Patients' Responsibilities

As a patient, family member, or legally responsible party, you have the right to know all our rules and what we expect of you.

Provide Information
As a patient,family member, or legally responsible party, we ask that you:

  • Provide accurate and complete information about the patient’s current healthcare problems, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health.

  • Report any condition that puts you at risk, such as allergies, hearing problems, use of recreational or illegal substances.

  • Report unexpected changes in the patient’s condition to the healthcare professionals.

  • Provide a copy of your Advance Directive, Living Will, POLST form, Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare.

Respect and Consideration
As a patient, family member, or legally responsible party, we ask that you:

  • Recognize and respect the rights of other patients, families, and staff. Threats, violence, or harassment of other patients and Northern Light Health staff will not be tolerated.

  • Comply with Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center’s “no tobacco” policy. If you have concerns about this, please speak with your care providers.

  • Illegal activity on Northern Light property will be reported to the local police department.

Safety
As a patient, family member, or legally responsible party, we ask that you:

  • Become an active, involved, and informed member of the healthcare team.

  • Ask questions if you are concerned about your health or safety or you do not understand.

  • Remind all caregivers to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before taking care of you.

  • Be informed about your medications and why you are taking them.

  • Ask all staff to identify themselves.


Refusing Care
As a patient you are responsible for your decisions if you refuse care or do not follow care instructions.

Billing
As a patient you are responsible for paying for the healthcare that you received as promptly as possible.

Cooperation
As a patient you are expected to follow the care plans suggested by the healthcare professionals. You should work with your healthcare team to develop a plan that you will be able to follow while at Northern Light and after you leave.