PATIENT BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We want to encourage you, as a patient at UAB, to communicate openly with your health care team,
participate in your treatment choices, and promote your own safety by being well informed and actively
involved in your care. Because we want you to think of yourself as a partner in your care, we want you to
know your rights as well as your responsibilities during your stay with us. We invite you and your family to join
us as active members of your care team.
All UAB Medicine patients shall have the RIGHT:
1. To receive considerate, respectful and compassionate care regardless of your age, gender, race, religion,
culture, language, disabilities, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
2. To receive information in a manner that is understandable and have access to sign or foreign language
interpreter services. We will provide an interpreter as needed.
3. To be called by your proper name and to be told the names of the health care team involved in your
care.
4. To receive care in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse, neglect or harassment.
5. To have a family member or representative of your choice and your own physician/dentist notified
promptly of your admission to the healthcare facility, if you so choose.
6. To be told by your doctor/dentist about your diagnosis and possible prognosis, the benefits and risks
of treatment, and expected outcome of treatment, including unanticipated outcomes. You have the
right to give written informed consent before any non-emergency procedure begins.
7. To have your pain assessed, reassessed, and be involved in decisions about managing your pain.
8. To be free from restraints and seclusion in any form that is not medically required.
9. To expect full consideration of your privacy and confidentiality in care discussions, examinations and
treatments. You may ask for a chaperone during any type of examination.
10. To access protective and advocacy services in cases of abuse or neglect. The hospital will provide
protective and advocacy resources.
11. To participate in decisions about your care, treatment and services provided, including the right to
refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, request another physician, or to be moved to another
hospital. If you leave against the advice of your doctor/dentist, UAB will not be responsible for any medical
consequences that may occur.
12. To agree or refuse to take part in medical research studies. You may at any time withdraw from a study.
13. To make an advance directive, appointing someone to