Ethics & Patient Rights

    

Speak for Yourself
The following information can help you become your own best advocate.

Some terms to know

Your rights as a patient

What your doctor can and can't do

About advance directives

Making difficult decisions

Printer-friendly Medication List

 

 

We are pleased to provide access through our site to information which may be of assistance to patients in planning for care at the end of life. 

Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Each patient has legal rights while in the hospital. Plus, read Lifespan's joint privacy policy.

Patient Safety Tips
Safety tips for patients and visitors and families.

Ethics Committee
The hospital's Ethics Committee offers guidance and support to patients, families and caregivers in difficult decision making situations.

Advance Directives
An overview of end-of-life care options.

Comparing Your Legal Options
Living will or durable power of attorney? Here are the differences in a nutshell. 

Living Will
General information about Rhode Island's Rights of the Terminally Ill Act, instructions for creating a living will and a sample form.

Durable Power of Attorney
for Health Care

Information about durable power of attorney for health care, its advantages and limitations, how to create one and a printable version of Rhode Island's form.

Related Links
Online resources and more information.

Community Education

Seminars and workshops regarding advance directives and end-of-life care decisions are available free of charge to community groups, schools, churches and agencies. For more information or to schedule a speaker, contact Bill Kirkpatrick at 401-444-5716 or by e-mail at wkirkpat@lifespan.org

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