Section 501.46. Patient’s rights

(a) The birth center shall have written policies and procedures to assure the individual mother the right to dignity, privacy, and safety and shall include, but not be limited to, the items listed in subsection (b). The policies and procedures shall be developed by the Physician Director of Medical Affairs and Director of Midwifery Services and approved by the governing body. The policies shall be reviewed, revised, and approved anually by the governing body.

(b) It is the right of every mother, or support person, to expect and receive:

(1) Good quality care and high professional standards that are continually maintained and reviewed.

(2) Answers to questions, regarding services and treatment, and the names and functions of the staff person providing services.

(3) Confidentiality, anonymity, and privacy.

(4) Respectful and dignified treatment at all times.

(5) Information regarding cost and counseling on the availability of known financial resources to the service being rendered.

(6) Disclosure and discussion of the nature, purposes, expected effects, and results of the medical treatment under consideration, prior to signing an informed consent.

(7) Control over the release of her health record information. Except in an emergency, a written release, signed by the mother, shall be required, prior to the release of health record information, except as otherwise provided by law or third party contractual arrangements.

(8) Availability of, or actual contact with, a physician, midwife, or registered nurse on a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week basis, as established by the written policies of the birth center.

(9) The right to refuse treatment, at any time, after treatment has begun.

(10) Full information on the medical consequences of refusal of treatment.

(11) A copy of the center’s rules that apply to conduct as a mother, spouse, and support person.

(12) A written set of the rights guaranteed by this subpart and by the birth center.

(13) Treatment without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, or source of payment.

(14) The right to review, or obtain, a copy of the mother’s medical records.

(15) The right to expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay.

(16) Full information of the mother’s and newborn infant’s continuing health care requirements, following discharge and the means for meeting them.