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

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

As a patient you have the right to:

Be informed honestly about your care and treatment plans.
Make informed decisions about your care.
Have your physician or a person of your choice notified of your admission.
Know the names and roles of your care team.
Have privacy and confidentiality respected.
Receive timely responses to requests.
Request medically appropriate treatment.
Refuse treatment as allowed by law.
Receive culturally and spiritually sensitive care.
Request a second opinion.
Be informed about pain management options.
Receive free interpreter services when needed.
Create an advance directive.
Be free from abuse, harassment, and unnecessary restraint.
Be informed about discharge planning.
Access your medical records.
Receive information about costs of care.
Request an autopsy as permitted by policy or law.
Receive designated visitors and manage visitation preferences.
File a complaint or grievance with Patient Relations.

A Patient Advocate is available to assist you with questions, concerns, or feedback.

Patient Advocate Contacts

Contact information by location:

Backus Hospital

Patient Advocate: 860.889.8331 ext. 2196
Patient Relations: 326 Washington Street, Norwich, CT 06360
Phone: 860.889.8331 ext. 6828
TTY: 860.545.2247
Email: eastregionadvocacy@hhchealth.org

Additional Contacts

Connecticut Department of Public Health:
860.509.7400 / 1.800.842.0038
Visit DPH website

The Joint Commission:
1.800.994.6610
www.jointcommission.org

Patient Responsibilities

This statement reflects that mutual respect and cooperation are essential to quality healthcare.

Inform your care team about any health changes.
Provide accurate and complete health information.
Follow hospital rules and ensure visitors do the same.
Be respectful of other patients and staff.
Meet financial responsibilities or seek assistance if needed.
Protect your personal belongings.

Download the Patient Bill of Rights in your desired language:

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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.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

As a patient you have the right to:

Patient Advocate Contacts

Backus Hospital

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital

Hartford Hospital

The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Manchester Memorial Hospital

MidState Medical Center

St. Vincent’s Medical Center

Windham Hospital

Additional Contacts

Patient Responsibilities

Download the Patient Bill of Rights in your desired language:

Select a Hospital:

Select a Language:

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