Patients have State and Federal rights regarding health services provided in hospitals, clinics and other settings. Because the information changes frequently, and because the Minnesota Department of Health offers a variety of language translations and print sizes, please visit their web page to download the most current bill of rights.
Hospital staff and volunteers wear a name badge that includes name, department and photo. You have the right to know who is caring for you. If you have any concerns about a person’s identity, talk to your care team.
Medical staff includes the attending physician as decision maker for your care team. He or she, in addition, is a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. As a teaching hospital we also have fellows, residents and medical students who work under close supervision.
Nursing staff monitor your care, plans and coordinate your daily care with other health team members, and provide specialized treatment. They also help you learn about your illness and treatment.
Care coordinators are registered nurses who make sure all the parts of your team work together. They help you, your family and your care team talk to each other and help problem solve with you about your care needs after you leave the hospital.
Social work and discharge planning staff identify and solve problems related to your care needs, especially those related to social, emotional, and financial concerns. They also provide resources you may need when you leave the hospital.
Interpreter services is available if you or your companion are deaf, hard of hearing or prefer a language other than English, you have the right to an interpreter. You will also encounter environmental services staff and many more.
Visit Patient Relations to learn how you can ask questions about your rights and medical care as well as share any concerns or complaints.