Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

It is the policy of the Mankato Clinic to protect the rights of patients and to inform them of their rights, as well as responsibilities. This policy is adapted from the 1998 Patients Bill of Rights Act.

Copies of the Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities are posted in prominent areas throughout the Mankato Clinic. 

Patients Rights

Patients have the right to:

• Treatment that is considerate, safe, dignified and respectful.
• Complete information concerning diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and prognosis from their physician in terms they can understand. When it is medically inadvisable to give such information to a patient, the information is provided to a person designated by the patient or a legally authorized person.
• Appropriate privacy.
• Receive from their physician the necessary information to enable them to give informed consent prior to any treatment or procedure.
• Have the opportunity to participate in decisions involving their health care, except when such participation is contraindicated for medical reasons.
• Refuse to participate in experimental research.
• Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of such action.
• Expect that all communications, patient disclosures, and records are confidential and except when required by law, be given the opportunity to approve or refuse their release.
• Examine and receive an explanation of their financial obligation regardless of who pays it.
• View fees or cost for services upon request.
• Receive medically necessary treatment without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status.
• Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing services and to know the physician who has primary responsibility for their care.
• Be informed of their right to change primary or specialty physician if other qualified physicians are available.
• Consult with a specialist at the patient’s request and expense.
• Be informed of the need to be referred to another facility or specialty.
• Expect reasonable continuity of care.
• Being assured that advertising regarding the competence and capabilities of the Mankato Clinic, Ltd. is not misleading.
• Complete an advanced directive outlining their wishes regarding their health care should they become unable to express their desires.
• Be given the opportunity to express suggestions and grievances.

Patient Responsibilities

Patients are responsible for:

• Providing the Mankato Clinic with an accurate past and present medical history regarding present complaints, past illness, hospitalizations, surgeries, existence of advanced directives, medications, allergies, and other pertinent data.
• Showing behavior that is respectful and considerate to other patients, families, visitors, and personnel of the Mankato Clinic, Ltd.
• Participating in their treatment.
• Informing their health care provider or physician immediately if they don’t understand instructions or if they do not believe they will be able to follow them.
• Notifying their care provider or physician about any changes in their condition.
• Accepting the consequences of their actions if they refuse or do not participate in their recommended treatment plan.
• Keeping their scheduled appointment times, and if unable to keep the appointment time to advise the Mankato Clinic, Ltd. as soon as possible.
• Observing safety regulations and policies.
• Assuring that their financial obligations are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
• The disposition of their valuables as the Mankato Clinic, Ltd. does not assume this responsibility.
• Keeping the Mankato Clinic campus smoke free.