Patient and Parent Rights & Responsibilities

You and your child have the right to:

  • Be treated with kindness and respect regardless of your race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, handicap, or ability to pay.
  • Actively participate in all healthcare decisions.
  • Know the names of the providers, nurses, and staff members who are providing care.
  • Hear from the providers — in a language you understand — what is wrong with your child, the suggested treatment, and any follow-up instructions.
  • Know the risk and reason for any suggested care.
  • Request a consultation or second opinion from another provider.
  • Receive an explanation if something non-routine happens.
  • Expect confidentiality of all information regarding the care of your child.
  • Change providers.
  • Expect privacy.
  • Receive copies of your child’s medical records up to the age of 13.
  • If you have a complaint about your child’s care or treatment, the first people to talk with are those directly involved in your child’s care.
  • A timely response and explanation from our staff about services, billing, or any complaints you might have.
  • Assistance with community resources.

You and your child are responsible for:

  • Providing correct and complete information about your child’s complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and any other matters relating to your child’s health.
  • Following the care plan agreed upon by you and your healthcare team.
  • Being respectful of the rights of other patients, families, and staff.
  • Assuring that the financial obligations associated with your child’s care are fulfilled.
  • Asking questions about anything you do not understand.

Your teenager has the right to:

  • If 13 years or older, consent to outpatient treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues.
  • If 14 years or older, may consent to outpatient treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive health issues.
  • Consent to the use of birth control or pregnancy-related care.
  • If emancipated, consent to their own treatment.

If you are a teenager and wish to be seen for diagnosis and treatment for one of these conditions, please let our appointment scheduler know when you schedule your appointment and tell your provider. Your privacy is important to us.