3C. Patient Rights and Restrictions

Patient Rights

All patients in a medical facility hold certain rights. As a guardianA person appointed by the court  to make decisions in a ward's life. LEGAL DEFINITION: A person or nonprofit corporation that has qualified as a guardian of a minor or... Click or tap term for more., it’s your responsibility to make sure the medical facility honors these rights.

Restriction of Rights

A medical professional may restrict a patient’s rights. This happens when doing so would be in the best interests of the patient.

When restricting a patient’s rights, a medical professional must write an order and attach it to the patient’s chart. The order must specify the restriction, along with its reasoning. The medical professional must review the order at least every 14 days. A medical professional can renew an order.