Patient rights and policies
Rely on Montage Health to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a patient, so you can make informed decisions about your medical care.
Patient rights
As a patient, you have the right to:
- Access your medical record
- Advance care planning to document your preferences for your future care if you become unable to voice them
- Care that meets high standards for safety
- Courtesy and respect from all Montage Health staff
- File a complaint if you believe there has been a violation of your rights
- Identify a healthcare power of attorney
- Information about your health status and care plan in terms you understand
- Know the names of the Montage Health care team providers who treat you
- Language assistance and interpreter services
- Make decisions about your care and have your concerns and preferences listened to
- Refuse care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-saving measures if your heart or breathing stops. If this is your choice, tell your doctor to write a do not resuscitate (DNR) order on your medical record. You may always change your mind and remove this order from your medical record
- View electronic health information in your MyChart account as soon as the results are available thanks to our compliance with the 21st Century Cures Act
Privacy practices
Read policies in place to protect your right to privacy. We take this responsibility seriously when it comes to your medical records, what information we release to the news media, and more.
Patient responsibilities
Take an active role in your care:
Community Hospital policies
Get insight into specific policies that apply to your visit to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.
Arbitration
If you’re admitted to the hospital for care, you’ll be asked if you agree to arbitration. Arbitration is a way to resolve any disputes that may happen between you, your doctor, and the hospital. It provides a fast, fair, and less-expensive way to handle claims than going to court. Ask your nurse or the hospital’s Patient Business Services for a detailed brochure.
Ethical issues
You or your representative (a friend, family member, or other person designated by you) may wish to discuss ethical issues related to your care. Contact your doctor, nursing manager, or the hospital’s Nursing Administration to connect you with our Bioethics Committee. All issues of this nature are held in strict confidence.
Medication policies
To ensure your safety, Community Hospital does not allow patients to bring medication from home unless the hospital pharmacy cannot provide it. By law, each medication brought by a patient would need to be evaluated by a hospital pharmacist before administering it.
Rest assured, there are many safety checks and laws in place to make sure you receive the right medication at the right time and dose during your hospital visit. The medications our pharmacy provides also follow strict processes for documentation.
Website policies
Feel confident viewing health-related information and accessing additional services online. Learn about Montage Health’s website policies, which protect your personal information as you browse our website.