Patient’s Bill of Rights

A Statement of Patients’ Bill of Rights and Obligation
Between
The management and staff of S.A.G.E., inc.

S.A.G.E., Inc. has given careful thought to what our patients may expect from our staff and what we may expect of you, our patient.  We would like to share with you our philosophy on these “mutual rights and obligations.”

Patient Rights:

1.    You have the right to health care that is accessible and meets professional standards.

2.    You have the right to healthcare that is equitable and given without regard to race, color, creed, sex, nationality, origin, or source of payment.

3.    You have the right to exercise your rights as a patient S.A.G.E, INC., without fear of discrimination or reprisal.

4.    You have the right to have your property with respect.

5.    You have the right to complain about treatment or care that is (or fails to be) given to you.  If the staff of S.A.G.E, INC. discriminate or mistreat you because of your complaint.

6.    You have the right to be informed in advance about the care and treatment to be furnished to you.  Your physician must approve the services, frequency of service and the duration of services on the care of care.  You have the right to be informed of any changes in your care and treatment before they occur.

7.    You have the right to participate in planning of your care of treatment.  (Remember, the physician has the final determination concerning care or treatment furnished to you.)

8.    You have the right to confidentiality of the clinical records maintained by (except as otherwise provided for by third-party payer, contract, or prior patient authorization.)

9.    You have the right to be advised verbally or in writing of the services you will receive from us that we believe Medicaid, or any other federal/state program will cover.

10.    You have the right to be advised of any changes for items and services that the agency excepts will not pay by the third-party payer. (Therefore, you will be responsible.)

11.    You have the right to be advised of any changes in care both verbally and in writing, as soon as possible, but no later than fifteen (15) days from the date the agency becomes aware of the change.

12.    You have the right to information about qualification, names, and titles personnel responsible for providing their healthcare.

13.    You have the right to join with other patients or individuals to work for improvement in care.

14.    You have the right to discharge yourself from the facility (agency) upon some form of communication.

15.    You have the right to be free from mental and physical abuse, from exploitation, and free from the use of restraints by representatives of the facility (agency).

16.    If you are dissatisfied with the quality of care being furnished to you, please call our office at 908.659.9669 and speak with the Director of Client Services.  If you continue to be dissatisfied with the quality of care furnished by our agency, you may contact the Medicaid Office at 732.777.1802 between the hours of 9:00am – 4:30pm, Monday-Friday.