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Patient Rights, Responsibilities & Privacy

At Hartford HealthCare, our patients and team members are expected to maintain a safe environment and be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect.

This place of caregiving will be free of threats, violence, disrespectful communication, abuse or harassment of other patients or members of the Hartford HealthCare community. Hartford HealthCare does not tolerate discrimination against any person, including patients and team members, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, culture, disability, age, sex, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Read the Joint Notice of Privacy Practices

Hartford HealthCare is committed to providing our patients and families with their rights and responsibilities.

As a patient, you have the right to:

  1. Be informed honestly about your care and treatment plans.
  2. Make informed decisions.
  3. Have your physician or a person of your choice notified of your admission.
  4. Know the names and roles of your healthcare providers.
  5. Personal privacy and confidentiality.
  6. A timely response to requests.
  7. Request medically appropriate treatment.
  8. Refuse treatment as allowed by law.
  9. Care that respects your beliefs, values, and culture.
  10. Request a second opinion.
  11. Information about pain management and treatment options.
  12. Free interpreter services when needed.
  13. Create an advance directive.
  14. Be free from abuse or harassment.
  15. Be free from unnecessary restraint.
  16. Information about post-discharge care.
  17. Access your medical records.
  18. Information about costs of care.
  19. Request an autopsy.
  20. Receive visitors and withdraw consent at any time.
  21. File a complaint or grievance.

A Patient Advocate is available to assist with questions, concerns, or feedback about your care.

Patient Advocate Contact Information

Patient advocacy contacts by hospital and organization
Organization Contact Details
Backus Hospital Phone: 860-889-8331 (ext. 2196)
Address: 326 Washington Street, Norwich, CT 06360
TTY: 860-545-2247
Email: eastregionadvocacy@hhchealth.org
Hartford Hospital Phone: 860-972-1100
Address: 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06106
TTY: 860-545-2247
Email: hhadvocacy@hhchealth.org
Midstate Medical Center Phone: 203-694-8350
Address: 435 Lewis Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451
TTY: 860-545-2247
Email: centralregionadvocacy@hhchealth.org
Behavioral Health Network Phone: 888-339-0444
Email: BHNAdvocacy@hhchealth.org
Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Phone: 860-696-6198
Email: MedicalGroupExperience@hhchealth.org

External Oversight Organizations

Connecticut Department of Public Health

410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134
Phone: 860-509-7400 or 1-800-842-0038
TTY: 860-509-7191
Visit Department of Public Health website

The Joint Commission

Office of Quality and Patient Safety
One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone: 1-800-994-6610
Visit The Joint Commission website

Patient Responsibilities

Mutual respect and cooperation are essential to delivering quality healthcare.

  1. Inform your care team about changes in your health.
  2. Provide accurate and complete health information.
  3. Follow hospital rules and ensure visitors do the same.
  4. Respect other patients and staff.
  5. Meet financial obligations or seek assistance if needed.
  6. Protect your personal belongings.

Download the Patient Bill of Rights in your desired language:

  • Select a Hospital: