Patient  Rights

Sonoma County Indian Health Project, Inc. (SCIHP) recognizes and respects the following rights of our patients:

  1. To be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity, including sensitivity to Indian cultures and traditions.

  2. To privacy concerning your own illness and management of that illness.  Case discussion, counseling, examination, and treatment shall be conducted in confidence.  Medical students, Dental students, and other trainees will always be introduced to you, and you have the right to refuse them permission to be directly involved in your care.

  3. To have the confidentiality of your healthcare information protected and to have Privacy Act regulations enforced, including the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of information, except when required by law.

  4. To know the name and qualifications of staff providing your care, and to change your healthcare provider if other qualified healthcare providers are available.

  5. To obtain from your health care provider complete information concerning your diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis in terms that you can understand.  This will include any known potential advantages and/or risks of treatment.  When not medically advisable to give such information to you, the information shall be made available to an appropriate person on your behalf, consistent with SCIHP’s Notice of Privacy Practice.

  6. To participate in decisions involving your health care, except when such participation would be contraindicated for medical reasons (e.g. in emergent situations).  This includes the right to refuse treatment and to be informed of the consequences of your decision to refuse.

  7. To expect a reasonable response to your request for services customarily rendered by the facility and consistent with your treatment; and when not available at SCIHP to be referred for specialized care as necessary and/or to know where services can be obtained.

  8. To request and receive a full explanation of any and all fees that SCIHP charges.

  9. To make any suggestions or comments regarding your visit and to access our patient grievance procedures by contacting Patient Services.

 

Patient  Responsibilities

You have very important responsibilities when obtaining health services at Sonoma County Indian Health Project, Inc. (SCIHP)

  1. New Patient Registration:  Prior to receiving services, it is your responsibility to complete the patient registration process and provide appropriate documentation such as tribal ID or a birth certificate to prove eligibility for care.  Social Security cards and picture ID’s are also required.  Please bring your Medi-Cal, Medicare, private insurance and/or third party resource information with you.

  2.  Providing Current Information and Requested Documents:  It is your responsibility to obtain and provide current and any necessary documentations as requested (noted above).  This documentation could include, but is not limited to the following:  current address, telephone number, and any official documentation regarding guardianship if you are registering a child or minor for services.

  3.  Providing Current Health Information:  It is your responsibility to provide complete and accurate information regarding your health, any medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements and any allergies or sensitivities.

  4.  Keeping Appointments:  It is your responsibility to keep all appointments as scheduled.  All children or minors must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.  If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, it is your responsibility to notify the appropriate department or program at least 24 hours in advance.

  5.  Following the Treatment Plan:  It is your responsibility to follow the instructions of your healthcare providers to the best of your ability, and to inform them if treatment or medications do not help, or of any change in your condition, or of any adverse reaction to the treatment prescribed.  This includes having a responsible adult to transport you home from the facility and remain with you for 24 hours, if required by your provider.

  6.  Medications:  It is your responsibility to take all medications according to the directions of the prescriber.  If there is anything you do not understand about your medication, it is your responsibility to seek the advice of your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

  7.  Patient Conduct:  It is your responsibility to treat staff and other patients with respect, and to conduct yourself in a socially appropriate manner when conducting any business with the facility, including use of Clinic services and interacting with Clinic staff.  Clinic rules and regulations are in place for the safety and consideration of all patients and staff.

  8.  Advanced Directives:  It is your responsibility to provide SCIHP with a copy of your Advanced Directives, living will or medical power of attorney which express your healthcare wishes should you become unable to make your own healthcare decisions.

  9.  Payment of Fees:  You are responsible for the prompt payment of any fees you are being charged for SCIHP services, if applicable.  Payment schedules may be arranged with the Fiscal Department.  If eligible, a sliding fee schedule may be arranged with the Patient Services Coordinator prior to your visit.

    NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES