Patient Bill of Rights

As a patient of Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach, I have these rights:

• To be called by my name
• To receive a smile and loving care
• To be given careful evaluation, and courteous, prompt treatment
• To know the names of my doctors, my nurses and any others who help care for me
• To have my basic needs met—to be clean, dry, comfortable and without restraints whenever possible
• To have my routine followed whenever possible—uninterrupted sleep, quiet times, playroom, school and the comfort of my parents and family members. My schedule (inpatient & outpatient) should be designed for my convenience as much as possible.
• To have a schedule for my tests and procedures that does not keep me hungry or thirsty any longer than necessary
• To be provided appropriate explanations and preparation for any medical procedures
• To make choices whenever possible when they do not interfere with the quality of my care
• To have my discomfort or pain identified and be provided with appropriate support and/or medication to keep me as comfortable as possible
• To cry and make noise, or object to anything that hurts me
• To have my parent with me any time that they are able to stay, as long as it does not compromise my care. This includes X-rays, lab tests, etc.
• To have an interpreter for my family and me whenever possible. The interpreter is provided at no cost to you.
• To be told what is happening to me, and to have any questions answered honestly, in words I can understand
• To have confidentiality about my illness
• Not to have people talk about me over my bed, in an exam room, outside the door or in the hallway unless I know what is happening
• To be discharged from the hospital as soon as possible without compromising my health