Patient/Client Rights and Responsibilities

At Gannett Health Services, we strive to provide high-quality health care that recognizes the experiences, values, and needs of the individuals who make up the diverse community that relies on us for services. We believe that a confidential, mutually respectful partnership between health care providers and patients and clients is the best way to develop and maintain optimal health. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a patient or client of Gannett is central to this partnership.

As a patient or client of Gannett, you have the right:

• To be treated in a professional, courteous, and caring manner that respects and appreciates differences related to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, personal values, age, disability, and economic or veteran status.
• To request the health care provider of your choice or change your health care provider, as well as to request a second opinion or referral.
• To receive complete information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of your health concern in language you can understand. We will provide confidential interpreters when needed.
• To receive information you need to participate in decisions about your care, and to give consent before any diagnostic or treatment procedure is performed.
• To decline treatment, to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the consequences of making this decision.
• To expect that your personal privacy will be respected and confidentiality protected to the greatest extent permitted by law. We do not release information outside of Gannett (including to parents, professors, potential employers) without your written permission, except upon court order, as required by law (as in the case of certain communicable diseases and reports of child abuse), or as required, in our judgment, to protect you or others from physical danger. (Please talk with the Billing Office about your options for ensuring the confidentiality of your bills.)      
• To ask for and receive an explanation of any charges billed by Gannett.
• To review any health records created and maintained by Gannett regarding your care and treatment. Please see Gannett’s Privacy Notice. (pdf).

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As a patient or client of Gannett, you have the responsibility: 

• To provide accurate and complete information about current and past health issues, medications (including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements), andy allergies or sensitivities, and other matters pertaining to your health.
• To ask questions to make sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment, expected outcome, and any instructions.
• To follow through on the treatment plan you and your health care provider make together, including completing medications and returning for follow-up appointments.
• To keep your appointment, or change or cancel it in a timely manner, to allow others in need to have access to a health care provider.
• To inform your health care provider about any living will, medical power of attorney, or other directive that could affect your care.
• To provide a responsible adult to transport you home from the facility and remain with you for 24 hours, if required by your health care provider.
• To have health insurance that meets Cornell’s requirements, understand what your insurance does and does not cover, and provide information about your insurance as needed for processing claims.
• To use services wisely, be aware of costs, and accept personal responsibility for paying all charges billed to you that are not covered by your insurance.
• To be respectful of others, including Gannett staff, volunteers, patients and clients.
• To communicate with your health care provider, a patient advocate (255-3564), or any Gannett staff member if you have concerns or suggestions about the care you receive here, so we can work together to provide you with the best possible service in the future.