| Read Time: 3 minutes | Medical Malpractice
new york hospital patient rights

In many cases, the knowledge gap between patients and doctors is quite large.

This can lead to patients placing an inordinate amount of trust in their healthcare providers—potentially to their own detriment.

As a New York hospital patient, you have certain rights related to the medical care you receive from a hospital.

Understanding these rights is critical to ensuring you receive adequate care and knowing what to do in the event of a preventable medical error.

Read on to learn more about hospital patient rights in New York.

What Are New York Hospital Patient Rights?

new york hospital patient rights

Hospital patients in New York enjoy rights under both state and federal law.

While doctors should make you aware of your rights, do not make the mistake of assuming that they will.

Therefore, it is best for you to have an independent understanding of your rights before you set foot in the hospital.

Below are some of the most important New York hospital patient rights.

The Right to Participate in Decisions About Your Healthcare

While doctors are the experts when it comes to medicine, you are the expert when it comes to your body and what medical services you desire.

Doctors must provide you with a clear explanation of any medical test, treatment regimen, or medication they prescribe.

If a physician doesn’t answer all your questions, do not hesitate to speak up and get your questions answered.

The Right to Appeal Providers’ Decisions

In some cases, doctors are allowed to make healthcare-related decisions without asking you.

For example, a doctor determines when to discharge a patient from the hospital or what medications to prescribe.

However, if you disagree with your doctor, you have a right to appeal the decision in writing.

The Right to File a Complaint

If you believe you received inadequate treatment at a hospital, you have a right to file a complaint with the New York State Department of Health Office of Professional Medical Conduct.

The Health Office of Professional Medical Conduct will investigate your claim and determine if the provider committed misconduct.

The Right to Access Your Medical Records

As a New York hospital patient, you have a right to access your own medical records. Providers must honor requests to view medical records within 10 days.

Additionally, providers must provide copies of your records if you request them; however, they can charge up to 75 cents per page.

The information provided on this page speaks in general terms. Of course, there are exceptions that apply in certain situations.

For a complete list of all exceptions, please consult the Consolidated Laws of New York.

Attorney Naima is also happy to answer any questions you have about your injuries or ability to pursue a claim against the responsible party.

Learn More About Hospital Patient Rights By Contacting an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney at the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima

If you believe that a healthcare provider violated your patient rights, or you want to learn more about the rights of New York hospital patients, contact the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima.

Attorney Naima is a dedicated New York medical malpractice attorney with over 25 years of hands-on experience handling these complex cases.

He can advise you of your rights and help you determine the best course of action. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation, call (516) 980-3096 today.

Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.

Author Photo

Theodore A. Naima

Theodore A. Naima is the founding partner of the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, a Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Law Firm based in New York. In 2015, Ted was awarded the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the company that has long been recognized as setting the gold standard for lawyer ratings, signifying the highest degree of peer recognition and professional excellence.

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