All hospitals have the responsibility to ensure that their patients retain their right of independence in expression, decisions, actions and personal identity.

We will endeavor to ensure that you retain the following basic human rights throughout your hospitalization and association with Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital.

Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital staff will ensure that each patient admitted to the hospital:

1. Is informed of these rights, as evidenced by his/her written acknowledgement, and receives an explanation, in terms that he/she can understand, and a copy of the patient’s rights.
   
    
2. Is informed of services available in the hospital, of the names and professional status of the personnel providing and/or responsible for his/her care, and of fees and related charges, including the payment, fee, deposit, and refund policy of the hospital and any charges for services not covered by sources of third-party payment or not covered by the hospital’s basic rate.
   
    
3. Is informed of the plan for treatment and of his/her condition, unless medically contraindicated as documented by a physician in the patient’s medical record, is informed of the risks associated with the use of any drugs and/or procedures, and has the opportunity to participate in the planning of his/her treatment, to refuse medication and treatment and to refuse to participate in experimental research.
   
    
4. Is informed of the alternatives for care and treatment.
   
    
5. Is transferred or discharged only for medical reasons, to comply with clearly expressed and documented patient choice, or in conformance with the New Jersey Advance Directives for Health Care Act, as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:43H-5.4(d), or for his/her welfare or that of other patients, upon the written order of the patient’s physician, and such actions are documented in the patient’s medical record, except in an emergency situation, in which case the administrator shall notify the physician and the family immediately, and document the reason for the transfer in the patient’s medical record. If a transfer or discharge on a non-emergency basis is requested by the hospital, including transfer and discharge for non-payment for the patient’s stay (except as prohibited by sources for third party payment), the patient and his/her family shall be given at least 10 days advance notice of such transfer or discharge.
   
    
6. Has access to and/or may obtain a copy of his/her medical record, in accordance with the hospital’s policies and procedures and with applicable Federal and State law rules.
   
    
7. Is free from mental and physical abuse, free from exploitation, and free from the use of chemical and physical restraints, except those restraints used in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:43H-6.1 (a) 07. Drugs and other medications shall not be used for punishment or for convenience of hospital personnel.
   
    
8. Is assured confidential treatment of his/her records and disclosures in accordance with State and Federal statutes and rules, and shall have the opportunity to approve or refuse their release to any individual outside the hospital, except in the case of the patient’s transfer to another health care facility or as required by law or third-party payment contract.
   
    
9. Is treated with courtesy, consideration, respect, dignity, individuality, and right to privacy, including but not limited to, auditory and visual privacy and confidentiality concerning patient treatment and disclosure. Privacy of the patient’s body shall be maintained during toileting, bathing, and other activities of personal hygiene, except as needed for patient safety or assistance.
   
    
10. Is not required to perform work for the hospital unless the work is part of the patient’s treatment plan and is performed voluntarily by the patient. Such work shall be in accordance with the local, State and Federal laws and rules.
    
     
11. May associate and communicate privately with persons of his/her choice, may join with other patients or individuals within or outside the hospital to work for improvements in patient care, may send and receive personal mail, unopened, and upon his/her request, shall be given assistance in the reading and writing of correspondence.
    
     
12. May participate in hospital activities and meet with, and participate in activities of social, religious, and community groups. Arrangements shall be made, at the patient’s expense, for attendance at religious services of his/her choice, when requested.
    
     
13. Is allowed to leave the hospital if his/her physician approves and is so indicated in the patient’s medical record. A sign out sheet shall record the patient’s whereabouts at these times.
    
     
14. Is assured security in retaining and using personal clothing and possessions as space permits, unless to do so would be unsafe or would infringe upon the rights of other patients. If the patient has property on deposit with the hospital, he/she shall have daily access to such property during specific periods established by the hospital.
    
     
15. Is allowed daily visitation at least between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm and, if critically ill, is allowed visits from his/her family at any time, unless medically contraindicated (as documented by a physician in the patient’s medical record). The hospital shall conspicuously post the visiting hours, which shall include at least the time between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm daily. Members of the clergy shall be notified by the hospital at the patient’s request and shall be admitted at the request of the patient and/or family at any time. Privacy shall be ensured for visits with family, friends, and clergy or for professional or business purpose.
    
     
16. Is allowed to conduct private telephone conversations between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm daily.
    
     
17. Is not required to go to bed unless ordered by a physician, with documentation in the patient’s medical record.
    
     
18. Is assured of civil and religious liberties, including the right to independent personal decisions. No religious beliefs or practices, or any attendance at religious services shall be imposed upon any patient.
    
     
19. Is not the object of discrimination with respect to participation in recreational activities, meals, or other social functions because of age, race, religion, sex, nationality, or ability to pay. The patient’s participation may be restricted or prohibited if recommended by the patient’s physician in the patient’s medical record and consented to by the patient.
    
     
20. Is not deprived of any constitutional, civil and/or legal rights solely because of admission to the hospital.
    
     
21. Is encouraged and assisted, throughout the period of stay, to exercise rights as a patient and as a citizen, may voice grievances on behalf of himself/herself or others, and has the right to recommend changes in policies and services to hospital personnel and/or outside representatives of the patient’s choice, free from restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal.
    
     
22. Patients of the hospital and their families can expect information about pain and pain relief measures, a concerned staff committed to pain prevention and management, health professionals who respond quickly to reports of pain; health professionals who believe you or your child’s reports of pain, and to state of the art pain management.
    
     
23. The Chief Executive Officer shall provide all patients and/or families with the names, address, and telephone numbers of the following offices where complaints may be lodged:
    
    Division of Health Facilities Evaluation
    NJ State Department of Health
    CN 367
    Trenton NJ 08652
    (800) 792-9770 for Public Advocate  

    And in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, call the Division of Youth & Family Services (856) 802-0181 or (800) 792-8610 evenings and on holidays.

24.  These telephone numbers shall be conspicuously posted in the hospital at every public telephone and on all bulletin boards used for posting public notices.