While you are a patient at Deborah you can be assured that you are being cared for by healthcare professionals dedicated to providing you the highest quality care possible. Our goal is to meet your healthcare needs in a manner that is efficient, effective and compassionate.

Whether you're here for a week or one hour, you should be aware of your rights as a patient and what you should expect from us in regard to privacy, communication, costs, legal rights and other issues. Because we respect you, we are explaining "patient rights" to you. You are entitled to these rights under state law and regulations.

Personal Needs

To be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect for your dignity and individuality.

To have access to storage space in your room for private use. The hospital must also have a system to safeguard your personal property.

Freedom From Abuse

To freedom from physical and mental abuse.

To freedom from restraints, unless they are authorized by a physician for a limited period of time to protect the safety of you or others.

Legal Rights

To treatment and medical services without discrimination based on age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preference, handicap, diagnosis, ability to pay, or source of payment.

To exercise all your constitutional, civil, and legal rights.

Privacy and Confidentiality

To have physical privacy during medical treatment and personal hygiene functions unless you need assistance.

To confidential treatment of information about you. Information in your record will not be released to anyone outside the hospital without your approval, unless it is required by law.

Questions or Complaints?

To present questions or unresolved complaints, please direct them to John Ernst, the Executive Director of the Center. The Director may be reached from within the Center by dialing 5285. The Director may be reached from outside the hospital by calling (609) 893-1200 ext. 5285. All questions and complaints will be addressed within 48 hours. You may directly contact the NJ Department of Health Complaint Hotline at 1-800-792-9770.

Brought to you as a service of Deborah Heart and Lung Center and the New Jersey Hospital Association, Princeton, NJ.