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Patient rights and responsibilities

As a patient, you have a right to:

  • Know the names of the caregivers who treat you.
  • Receive quality care provided by competent personnel in a considerate, respectful and safe environment.
  • Confidentiality and personal privacy (although "privacy" does not mean the right to a private room).
  • Make informed decisions about your care, including requesting and/or refusing treatment.
  • Actively participate in decision-making and in developing and implementing your treatment, plan of care, discharge plan and pain management plan.
  • Access and receive copies of your medical records.
  • Be free from seclusion and restraints, unless medically necessary.
  • Be free from discrimination, abuse or harassment.
  • Formulate an advanced directive and have your treating providers follow those directives.
  • Appoint a personal representative or/and lay caregiver of your choice.
  • Receive a complete explanation of our charges and your bill.
  • Consult with another physician or request transfer to another facility.
  • Receive information in a manner that you understand, including translation or interpretation services, based on language differences and/or impairments.
  • Receive visitors and to be informed of policies and procedures that may reasonably restrict or limit visitation.
  • Receive pastoral care during your stay.
  • Voice complaints without fear of reprisal and receive a timely response to your concerns. To voice a complaint related to your care, please call Patient Relations at 406.375.4511. You may also contact either of the following:

    Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
    406.444.2037 or http://dphhs.mt.gov/qad/QADComplaint

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    800.633.4227 or www.hhs.gov/regulations/complaints-and-appeals/index.html

As a patient, you are responsible for:

  • Providing us with a complete and accurate medical history.
  • Participating in developing your plan of care and cooperating with the plan of care to the best of your ability.
  • Requesting further information concerning anything you do not understand about your plan of care.
  • Accepting the consequences for any refusal of treatment or choice of noncompliance.
  • Immediately reporting any changes in your condition to your care team.
  • Advising us of any problems or dissatisfaction with your care as soon as possible.
  • Notifying us of changes in your advanced directives.
  • Following hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
  • Being considerate of the rights and property of other patients and hospital personnel.
  • Knowing the extent of your insurance coverage and insurance requirements and meeting your financial obligations.

Non-discrimination

Bitterroot Health is a not-for-profit healthcare organization committed to providing care to all persons regardless of race, creed, color, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

We accept persons covered by Medicaid or Medicare and we offer charity care and financial assistance to those in financial need. Individuals presenting for emergency services will not be denied services if they cannot pay for them.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against by Bitterroot Health, please contact Corporate Compliance at 406.375.4623 or the Office of Civil Rights at 1.800.368.1019, TDD 1.800.537.7697, or hhs.gov/ocr.