NH RSA 151:21-b Home Care Clients’ Bill of Right
I. Home health care providers shall provide each client or client’s legal representative with a written copy of the rights and responsibilities listed in paragraphs II and III of this section in advance of or during the initial evaluation visit and before initiation of care. These rights apply only to the services delivered by or on behalf of the home health care provider. If a client cannot read the statement of rights it shall be read to the client in a language such client understands. For a minor or a client needing assistance in understanding these rights, both the client and the client’s legal representative shall be fully informed of these rights.
II. The statement of rights shall state that at a minimum the client has a right to:
(a) Be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of the client’s dignity and individuality, including privacy in treatment and personal care and respect for personal property and including being informed of the name, licensure status, and staff position and employer of all persons with whom the client/resident has contact, pursuant to RSA 151:3-b.
(b) Receive appropriate and professional care without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age, nor shall any such care be denied on account of the patient’s sexual orientation.
(c) Participate in the development and periodic revision of the plan of care, and to be informed in advance of any changes to the plan or intent to discharge except as provided in RSA 151:26-a, III.
(d) Be informed that care is evaluated through the provider’s quality assurance program.
(e) Refuse treatment within the confines of the law and to be informed of the consequences of such action, and to be involved in experimental research only upon the client’s voluntary written consent.
(f) Voice grievances and suggest changes in service or staff without fear of restraint, discrimination, or reprisal.
(g) Be free from emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuse and from exploitation by the home health care provider.
(h) Be free from chemical and physical restraints except as authorized in writing by a physician.
(i) Be ensured of confidential treatment of all information contained in the client’s personal and clinical record, including the requirement of the client’s written consent to release such information to anyone not otherwise authorized by law to receive it. Medical information contained in the client’s record shall be deemed to be the client’s property and the client has the right to a copy of such records upon request and at a reasonable cost.
(j) Be informed in advance of the charges for services, including payment for care expected from third parties and any charges the client will be expected to pay.
III. The provider has the right to expect the client or the client’s legal representative will:
(a) Give accurate and complete health information.
(b) Create and maintain an environment that is safe and free from sexual or other forms of harassment by the client or others in the home. For the purpose of this subparagraph, an environment is unsafe if conditions in and around the home imminently threaten the safety of the home health care provider personnel or jeopardize the home health care provider’s ability to provide care.
(c) Participate in developing and following the plan of care.
(d) Request information about anything that is not understood, and express concerns regarding services provided.
(e) Inform the provider when unable to keep an appointment for a home care visit.
(f) Inform the provider of the existence of, and any changes made to, advance directives.
All complaints regarding “Patients’ Rights” contained in State of New Hampshire RSA Section 151:21-b should be directed to the Quality Manager or the President/CEO of HHHC by calling 1-800-887-5973 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.