Patient Rights

You have the right to considerate, respectful care at all times and under all circumstances, with recognition of personal dignity. Respect for and accommodation of cultural, religious and spiritual beliefs and practices will be given so long as interference with the rights of others is avoided and undue risk to the patient is avoided.
You have the right to access available treatment or accommodations that are medically indicated, regardless of race, creed, age, gender, nationality, or payment source.
You have the right to receive care in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse, neglect, or harassment.
You have the right to be called by your proper name.
You have the right to know the identity and professional status of individuals providing care and to know which physician or other practitioner is primarily responsible for your care.
You have the right to have a family member or person of your choice and your own doctor notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
You have the right to have someone remain with you for emotional support during your hospital stay, unless your visitor’s presence compromises your or others’ rights, safety or health. You have the right to deny visitation at any time.
You have the right to be told by your doctor about your diagnosis and possible prognosis, the benefits and risks of treatment, and the expected outcome of treatment, including unexpected outcomes.
You have the right to give written informed consent before any non-emergency procedure begins.
You have the right to have your pain assessed and to be involved in decisions about treating your pain.
You have the right to be free from restraints and seclusion in any form that is not medically required.
To expect that any discussion or consultation involving your care be conducted discreetly and that individuals not directly involved in your care not be present without your permission.
You have the right to access protective and advocacy services in cases of abuse or neglect. The hospital will provide a list of these resources.
You, your family, and friends with your permission, have the right to participate in decisions about your care, your treatment, and services provided, including the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law. If you leave the hospital against the advice of your doctor, the hospital and doctors will not be responsible for any medical consequences that may occur.
You have the right to agree or refuse to take part in investigative studies, a research project, clinical trial or educational activity. You may withdraw from a study at any time without impacting your access to standard care.
You have the right to communication that you can understand. The hospital will provide sign language and foreign language interpreters as needed at no cost. Information given will be appropriate to your age, understanding, and language. If you have vision, speech, hearing, and/or other impairments, you will receive additional aids to ensure your care needs are met.
You have the right to make an advance directive and appoint someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable. If you do not have an advance directive, we can provide you with information and help you complete one.
You have the right to be involved in your discharge plan. To be informed in advance of furnishing or discontinuing patient care whenever possible. You or your delegate has the right to be informed of any continuing health care requirements.
You may not be transferred to another facility or organization unless you have received a complete explanation of the need for the transfer and of the alternatives to such a transfer to the accepting facility.
You have the right to involved in care planning/treatment and to request or refuse treatment.
You have the right to request and receive an itemized and detailed explanation of your total bill for services rendered in the hospital. The patient also has the right to request clarification of his/her charges and/or billing procedures.
You can expect that all communication and records about your care are confidential, unless disclosure is permitted by law. You have the right to see or get a copy of your medical records. You may add information to your medical record by contacting the Medical Records Department. You have the right to request a list of people to whom your personal health information was disclosed.
You have the right to give or refuse consent for recordings, photographs, films, or other images to be produced or used for internal or external purposes other than identification, diagnosis, or treatment.
You have the right to withdraw consent up until a reasonable time before the item is used.
If you or a family member needs to discuss an ethical issue related to your care, you may call:
- Director of Risk Management: (575) 751-5793 (0800 – 1700 M-F)
- Administrative Services Manager: (575) 758-8883 ext. 5766 (0800 – 1700 M-F)
- House Shift Manager: (575) 613-2256 (1700 – 0800 Daily)
- An Ethics Service member will return your call.
You have the right to spiritual services. You may contact your own clergy directly or ask your nurse to assist you in contact with one of your choice.
You have the right to voice your concerns about the care you receive. If you have a problem or complaint, you may talk with your doctor, nurse manager, or a department manager. If your complaint can not be resolved Immediately you may also contact:
- Director of Risk Management: (575) 751-5793 (0800 – 1700 M-F)
- Administrative Services Manager: (575) 758-8883 ext. 5766 (0800 – 1700 M-F)
- House Shift Manager: 575-613-2256 (1700 – 0800 Daily)
You also have the right to file a grievance directly with:

New Mexico Department of Health (“DOH”)
Call: 1-800-445-6242

Or Mail To:
Division of Health Improvement
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110

Your Responsibilities

Patients and family members are expected to follow hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct. Do not bring alcohol, tobacco products or any illegal substances.
Patients and family are expected to treat all hospital staff, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect; and be mindful of noise levels, privacy, and number of visitors
You are expected to provide complete and accurate information, including your full name, address, home telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier, and employer when it is required.
You should provide the hospital or your doctor with a copy of your advance directive, Living Will, Health care Power of Attorney, 5 Wishes, Mental Health Care Power of Attorney, Pre-hospital Medical Care Directives, and Consent for Patient Representative.
You are responsible to provide, to the best of their knowledge, accurate and complete information about the present complaint, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health.
You are expected to ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment plan, you are responsible for telling your doctor.
You are responsible for outcomes if you do not follow the care, treatment, and service plan.
You are responsible to notify the doctors and nurses of unmet care needs or care concerns. You are expected to actively participate in their pain management plan and communicate the effectiveness of the treatment.
You are asked to please leave valuables at home and bring only necessary items for your hospital stay.
You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your health insurance coverage and to pay your bills in a timely manner.
Patients are entitled to information about the hospital’s mechanism for initiation, review, and resolution of patient complaints.
You have the responsibility to keep appointments, be on time, and call your health care provider if you cannot keep your appointments.