Unless you request otherwise, your name is added to the hospital's patient roster upon admission. This allows you to receive telephone calls, flowers, mail and visitors. Unless otherwise requested, the hospital may acknowledge your presence in our facility and provide a one-word condition report if inquiries are received.

You may request that no information be released except that authorized by law. If you choose to be a "No Information" patient, your presence will not be acknowledged and you will not show up in our patient roster, or receive telephone calls, flowers, mail or visitors.

Joint Notice of Privacy Practices

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Patients have the right to communicate their wishes in a single document that is honored by healthcare professionals in all healthcare settings. The LaPost document complements an Advanced Directive and healthcare power of attorney.  For more information, go to www.lhcqf.org/lapost-home.  

Your RIGHTS include:

• Receiving treatment without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, culture, personal values, beliefs and preferences, disability, diagnosis, ability to pay, source of payment or sexual orientation.
• Being given a complete explanation if there is a need for you to be transferred to another facility, the alternatives to such a transfer and the identity of the accepting physician at the accepting facility.
• Access to protective services either for yourself or any member of your family. The social worker will assist you in making contact with such community resources.
• Information for Medicare admitted patients regarding beneficiary discharge rights, notice of non-coverage and the right to appeal premature discharge. 
• Knowing about hospital resources that are available to you:  Inpatient Case Manager:  (225) 231-3057 / Rehabilitation Counselor:  (225) 231-3108

You have the RIGHT to participate in your care, including:

• Development, implementation and revision of your plan of care. This includes treatment plans, discharge plans and pain management plans.  The hospital will assist in arranging for required follow-up care after discharge as needed.
• Having interpretive and translation services as needed.  The hospital will communicate with you if you have vision, speech, hearing or cognitive impairments.
• Having a family member or representative of your choice and your physician notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
• Being informed about and participating in decisions regarding your care. This includes a surrogate decision maker in the decision making when you are unable to make decisions for your care, treatment or services. This information shall include the possible risks, burdens and benefits of the procedure or treatment. This information will be given to you in a language and words that you understand.
•  Have a family member, friend or other individual to be present for emotional support during the course of stay, unless the individual’s presence infringes on others' rights, safety, or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated.
• The right to give or withhold informed consent as permitted by law.  The effects of refusing treatment will be explained to you.  Therefore, you will be able to make an informed decision regarding your care.  This includes respecting the surrogate decision maker's right to refuse care, treatment and services on your behalf when you are unable to make decisions for your care, treatment or services.
• Formulate an Advance Directive and have hospital staff and practitioners who provide care in the hospital comply with your Advance Directive.
• Requesting a consultation from the Ethics Committee for help with difficult medical decisions.  You may ask your physician or any nursing staff member.
  • Expressing concerns or asking questions about care or service:  Ethics Representative: (225) 231-3001 / Administration:  (225) 231-3118

You have the RIGHT to information regarding your care, which includes:

• Knowing the name and the roles of the people treating you.
• Being informed of your health status, diagnosis and prognosis. This includes being informed about any continuing healthcare requirements after discharge.
• Knowing about hospital billing policies that affect your charges and payment options. You may request an explanation of your bill by calling Patient Financial Services at (225) 819-1000.
• Lodging a concern or grievance about care or service:  Administration:  (225) 231-3118
  • Receiving a written response to your grievance within 10-15 days.  The licensing agency for our facility is:  Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals, 628 N. 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802; Local: (225) 342-6429 / Toll Free: (866) 280-7737
• The accrediting agency for our facility is The Joint Commission.   The Joint Commission provides the following information about reporting patient safety concerns:
  • At www.jointcommission.org, using the “Report a Patient Safety Event” link in the “Action Center” on the home page of the website.
  • By fax to 630-792-5636
  • By  mail to The Office of Quality and Patient Safety (OQPS), The Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181. 

You have the RIGHT to maintain your dignity, which includes:

• Receiving considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment.
• Privacy and confidentiality during consultation, examination, personal hygiene activities, treatments and discussions concerning your diagnosis and treatment. Your treatment records are confidential unless you have given permission to release information for reporting required by law. You may review your medical record upon request in a timely manner.
• Being free from neglect, exploitation and abuse.
• Respect for your dignity and worth, regardless of your diagnosis.
• Being free from restraints that are not medically necessary.

 Your RESPONSIBILITIES as a patient are to:

• The best of your knowledge provide accurate and complete information about present and past medical conditions.
• Ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions.
• Follow the treatment plan recommended by the physician or to inform your doctor if you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment.
• Notify the physician or nurse of any unexpected changes in your condition.
• Be considerate and respectful of the rights and needs of other patients and healthcare workers. This includes being sensitive to noise level, respectful of others property, limiting the number of visitors and abiding by the smoke-free environment.
• Provide the hospital with a copy of your most current Advanced Medical Directive if you have one.
• Assure that financial obligations of your healthcare are fulfilled.
• Follow the hospital policies regarding patient care and conduct.

Our Mission: 

Restoring lives through compassion and a dedication to excellence.