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Patient Rights and Advance Directives

As a patient being seen by physicians and staff at a SLUCare facility, you have the right:

  • To know the identity of all physicians and staff participating in your treatment; as a teaching and health care institution, physicians, residents, medical students and physician assistants participate in your care
  • To be treated with respect, consideration and dignity, including consideration of psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin
  • To participate in decisions involving your health care; to be assisted in the development of advance directives, and to know and take responsibility for the consequences of refusing treatment or not complying with therapy; to participate in the consideration of ethical issues
  • To receive services in a safe and clean environment
  • To privacy and confidentiality, and to approve or refuse the release of your medical records, except when release is required by law
  • To receive information concerning your diagnosis, treatments and prognosis; and to accept or refuse treatment after full information is given
  • To know what services are available within SLUCare and what provisions are available for after hours and emergency coverage, and to have access to an interpreter as needed
  • To refuse to participate in medical research
  • To know the fees for services provided and the policies regarding the payment of fees
  • To be free from abuse or neglect and to access protective services
  • To know the policy regarding the treatment of minors
  • To be referred to specialists and other professionals when needed, and to change physicians if you are not satisfied and if other qualified physicians are available
  • To voice a compliment or complaint or to file a formal grievance, please complete our online Patient Feedback form.

Patient Responsibilities

As a patient being seen by physicians and staff at a SLUCare facility, you have the responsibility:

  • To provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to your health
  • To follow the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner responsible for your care and for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner's instructions
  • To keep appointments and, when unable to do so, to notify the attending practitioner
  • To ensure that the financial obligations of your health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible
  • To be considerate of the rights of other patients and personnel by assisting in the control of noise and by observing the no-smoking policy
  • To be respectful of the property of other persons
  • To ask for clarification when explanations regarding your treatment have not been given to your satisfaction

About Your Advance Directive

An advance directive is a written document that clearly communicates your health care wishes in the event that you are unable to do so.

Types of Advance Directives

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that allows you to designate another person (known as a proxy agent) who is at least 18 years of age to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to do so. These decisions may include, but are not limited to, the withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures.

A living will or health care directive is a document that allows you to state in advance your wishes regarding the use of certain medical procedures and treatments. It becomes effective when you are unable to make your own decisions and can no longer communicate such decisions. It serves as a guide to your family or the person you name as your agent.

The health care team at SLUCare will provide you with the best care possible, whether or not you have an advance directive. 

For more information about SLUCare services, please call 314-977-4440 or 866-977-4440.