University of Utah Health Care

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

en Español

At University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics our goal is to provide excellent health care to every patient.  Our patients have the following rights and responsibilities regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, and / or veteran status:

It is your responsibility to:

  • Give correct and complete information about your health status and health history.
  • Ask questions if you do not understand information or instructions.
  • Inform your caregivers if you do not intend to or cannot follow the treatment plan.
  • Accept health consequences that may occur if you decide to refuse treatment or instructions.
  • Cooperate with your caregivers.
  • Respect the rights and property of other patients.
  • Tell your caregivers of any medications you brought from home.
  • Report any changes in your health status to your caregivers.

You have the right to:

Respect and Privacy

  • Respect in a caring and safe environment.
  • Personal privacy and confidentiality of your health information.

Quality Care

  • Proper evaluation and treatment.
  • Proper pain assessment and pain management.
  • Be free from restraints, except when needed to protect you or others from harm.
  • Be free from abuse.
  • Have access to protective services.
  • Spiritual services upon request.
  • Have your concerns heard and resolved when possible. If you have concerns about your care, contact your caregivers or a supervisor. If you are not happy with how your complaint is resolved, contact Customer Service at 801-581-2668. You may also file a complaint with the Utah Department of Health by calling 1-800-999-7339, or by calling the Joint Commission at 1-800-994-6610, or write to: Utah Bureau of Health Facility Licensing, Certification, and Resident Assessment, PO Box 144103, Salt Lake City, UT 84114.

Information & Communication

  • Know the names and roles of those caring for you.
  • Communicate with your caregivers in a language or method you can understand.
  • Have your personal physician and a person of your choice notified when you are admitted to the hospital.
  • Communicate with people outside the hospital by way of visitors, phone, and mail, except when doing so would interfere with your care. Any restrictions will be explained to you.
  • Be informed about your health status, recommended treatments, options, risks, and benefits.
  • Information about the costs of your care and payment methods.
  • Review and receive a copy of your medical record, subject to state law and hospital policy.

Make Decisions

  • Be involved with your care through discussions with your caregivers.
  • Have family members involved in your care when appropriate.
  • Be informed of benefits and risks of your treatment options, and agree to or refuse a course of action.
  • Choose whether or not to take part in research studies and to have studies explained to you before you decide. Other care will continue regardless of your decision to take part in research studies.
  • Direct your care through an Advance Directive. Advance Directives are legal forms which state your choices about the care you want to receive in serious health situations. Advance Directives are also used to name someone to make decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself. At your request, we will help you create an Advance Directive.
  • Request a new doctor or ask for a second opinion.