Section 246-320-141 - Patient rights and organizational ethics The purpose of this section is to improve patient care and outcomes by respecting every patient and maintaining ethical relationships with the public.
Hospitals must:
(1) Adopt and implement policies and procedures that define each patient's right to: (a) Be treated and cared for with dignity and respect;(b) Confidentiality, privacy, security, complaint resolution, spiritual care, and communication. If communication restrictions are necessary for patient care and safety, the hospital must document and explain the restrictions to the patient and family;(c) Be protected from abuse and neglect;(d) Access protective services;(e) Complain about their care and treatment without fear of retribution or denial of care;(f) Timely complaint resolution;(g) Be involved in all aspects of their care including:(i) Refusing care and treatment; and(ii) Resolving problems with care decisions.(h) Be informed of unanticipated outcomes according to RCW 70.41.380;(i) Be informed and agree to their care;(j) Family input in care decisions;(k) Have advance directives and for the hospital to respect and follow those directives;(l) Request no resuscitation or life-sustaining treatment;(n) Donate organs and other tissues according to RCW 68.50.500 and 68.50.560 including: (i) Medical staff input; and(ii) Direction by family or surrogate decision makers.(2) Provide each patient a written statement of patient rights from subsection (1) of this section;(3) Adopt and implement policies and procedures to identify patients who are potential organ and tissue donors;(4) Adopt and implement policies and procedures to address research, investigation, and clinical trials including:(a) How to authorize research;(b) Require staff to follow informed consent laws; and(c) Not hindering a patient's access to care if a patient refuses to participate.(5) No later than sixty days following the effective date of this section, every hospital must submit to the department its policies related to access to care: (c) End of life care; and(d) Reproductive health care.(6) The department shall post a copy of the policies received under subsection (5) of this section on its web site.(7) If a hospital makes changes or additions to any of the policies listed under subsection (5) of this section, it must submit a copy of the changed or added policy to the department within thirty days after the hospital approves the changes or additions.(8) Hospitals must post a copy of the policies provided under subsection (5) of this section to its own web site where it is readily accessible to the public, without requiring a login or other restriction.Wash. Admin. Code § 246-320-141
Amended by WSR 14-02-040, filed 12/23/13, effective 1/23/2014Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.41 RCW and RCW 43.70.040. 09-07-050, § 246-320-141, filed 3/11/09, effective 4/11/09.