Patient Responsibilities

As a patient of UCLA Health, you have the following responsibilities:

Healthcare is a shared responsibility. Engaging in discussion, asking questions, seeking information, and exploring alternatives improves communication and understanding of one's health and treatment.

• Patients, as well as their family members, representatives and visitors, are expected to recognize and respect the rights of our other patients, visitors, and staff. Threats, violence, disrespectful communication or harassment of other patients or of any medical center staff member, for any reason, including because of an individual's age, ancestry, color, culture, disability (physical or intellectual), ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, language, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other aspect of difference will not be tolerated. This prohibition applies to the patient as well as their family members, representatives, and visitors.
• In addition, requests for changes of provider or other medical staff based on that individual's race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity will not be honored. Requests for provider or medical staff changes based on gender will be considered on a case by case basis and only based on extenuating circumstances.
• To respect the rights and property of other patients and UCLA Health personnel. Just as you want privacy, a quiet atmosphere and courteous treatment, so do other patients. You have the responsibility to follow the organization's rules and regulations, limit your visitors, follow smoking regulations, and use the telephone, television, and lights courteously so that you do not disturb others.
• Following Safety Policies
• Patients and their families or visitors are expected to:
  • To prevent accidental fire due to ignition of a patient's administered oxygen therapy, do not bring any smoking materials (cigarettes/tobacco in any form, electronic cigarettes ["Vaping"], matches, lighters, battery recharger for electronic cigarettes,) into a patient's room.
  • Refrain from conducting any illegal activity on UCLA property. If such activity occurs, it will be reported to the police.
  • Refrain from recording your experiences in the hospital without the consent of everyone involved including Medical Center physicians, nurses, and other staff. Please Note that unauthorized recording violates California state law.
  • For the safety of all patients, visitors, faculty, staff, and students, do not bring any weapons onto health system property including but not limited to guns, knives, pepper spray (or similar), or tazers/stun guns.
• To report to your physician, and other healthcare professionals caring for you, accurate and complete information to the best of your knowledge about present complaints, past illness, hospitalizations, medications, unexpected changes in condition and other matters relating to your health as well as to provide a copy of your advance directive or POLST to be filed in your medical record, if applicable.
• To seek information about your health and what you are expected to do. Your healthcare provider may not know when you're confused or uncertain, or just want more information. If you don't understand the medical words they use, ask for a simpler explanation.
• The most effective plan is the one to which all participants agree and that is carried out exactly. It is your responsibility to tell your health care provider whether or not you can and want to follow the treatment plan recommended for you.
• To ask your healthcare provider for information about your health and healthcare. This includes following the instructions of other health team members, including nurses and physical therapists that are linked to this plan of care. The organization makes every effort to adapt a plan specific to your needs and limitations.
• To continue your care after you leave UCLA Health, including knowing when and where to get further treatment and what you need to do at home to help with your care.
• To accept the consequences of your own decisions and actions, if you choose to refuse treatment or not to comply with the care, treatment, and service plan offered by your healthcare provider.
• To keep appointments with your healthcare provider. If you need to cancel an appointment, you should do so at least 24 hours before your appointment time.
• To assure that your financial obligations for your healthcare fulfilled by paying bills promptly. Late payments increase overall charges. You are responsible for working with your account representative to make payment arrangements and for providing the information necessary to determine how your hospital bill will be paid.
• To follow UCLA Health rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
• To be considerate of UCLA Health facilities and equipment and to use them in such a manner so as not to abuse them.
• Any abusive or disrespectful behavior could result in dismissal from UCLA care or a visitor being barred from visitation.

If you have any questions regarding these Patient Responsibilities, please contact:

• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Office of the Patient Experience (Inpatient/Ambulatory Care) 310-267-9113
• UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Office of the Patient Experience (Inpatient/Ambulatory Care) 424-259-9120
• Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA, Patient Relations 310-267-9092

These Patient Rights combine Title 22 and other California laws, The Joint Commission and Medicare Conditions of Participation requirements.

These Patient Rights combine Title 22 and other California laws, The Joint Commission and Medicare Conditions of Participation requirements.