Privacy & Consent

Notice of Health Information Practices

Each time you visit a hospital, physician, or other healthcare provider, a record of your visit is made. Typically, this record contains your symptoms, examination and test results, diagnoses, treatment, and a plan for future care or treatment. How this information, often referred to as your health or medical record, may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information is explained in our Notice of Health Information Practices.

"Do Not Publish" Status

You have the right to choose not to have your name on the patient list at the information desk or switchboard. Please let our Patient Access Representative in Admitting know that you would like “Do Not Publish” status if this is your wish.

You should know however, that the hospital will be unable to direct call, visitors or deliveries to you if this level of privacy is your choice.

Informed Consent

As a patient, you have the right to “Informed Consent.” This means that your physician will explain the advantages and risks of procedures, tests or treatments. You have the right to refuse any treatment. If the reason for some part of your care is unclear to you, please ask your physician or nurse to explain it to you.

Advance Medical Directives

It is your right to make informed decisions regarding your care and treatment. With an “Advance Medical Directive,” appointment of a health care agent and health care instructions provide protection if you ever become mentally or physically unable to choose or communicate your wishes because of an accident or illness. If you have Advance Directives, please bring an original copy to the hospital to be placed on your medical chart. If you need a copy of the form to fill out your Advance Directives, the Admitting Office, Patient and Guest Services or the nursing unit can provide you with a form. With these forms as part of your medical record, someone you trust can make the medical choices that affect your life, your family knows clearly what your wishes are, and your physician has guidelines for your care. A copy of your Advance Medical Directive must be presented at each admission.

"Do Not Resuscitate" Order

A special order can be placed on your chart if you and your family decide you do not want hospital personnel to use lifesaving techniques in the event your heart or breathing stops. Your doctor can discuss this with you. If you choose this option, you will still receive all the regular patient care from your nurse and physicians, with particular attention given to you and your family's need for emotional support and your need for pain management.

Organ and Tissue Donation

In the event of death, organ and tissue donation is an opportunity to extend a gift of life to someone. The state of Maryland requires the health care provider to inform your family of the opportunity to donate organs and tissues for transplantation. Specially trained staff will provide all the information needed to assist you and your family in making a decision which you can feel comfortable.