Patient Rights

Every patient has rights and responsibilities. They apply to all of our patients, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, social, cultural, educational or religious background, language, age, ancestry, citizenship, color, national origin, race, presence of mental or physical disability, source of payment for your care, medical condition, marital status or status as a veteran.

Every patient at UCSF Medical Center has the right to:

• Information that is complete and easy to understand
• Care and treatment that is considerate and respectful and that optimizes your comfort and dignity
• Participation in decisions about treatment options, benefits, risks and alternatives including appropriate pain management
• Privacy and confidentiality in all matters
• Consideration of personal beliefs and values
• Responsiveness to requests, needs, concerns, complaints or grievances
• Respect for advance health care directives, for your wishes regarding care and for all patient rights

We respect the rights of each patient. We are aware that each patient has unique and diverse health care needs. We encourage a partnership between you and your health care team. And we encourage you or your designated representative to participate in discussions and decisions about your care, options, alternatives, risks and benefits.

Please see our Notice of Privacy Practices for information about your rights and the obligations we have regarding the use and disclosure of your medical information.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 mandated significant changes in the regulations governing the provision of health benefits, delivery and payment of health care services, and security and confidentiality of patient health information.

You may ask for a copy of the complete list of patient rights and responsibilities from any clinic or nursing unit, or from Patient Relations by calling (415) 353-1936.