When receiving services, VNA of Care New England believes every person served has rights and responsibilities. VNA of Care New England has the responsibility to protect and promote the rights of each patient, client, and family to be treated with respect and dignity.
The patient, client, and family have a right to:
- Be fully informed of your rights and responsibilities.
- Receive considerate and respectful care; to know the names and qualifications of the individuals providing care, treatment, and service.
- Care as outlined in the plan of care, access to necessary service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and reasonable continuity of care. You will be admitted for care and treatment only if our agency is able to provide safe and professional care at the level of intensity needed.
- Receive care that respects the right to privacy to the extent consistent with providing adequate care and efficient administration of VNA of Care New England. This does not preclude discreet discussion of a patient’s case or examination by appropriate medical personnel.
- Privacy and confidentially with regard to all records pertaining to the patient’s treatment with the exception of abuse and neglect cases or if there is a danger to self or others. The patient also has the right to review his/her own medical records, at a mutually designated time, upon request.
- Approve the release of personal, financial, and medical information to institutions, agencies, and individuals only by written consent, or as required by law.
- A timely response to the request for service from a provider as long as it is not inconsistent with the patient’s treatment, and be informed in a timely manner if a scheduled visit is to be canceled or changed.
- Be informed of the need for, and alternatives for transfer to another facility, if such a transfer is planned.
- Be informed in a timely manner of impending discharge, or termination of services.
- Information regarding identities of all the health care and educational institutions that VNA of Care New England has authorized to participate in the patient’s treatment, and the relationship between the institutions, and VNA of Care New England upon request.
- Make inquiries and seek education about any aspect of the care plan and be informed of possible consequences regarding refusals of medications, treatment, or other aspects of the care plan and to refuse any treatment to the extent permitted by law.
- Be allowed to examine, at a mutually designated time, or be given an explanation of the bill rendered by VNA of Care New England upon request, regardless of the payment source, and to receive notification of the payment VNA of Care New England will pursue and expects to receive from insurance companies, and remaining financial obligations. A summarized medical bill is provided within thirty (30) days of discharge from VNA of Care New England upon request. A fee assessment form is available to VNA of Care New England patients assuring consolidation of all alternative pay sources.
- Examine pertinent VNA of Care New England rules and regulations governing the patient’s treatment.
- Considerate, respectful, and ethical treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, national origin, disease, or source of payment, and receive care that respects the patient’s security with regard to home and belongings and privacy with regard to the delivery of care.
- Participate in the development of the plan of care and treatment and be involved in any changes. The plan of care will include which disciplines will visit and the proposed frequency of the visits.
- Obtain the health care record or part thereof, at no charge, by the patient, his/her attorney, or authorized representative, if necessary, for supporting an appeal under any provision of the social security act (42 U.S.C. 301-1397e) if the request is accompanied by documentation of the appeal. VNA of Care New England will supply the information within 30 days.
- Express complaints and concerns without fear of discrimination or reprisal and receive information about VNA of Care New England complaint process and the State Home Health Hotline 24 -hour number at 1-401-222-5200. To voice a complaint write to VNA of Care New England, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886 or call at (401) 737-6050 or 1-800-348-6417.
- Establish advance directives, participate in ethical decision making, designate a person to act as a representative, receive information necessary to give informed consent, and refuse to participate in any experimental project if proposed by VNA of Care New England.
The patient, client, and family have the responsibility to:
- Provide complete and accurate information to the best of your knowledge about your present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, pain, medications, allergies, and other matters relating to your health.
- Give the organization accurate and up to date information regarding health insurance coverage and information necessary to establish a plan of care.
- Inform the physician or nurse regarding changes or reactions to medications and/or treatment.
- Participate in the planning and updating of your home health care and treatment plan.
- Follow the mutually agreed upon plan of care as established. Notify VNA of Care New England of any changes in condition that may change the plan of care.
- Inform the visiting staff if instructions are not understood, or if you are unable to follow the instructions given concerning the plan of care.
- Notify VNA of Care New England and any other applicable health care provider of any advance directives and changes related to these directives.
- Advise VNA of Care New England of any problems or dissatisfaction with service.
- Inform the organization when you are unavailable for a visit.
- Treat our organizations’ staff with respect.
- Notify the organization immediately if there is a change in your health care coverage.
- Assist in maintaining a safe environment.
- Remain under the care of a licensed physician and inform staff of a change in physician and/or orders.
- Understand that services are provided on an intermittent basis.
