You have the right to receive quality hospice care at little or no cost, provided you are hospice appropriate - meaning you have been diagnosed by a physician with a terminal condition and been given approximately six months or less to live.

• You will be treated with respect, consideration and dignity by the hospice professional staff and trained volunteers.
   
• Your personal and medical information will be safeguarded and maintained in a confidential manner.
   
• You will have a choice and be encouraged to actively participate in decisions regarding the medical treatment plan along with the emotional and spiritual services available to you.
   
• You will receive an appropriate level of pain and symptom management to maintain an acceptable comfort level and quality of life.
   
• You have the right to discontinue hospice care at any time and may be readmitted, without prejudice, at any time in the future providing you are appropriate for hospice care.
   
• You may refuse any medication or treatment to the extent provided by law.
   
• You will receive clear and prompt answers to your questions, be allowed time to make decisions, and refuse a particular type of treatment if you choose.
   
• You will be cared for by professional staff members and informed about the names, titles and qualifications of personnel providing services.
   
• Your property will be treated with respect, and your privacy will be maintained to the fullest extent possible.
   
• You will be entitled to recommend changes in policies and services or present grievances to hospice staff, its Board of Directors, committees, or government officials without fear of intimidation, coercion, discrimination, interference or reprisal.
   
• You have the right to question and receive an explanation of any bill, and received information relating to financial assistance available through Hospice of Charles County.
   
• You will not be denied care or services because of your race, religion, nation origin, social status, age, handicap, medical diagnosis, sex, marital status or sexual preference, insurance coverage or ability to pay.

Patient and Family Rights and Responsibilities

It is with sincere gratitude that we thank Marilyn Marchant-Weaver for her able
assistance and expertise in creating the official web site for Hospice of Charles County.

Hospice of Charles County, Inc.
105 LaGrange Avenue PO Box 1703 La Plata, MD 20646
Local 301-934-1268 Fax 301-934-6437 Hearing Impaired 1-800-735-2258 Toll Free 888-934-1268

All content ©2001-2004 by Hospice of Charles County, Inc.