We are committed to providing our community with exceptional healthcare in a professional, caring manner so that your visit is as comfortable as possible.

We believe your interests and well-being as a patient are best served when you understand your medical situation and are an active participant in your care and treatment. We encourage and welcome your participation.

Your Rights as a Patient

It is important for you to know what you can expect from our staff and what we can do to help you and your family. As a patient, you have the right to:

considerate and respectful care in a safe setting
ask for and receive information about your healthcare and treatment plan
make informed decisions
be an active participant in your care
agree to or refuse treatment, make an Advance Directive, and obtain a second opinion
management of your pain
privacy and safety
receive an explanation of the outcomes of your care
confidential treatment of your medical information
ask for and receive a copy of your medical record
have a family member, representative and your physician notified of your admission to the hospital.
be free from seclusion and/or restraints of any form unless clinically necessary
ask for and receive an itemized copy of your bill and an explanation to any questions you might have about your bill
treatment and medical services without discrimination based on age, race, religion, sex, sexual preference, disability, diagnosis or your ability to pay or your source of payment
contact the department director to ask questions or voice concerns about the care you have received

The hospital has a process to address complaints or grievances and will answer questions you might have. If you choose, you may contact the Office of Licensure and Certification, Virginia Department of Health, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23233, or call (800) 955-1819.

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

You can help us to help you in a positive way by:

providing a complete and accurate medical history
asking questions when the information you hear is unclear
following the treatment plan recommended by your physician
providing copies of your Advance Directive to those responsible for your care
following hospital rules, regulations and policies
being considerate of the rights and privacy of other patients, hospital personnel and property
providing accurate and timely information regarding your ability to meet your financial obligations resulting from your treatment
raising questions if you are not satisfied with any aspect of your care
keeping your personal possessions safe
evaluating the effectiveness of your pain management

Your Healthcare Decisions

As a competent adult, you have the right to be informed about your medical condition, treatment options, including benefits and risks, and the right to accept or decline treatment.

To ensure that your wishes are carried out, you should discuss them with your physician and your family to develop a plan of care for your healthcare needs. This can be done using a form called an Advance Directive, which allows you to:

state clearly your wishes about your medical treatment in the event you become terminally ill or lose the ability to make decisions yourself
name someone to make decisions for you if you are unable to make them
state your decision on organ and tissue donation (upon your death) or to name someone to make that decision for you

An Advance Directive may be done either in writing or by telling your doctor and family your wishes. However, to make sure that your wishes are carried out, a written Advance Directive is the best option. If you choose to prepare a written Advance Directive, you and two witnesses must sign and date the document. There are limitations on who may act as a witness (e.g., a witness may not be a spouse or relative). An Advance Directive may be changed or revoked by you at any time.

An Advance Directive is not a required form; it is simply an option for you to consider as you plan for your healthcare needs. If you become unable to make your own treatment decisions and you do not have an Advance Directive, full medical treatment will be provided and decisions will be made for you by your legal next of kin.

If you have an Advance Directive, please make sure your nurse has a copy for your medical record or that the physician/nurse records your current wishes in your medical record. Your physician and family should also have a copy. If you do not have an Advance Directive but would like more information or to complete one, please call our Case Management Office at (703) 369-8363. All nursing units at Prince William Hospital have Advance Directive forms available, and there is no charge.

Bioethics Committee

The Bioethics Committee of Prince William Hospital is a group of physicians, clergy, nurses and social workers who are professional healthcare providers and community-minded individuals who serve on a volunteer panel that acts as a patient advocate in complex or controversial issues. Anyone who is directly involved in a patient's care can request the assistance of the Bioethics Committee. This includes the patient, family members, the physician, nurse or any other member of the healthcare team.

The Bioethics Committee does not tell you what to do, but simply offers objective options for you to consider. The services of this committee are a resource for you and are available 24 hours a day, free of charge. To contact a member of this committee, please call the hospital operator by dialing 0 and request the on-call bioethics team.

Special Needs

Prince William Hospital strives to meet the special needs of our patients. We follow the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Virginians with Disabilities Act regarding the rights of all individuals with disabilities.