Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Principles of Lincoln Community Health Center

1. Lincoln County residents should have access to services in the areas they live.
2. Every person seeking services should be served by caring and empathetic individuals with services and supports to stabilize their disorder and to maximize independence, dignity, self-worth and recovery.
3. Individuals seeking services, their families, and other support persons should be full participants in policy setting, planning, delivery and evaluation of services.
4. Individuals should receive services that address the whole person.
5. Needs should be identified at the earliest point possible and at the youngest age possible in order to improve the health of our community.

Patient's Rights

You have the right to...

• Receive a written copy of individual rights prior to receiving care.
• Access to service regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, language, ability to pay, and mental or physical ability.
• Be treated with respect, dignity, receive adequate and timely treatment with compassion.
• Choose a provider and request information about the credentials and training of staff.
• Receive confidential services and to consent to disclosure of any private health information (PHI).
• Access individual's clinical records.
• Participate in planning treatment.
• Receive information regarding individual's diagnosis and prognosis that is understandable.
• Actively participate in decisions about procedure, treatment regimen, alternative care and potential risks and benefits.
• Give informed consent in writing prior to the start of services, except in a medical emergency or as otherwise permitted by law.
• Refuse treatment.
• Refuse to participate in experimentation.
• Be informed of the cost of care and to receive a discount based on need.
• File a grievance or complaint free from retaliation.
• Exercise all rights without any form of reprisal or punishment.

Patient's Responsibilities

You have the responsibility to...

• Participate in care and treatment planning. Asking questions is encouraged.
• Be actively involved in following mutually agreed upon treatment plan.
• Provide accurate health, mental health and financial information. To inform care provider of changes in physical or emotional health.
• Not bring weapons into the clinic or engage in violence and threats of violence.
• Arrive on time for scheduled appointments and notify LCHHS in advance of any delay or cancellation.
• Pay for services or communicate challenges paying your bill.
• Protect the confidentiality of others.