In order to assure the highest quality of care at The Ohio State University Medical Center’s hospitals and other locations, we subscribe to the highest standard of patient rights and responsibilities. This section outlines these rights and responsibilities. Or you can download a PDF version of our Patient Rights and Responsibilities brochure
Your Rights
At Ohio State's Medical Center, our network of hospitals and community-based physician offices, we strive to ensure the best care possible in a safe and comfortable environment. We would like to remind you of your rights and responsibilities as a patient. These rights reflect our concern and commitment to making your stay with us as comfortable as possible.
If you have any questions about your rights or how to access your rights, please speak with your physician or nurse, or call:
• University Hospital and Ross Heart Hospital, Customer Service (614) 293-8944
• Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Office of Guest Services (614) 293-8609
• Ohio State University Hospital East, Customer Service (614) 257-2310
If you are calling from an OSU Medical Center phone, you only need to press the last five digits of the phone number.
Access Care
You are able to access care when medically indicated regardless of your race, creed, gender, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or source of payment.
For assistance, please speak with your physician, nurse or Customer/Guest Services.
• University Hospital and Ross Heart Hospital, Customer Service (614) 293-8944
• The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Office of Guest Services (614) 293-8609
• University Hospital East, Guest Services (614) 257-2310
If you are calling from an OSU Medical Center phone, you only need to press the last five digits of the phone number.
Access the Ethics Committee
You are able to request a consultation with the Ethics Committee.
For assistance at University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital and The James, contact the Department of Chaplaincy at (614) 293-8791. At UH East, please call (614) 257-3255.
Access Your Medical Records
You are able to request a review of your medical records.
For assistance, please contact your attending physician to review your records while an inpatient, or contact Medical Information Management at (614) 293-8657 for access to records after discharge.
Access to Medical Center Policies
You have access to Medical Center policies and procedures.
For assistance, please contact your charge nurse or Customer/Guest Services.
• University Hospital and Ross Heart Hospital Customer Service (614) 293-8944
• Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Office of Guest Services (614) 293-8609
• University Hospital East, Guest Services (614) 257-2310
If you are calling from an OSU Medical Center phone, you only need to press the last five digits of the phone number.
Advance Directives
You are able to execute an advance directive, including a living will and durable power of attorney for health care.
For assistance with Advance Directives, please contact Social Work at (614) 293-8427 or a member of your healthcare team. If you believe that your wishes regarding your advance directive are not being honored, at University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital, The James and OSU Harding Hospital contact the Department of Chaplaincy at (614) 293-8791 for access to the Ethics Committee. At UH East, contact the Department of Chaplaincy at (614) 257-3255 for access to the Ethics Committee.
Age-Appropriate Care for Minors
Neonatal, child and adolescent patients have the right to care and education that are appropriate to their age and development.
For assistance, please contact your physician, nurse or social worker.
Confidentiality
You are assured of the confidentiality of your medical records and of any discussions and decisions about your care.
For assistance, please contact your physician or Customer/Guest Services.
• University Hospital or Ross Heart Hospital, Customer Service (614) 293-8944
• Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Office of Guest Services (614) 293-8609
• University Hospital East, Guest Services (614) 257-2310
If you are calling from an OSU Medical Center phone, you only need to press the last five digits of the phone number.
Continuity of Care and Discharge Information
You are provided discharge information from your physician in writing about follow-up care.
For assistance, please speak with your physician, nurse or a member of your healthcare team.
Designate Others to Make Care Decisions
You may have a guardian, next of kin or other legally authorized responsible person make decisions on your behalf if you are not able to do so.
For assistance, please speak with a member of your healthcare team.
Information
You receive clear and understandable information about their care from your physician and other caregivers.
For assistance, please contact your physician or any member of your healthcare team.
Information About Charges for Treatment
You are entitled to participate in your treatment decisions and to receive information about the cost of treatment.
For assistance with hospital bills, please contact Patient Financial Services at (614) 293-2100.
Informed Consent and Refusal
You have the right to request information about your care and to know the risks, benefits and alternatives, except in an emergency. You may refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law.
For assistance, please speak with your physician or nurse.
Know the Identity of Your Caregivers
You are entitled to know the identity and professional status of those who care for you.
Non-Voluntary Discharge
Dodd Hall patients have the right to discharge information from the care team when they are not progressing toward the goals and continued treatment is no longer appropriate.
For assistance, please speak with your physician or nurse.
Pain Management
You will have your pain assessed, evaluated, treated and reassessed.
For assistance, please contact your physician, nurse or any member of your healthcare team.
Participate in Decisions about Your Care
You are encouraged to be involved in decisions about your care, treatment and services provided, including the informed consent process.
For assistance, please contact your physician, nurse or any member of your healthcare team.
Privacy
You have the right to personal privacy during the course of your treatment.
For assistance, please contact a member of your healthcare team.
Protective Services
You may expect a safe and secure environment, including assistance in accessing protective services as needed.
For assistance in accessing information regarding protective services, contact the Social Services Department at (614) 293-8427.
Receive Effective Communication
Caregivers will communicate effectively with you, your family and other visitors. Occasionally, communication may be restricted due to your medical condition or at your request.
Receive Information About Transfers
You receive information about being transferred to another provider of health services prior to the transfer.
For assistance, please contact your physician, nurse or a member of your healthcare team.
Release of Your Records
You may expect medical records will not be released to anyone without your consent, except when required by law or a third-party payer contract.
For assistance, please contact Medical Information Management at (614) 293-8657 or your physician’s office.
Report Concerns Regarding Care and Safety
You are able to voice concerns and get assistance with complaint resolution.
For assistance, please contact your nurse, physician or Customer Service/Guest Services.
Research & Teaching
You have the right to choose to participate in any research study or educational program.
For assistance, please contact your attending physician or nurse.
Respectful Care
You have the right to care with consideration for your personal dignity, which contributes to positive self-image. You have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion, humiliation, financial or other exploitation and retaliation.
For assistance, please contact your charge nurse or Customer/Guest Services.
• University Hospital and Ross Heart Hospital, Customer Service (614) 293-8944
• Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Office of Guest Services (614) 293-8609
• University Hospital East, Guest Services (614) 257-2310
If you are calling from an OSU Medical Center phone, you only need to press the last five digits of the phone number.
Safe and Clean Environment
You may expect to be cared for in a safe and clean environment. You are encouraged to report concerns regarding care and safety.
For assistance, contact the Safety Department at (614) 292-9767, with any safety issues; contact a member of your healthcare team with housekeeping issues; and contact the Department of Security with any security issues at 293-8500.
Second Opinion
You are able obtain a second opinion at your request and expense without jeopardizing your care.
For assistance, please contact your attending physician.
Special Needs Assistance
You are able to request assistance with any special needs. These include vision and hearing impairment, communication limitations (e.g., interpretation, translation and reading assistance) and consideration of special religious or cultural practices.
For assistance with special needs devices at no charge to the patient, please contact Customer Service.
• University Hospital and Ross Heart Hospital, Department of Customer Service call (614) 293-8944 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, or after hours call the hospital operator at (614) 293-8000 and ask for the hospital administrative manager on duty.
• The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Office of Guest Services (614) 293-8609
• University Hospital East, Guest Services at (614) 257-2310 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours call the hospital operator at (614) 257-3000 and ask for the administrative nursing supervisor.
For assistance with religious or cultural practices, please contact Department of Chaplaincy or a member of your healthcare team. For Department of Chaplaincy on the OSU campus, call (614) 293-8791. At UH East, call (614) 257-3255.
Special Situations
Psychiatric and correctional institute patient rights are specific to the situation. These patients have the right to see the specific policy.
Your Care is Our Concern
If you have any concerns about your care, treatment or safety, we encourage you to contact any member of your care team or Customer Service at 3-8944 or (614) 293-8944. A representative will talk with you about issues or concerns you have and help with communication between you and the appropriate individuals. Although most concerns can be resolved through this process, if at any time you feel you need more help, you may choose to contact:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights (Region V-Ohio): (312) 886-2359; TDD: (800) 537-7697
If you would like further information about Advance Directives and/or the forms necessary to write an Advance Directive, contact University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital, The James or OSU Harding at (614) 293-8427 or UH East at (614) 257-3060. These offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care lets you name someone to make decisions for you if you don’t have the capacity to make your own healthcare decisions. A Living Will allows you to list the care you want at the end of your life. You can print the forms for Advance Directive in the state of Ohio below.
If you need assistance in completing the forms or if you have particular questions about Advance Directives, please feel free to call any of the hospital departments listed below to talk to someone who may be able to help you.
You may choose to have one or both types of Advance Directives. These forms can help your doctor and your family to know your wishes. Be sure to talk with them about your care. Once the forms are signed and notarized, be sure to give a copy to your doctor and family members and keep extra copies at home in case you need to go to the hospital.
If you disagree with your medical treatment, you (or a family member) should speak with your doctor or nurse. Disagreements can usually be resolved with good communication. If you still have concerns, you (or a family member) may call the hospital Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee has members from different professions who can give advice in difficult situations. To contact the Ethics Committee, please call OSU Medical Center's Department of Chaplaincy at (614) 293-8791 or UH East Department of Chaplaincy Committee at (614) 257-3255 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. To contact the On-Call Chaplain during any other time, please call the operator at (614) 293-8000 (University Medical Center) or (614) 257-3000 (UH East).
Ohio State University Medical Center is committed to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services if you have limited English proficiency and/or have hearing and visual impairments. We want to ensure optimal communication between you and our staff to facilitate care. These services will be provided at no cost to you.
