Aurora Psychiatric Hospital is dedicated to providing high quality care
and services to all persons. We believe each patient is an individual with
unique health care needs and when he/she, along with the family, guardian,
or significant other understands and participates in their health care will
benefit to a greater extent than to those who do not. We seek to provide
care based on respect for the dignity of each patient as an individual and
to meet psychosocial, cultural and spiritual values to the extent possible.
If we cannot provide the services required for your care or to respond to
your requests we will arrange for you to be transferred to a facility that
is able to meet those needs. This transfer would be arranged in
collaboration with you (or your guardian) and the receiving facility.
We are a teaching hospital
A teaching hospital like ours, in addition to providing you with good
medical care and related hospital services, has an obligation to help with
the training of a variety of health professionals. However, your privacy and
comfort are our concern. Therefore, if you question any aspect of this
education process, please discuss the matter with your doctor or nursing
staff.
The patient and health care providers
We recognize that a good relationship between the patient and his/her
doctor and hospital staff is a key element in good patient care. Our
physicians and staff will attempt to develop such a relationship with you,
and we ask that you make every effort to do the same. We encourage you to
communicate with us. Your concerns are our interests. Your physician is
responsible for your overall care.
Confidential information
The confidentiality of all mental health and chemical dependency patient
records maintained by Aurora Psychiatric Hospital is protected by federal
and state law and regulations. Generally, the program may not say to a
person outside the program that patient attends the program, or disclose any
information identifying the patient as an alcohol or drug abuser or mental
health patient unless:
The patient consents in writing
Disclosure is allowed by court order, or
The disclosure is made to medical personal in a medical emergency or
to qualified personnel for research, audit, or program evaluation
Violation of the federal law and regulations by the program is a crime.
Suspected violations may be reported to appropriate authorities in
accordance with federal regulations. Federal laws and regulations do not
protect any information about a crime committed by a patient either at the
program or against any person who works for the program or about any threat
to commit such a crime.
Statement of patient care and rights
Federal laws and regulations do not protect any information about
suspected child abuse or neglect from being reported under state law to
appropriate state or local authorities. (See 42 U.S.C. 290dd-3 and 42 U.S.C.
290ee-3 for Federal laws and 42. C.F.R. Part 2 for federal regulations.)
Ethics statement
Aurora Psychiatric Hospital recognizes the organization's ethical
responsibility to the patients and community it serves. A description of the
ethical expectations of all employees and Privileged Professionals can be
found in the Organizational Ethics Plan and Process in the Hospital
Administrative Manual. This policy will be given to you by any staff person
at your request. This policy addresses the following categories:
Patient care
Clinical decision making
Admission, discharge and transfer
Marketing practices
Financial and billing practices
If you have any issues related to ethical questions, refer your question
to staff and/or the Program Manager or call the Risk Manager at 454-6543.
Right to file a complaint or grievance
You, your family, guardian or others have the right to file a complaint
or grievance related to your care or services to your staff and/or the
Program Manager or call the Risk Manager at 454-6543 without experiencing a
compromise to current or future treatment. Grievances will be investigated
for the opportunity to resolve dissatisfaction and improve care and
services. To submit your complaint online, please
click here.
If the grievance is not resolved to your satisfaction you have the
right to contact a State Bureau of Quality Assurance representative at:
2917 International Lane
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 243-2074
Minors and patients with court appointed guardians
(Specific to Mental Health) Within the confines of Mental Health
laws, in cases of minors and in cases of adults when it is believed the
patient is not able to comprehend proposed treatment, the nature of the
illness or participate fully in discharge planning, the parents, family or
legal guardian will be involved in the plan of treatment and discharge
recommendations.
Should a conflict arise between the patient, family, guardian, caregiver
or physician regarding treatment and cannot be resolved, the issue may be
referred to the Ethics process. Contact the Program Manager to assist you
with this or call the Risk Manager at 454-6543.
Your responsibility as a patient
Aurora Psychiatric Hospital is committed to making the quality of care
and safety of all patients, employees, physicians and visitors a leadership
priority throughout the organization.
You and your family or other designated representatives are an important
part of this effort. We need you to participate in your health care as an
integral member of the health care team. As such, your responsibilities as a
member of the health care team are as follows:
Providing Information -- Provide to the best of your
knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints,
past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters
relating to your health or your family member's health.
Reporting any problems, perceived risks or issues in the care
you are receiving and any unexpected changes in your condition or in the
condition of your family member to one of the caregivers or doctor
immediately. If you wish to speak with someone other than your nurse or
doctor, please ask your nurse for a manager.
Asking questions when you do not understand what you have
been told about your care or the care of your family member, or what you
are expected to do.
Following instructions and the care plan and verbalizing to
care givers any concerns you have about your ability to follow and
comply with the proposed care plan, course of treatment, or medications.
Every effort will be made to adapt your care plan to meet your needs.
When your caregivers do not recommend such adaptations, you will receive
clear information necessary for you and your family to understand the
consequences and alternatives of following the proposed care plan.
Accepting consequences for the outcomes if you do not follow
the care, service or treatment plan.
Following rules and regulations of the health care
organization concerning patient care and conduct.
Showing respect and consideration of other patients,
caregivers and the health care organization's property.
Meeting financial commitments agreed to with the health care
organization.
A few more suggestions
The hospital environment may be confusing and we may overlook matters
which are important to you. The following suggestions may be helpful.
Ask all who are involved in your care to identify themselves if they
are not known to you
Ask that visitors and others not involved in your care be restricted
if you do not feel up to seeing other people
Ask for an explanation of anything about your care that you do not
understand
Your health and comfort are the primary interest of our medical staff and
employees.
Patient rights
When you receive mental health or chemical dependency services at Aurora
Psychiatric Hospital as an inpatient, partial hospital, outpatient or
residential level of care you have the following rights: A few of these
rights can be restricted or denied for treatment or safety reasons. These
rights are identified by an asterisk.*
Treatment free of discrimination because of race, sex, color,
national origin, age, religion, handicap, creed, ancestry, sexual
orientation, marital status or source of payment.
To have reasonable access to care, as appropriate, in all levels and
programs provided within the facility.
To have a family member or representative of your choice and your
personal physician notified promptly of your admission to the hospital
at your request and with your written consent for disclosure.
Care and treatment in the least restricted environment including
access to the outside consistent with medical judgment and safety.
Physical restraint and/or seclusion will be used only if your physician
and staff have good reason to believe you are a danger to yourself or
others.
To be free from unnecessary or excessive medication.
To have care and treatment provided in a safe environment that
recognizes and respects your personal dignity.
To request a same sex staff person to assist you in bathing.
To be free from all forms of abuse or harassment.
To have adequate and human services, regardless of your sources of
financial support.
To have an individual treatment plan and information regarding your
care, procedures, and treatments as prescribed. To have your treatment
plan reviewed regularly and revised as needed.
To actively participate in the planning of your treatment and
involve other's at your request. Responsible parent, guardian, or
relative of adolescents and children will also be involved in the
planning of treatment.
To have the hospital provide an adequate number of competent,
qualified, experienced clinical staff to supervise and implement your
treatment plan based on standards within the community.
*To have visits with family, significant others and friends and the
right to say who may visit. Visits with an attorney or clergy cannot be
restricted.
*To reasonable privacy during your hospital stay.
To send and receive mail without hindrance. Mail may, for security
reasons, be physically inspected in your presence.
*Have reasonable access to a telephone to make and receive phone
calls.
To have all restrictions and/or limitations on visitation, calls, or
other communication be fully explained to you and your family.
To have your rights explained in language understood by you and
these rights are protected by all hospital staff.
To have a printed copy of your rights in your personal possession,
as well as being posted in your treatment setting.
To be informed about your health status and be able to refuse
medications and other medical care.
To refuse hazardous or drastic treatments and to take part in
experimental research.
To have all your care, procedures, medications, and treatment
explained to you and parents or guardians of children and adolescents
with adequate information to make an informed decision. You have the
right to withdraw consent verbally or in writing.
To be informed of alternative treatment procedures available.
(Includes guardians and parents of children and adolescents).
To be informed in writing before, upon, or at a reasonable time
after admission, of any liability that you or your family may have for
the cost of care and treatment and to receive information about charges
for care and treatment services. (Includes guardians and parents of
children and adolescents).
To be informed of the hospital and the physician's legal and
therapeutic options should you refuse treatment. (Includes guardians and
parents of children and adolescents).
To be provided with information about the outcome of my treatments
or procedures when there are significant unexpected adverse outcomes.
To be informed of any possible risks, side effects, and benefits of
all medication and treatment procedures. (Includes guardians and parents
of children and adolescents).
To have your pain management needs assessed and have a pain control
plan which will include reassessment, intervention and patient family
education.
To be informed in writing of the present and future use and
disposition of products of special observation and audio visual
techniques such as one-way vision mirrors, tape recorders, television,
movies or photographs. (Includes guardians and parents of children and
adolescents).
To be informed of the rules and regulations of the program
applicable to your conduct.
To participate in, along with your designated representative, the
consideration of any ethical issues that arise in your case.
To participate in discharge planning, including the plans for
meeting continuing mental and physical health following discharge.
(Includes guardians and parents of children and adolescents).
To have access to your treatment record of medications you take or
any other treatment that affects your body.
To have access to your full treatment record while hospitalized only
if your physician approves.
To have your psychosocial, spiritual and cultural values met to the
extent it does not interfere with the safety and treatment of others.
Have the right to use your money as you choose except to the extent
that authority over the money is held by another.
To have access, following discharge, to your complete medical record
and to obtain a copy for the usual fee.
The right to be given assistance to access Protective Services if
you are in danger in your environment or in need of other support.
To receive assistance in formulating Advance Directives.
Release Request – If a patient requests discharge prior to the
clinical decision of the physician, the physician has the responsibility
to assess the safety of the patient and the community in relationship to
the discharge. In the case of an adult the physician must make this
determination before the end of the next business day and in the case of
a child/adolescent within 48 hours. The physician must either discharge
the patient or issue a Treatment Director Affidavit. Patients or parents
of children will be advised of this procedure.
Children/Adolescents – Adolescents (age 14-18) and parents
(guardians) have the right to all basic rights, the right to request
discharge, be informed of any procedure, be informed of effects and side
effects of medication, be involved in treatment and discharge planning.
If an urgent care or emergency care transfer is necessary the parent
(guardian) will be informed.
