Western Sierra is committed to providing quality health care to our patients and their families. We encourage patients and their families to be aware of their rights and responsibilities:
- Receive considerate, respectful and culturally appropriate care based on professional standards of practice.
- Receive services without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, age, handicap, sexual orientation or preference, national origin, ancestry or diagnosis.
- Establish advance directives and participate in ethical decision making.
- Receive an explanation of your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in terms and language you can understand.
- Receive the necessary information to participate in decisions about your care and to give your informed consent before any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is performed.
- Refuse any treatment, except as prohibited by law, and to be informed of the consequences of making this decision, which may include informing Children, Youth, and Family Services or Protective Services.
- Expect that your personal privacy will be respected by all staff of the agency.
- Expect that your medical records will be kept confidential and information will be released only with your written consent or in cases of medical emergencies or in response to court-ordered subpoenas.
- Know the Western Sierra policy for accessing and disclosing information in your medical records and reviewing your medical record, upon request, at a mutually designated time.
- Receive a full explanation of any research or experimental procedure proposed for treatment and the opportunity to give your informed consent before any procedure will begin.
- Know the name and qualification of all individuals providing service and how to contact that person.
- Obtain another medical opinion prior to any procedure.
- Have your legal custodian access your written medical records by appointment.
- Ask for and receive information on your financial liability and an explanation of charges, including services that will be charged to your insurance.
- File a complaint about services rendered without fear of discrimination from Western Sierra. Please call our Office Manager at 530-274-9762 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Patients are also responsible for:
- Providing accurate personal, financial, insurance and medical information, including all medications and treatments, necessary to establish and follow your plan of care.
- Asking questions if you do not understand the explanation of your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or any instructions.
- Informing WSMC of any requirements or accommodations needed to meet your cultural and/or language needs.
- Following rules and regulations that are posted within WSMC while in the facility.
- Not carrying any type of weapons when receiving treatment.
- Not harming or being abusive to other persons including WSMC staff.
- Keeping all scheduled appointments, arriving on time, and being able to participate in treatment.
- Notifying WSMC with 24 hours’ advance notice or as soon as you are aware that you cannot keep an appointment.
- Informing WSMC health care professionals regarding any changes or reactions to medication and/or treatment.
- Paying for services promptly including co-payments and total of cash charges at the time of service.
- Advising WSMC of any problems or dissatisfaction with the service being provided.
- Extending to WSMC staff the same courtesy given to you.
- Developing and participating in your treatment planning.
- Providing for the supervision and safety of your children while in the facility.
- Keeping WSMC apprised of your current contact information.
- Not videotaping or recording any WSMC staff.