Patient Bill of Rights

Accepted by San Juan County Board of Health on October 22, 2014 and revised on December 19, 2014.

• All non-emergent patients will be seen in an out-patient clinic when it is open and the clinic should be staffed accordingly to meet those needs.
• Community Health Care Assessments, as required by the ACA, will be completed and disseminated to the public without delay.
• Family Physicians (preferably Board Certified) who can provide a broad range of medical care for which they have been trained are essential. Specialists and sub-specialists play a supportive rather than primary role in the delivery of general medical care.
• In the event of a medical emergency necessitating air evacuation, patients will be able to determine, in concert with the Medical Director of EMS, which carrier is to be used unless their condition is critical and delay could compromise their outcome or inclement weather or another commitment by the air carrier precludes its use.
• Patients shall expect their physician to provide all necessary care that is medically recognized as standard of care and is in compliance with all applicable laws. This includes contraception counseling, termination of pregnancy options, initiation of appropriate treatment and referral in cases of threatened abortion with communication with the receiving hospital and/or physician receiving that patient. In addition, it is expected that inquiring patients receive counseling regarding death with dignity, and what options are available and make appropriate referrals when indicated.
• Patients shall have a choice of a primary care physician who can provide continuity of care and with the patient, when necessary, refer to physicians of their choice. Any such referral shall include all of the records (clinic notes, laboratory and imaging reports) and made available to the specialist prior to that consultation.
• The Emergency Rooms will be utilized only by patients with true emergencies (as defined by the American College of Emergency Physicians).
• The medical needs of the community shall be identified with input from local physicians, community citizens, and hospital administration with oversight from the San Juan County Board of Health, San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 Board of Commissioners, and Skagit County Public Hospital District No. 2, and implemented accordingly by those responsible for recruiting.