insurance companies, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. The rule gives patients the right to access their medical records, and provides patients more control over how their personal health information is used and disclosed. Exceptions to the privacy rule are payment activities, treatment, and healthcare operations.
The Medical Center is committed to protecting the medical information of our patients. As such, there may be times when the information given to friends and family may be restricted in order to protect the patients’ medical information. In order to assist us with disclosure to patients’ family members and friends, each patient is encouraged to assign a healthcare proxy. In the event that the patient is unable to give consent to release medical information, this healthcare proxy will provide us with the information we need to maintain your wishes.
At the time of admission, patients will be asked if they would like to have their name placed in our patient directory. If they decide not to have their name in the directory (optout), outside callers, including family members, will not be informed of the patient’s status at the Medical Center.