We have set up a procedure for resolving conflicts regarding admission, treatment and/or discharge that arise between the hospital and neonate, child, adolescent, adult or geriatric patients and their families or guardians.

The first step in resolving a conflict is to contact the appropriate Department Head or Clinical Director. This person will serve as the focal point, representing the hospital in the resolution of the conflict.

We will notify the attending physician of any significant conflict and invite the attending physician to participate in resolving the conflict.

We will involve our Risk Management office to clarify questions of a legal nature, such as emancipation, or to manage legal decisions.

We will refer unresolved management issues to the Administrator of the department involved or the Administrator on duty.

We may request an Ethics Consultation in those cases where conflicts persist or where the case itself presents ethical concerns. Patients, healthcare staff members or designated decision-makers for patients can request Ethics Consultations directly by calling the main telephone number for that office or facility and asking for the Ethics Consultant.

We will try to have the same hospital representative continue to be the contact for the patient or family.

We will preserve and enforce the rights of the patient in every case.