Wash. Admin. Code § 246-320-141

Patient Rights and Organizational Ethics

In order to improve patient care and outcomes, to respect every patient, and to maintain ethical relationships with the public, all hospitals in Washington must adopt and implement policies and procedures that define each patient’s right to:

• Be treated and cared for with dignity and respect;
• Confidentiality, privacy, security, complaint resolution, spiritual care, and communication.  If communication restrictions are necessary for patient care and safety, the hospital must document and explain the restrictions to the patient and family;
• Be protected from abuse and neglect;
• Access protective services;
• Complain about their care and treatment without fear of retribution or denial of care;
• Timely complaint resolution;
• Be involved in all aspects of their care including refusing care and treatment and resolving problems with care decisions;
• Be informed of unanticipated outcomes;
• Be informed and agree to their care;
• Family input in care decisions;
• Have advance directives and for the hospital to respect and follow those directives;
• Request no resuscitation or life-sustaining treatment;
• End of life care;
• Donate organs and other tissues, including medical staff input and direction by family or surrogate decision makers.

In addition, all hospitals must provide each patient a written statement of all patient rights listed above; adopt and implement policies and procedures to identify patients who are potential organ and tissue donors; and adopt and implement policies and procedures to address research, investigation and clinical trials.