Answer to Question 1
Answer: A, B, C, D
The importance of patient rights is evident in the American Nurses Association's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics as well as in the standards set for accreditation of various types of healthcare agencies by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission's Speak Up program is dedicated to patient rights and begins as follows: You have the right to: be informed about the care you will receive; get important information about your care in your preferred language; get information in a manner that meets your needs; make decisions about your care; refuse care; know the names of the caregivers who treat you; safe care; have your pain addressed; care that is free from discrimination; know when something goes wrong with your care; get a list of all your current medications; be listened to; be treated with courtesy and respect; have a personal representative of your choice, not to have one appointed to you by the healthcare provider.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: A
Individual clients who feel their rights have been violated or are endangered have a number of options. Many hospitals and large provider agencies have client advocates who can help clients navigate the system and intervene to ensure that their rights are maintained. Many states have an office designated by the governor or secretary of health to assist clients with issues related to patient rights in long-term care. The state's department of health may also be able to help.