From the CHA Web site:

Patients’ Bill of Rights:

It is the goal of Cambridge Health Alliance to give you the care that is right for your illness and to help you to get well as soon as possible. We are committed to maintaining the rights, dignity and well-being of all patients.

The following is a summary of your rights, and the responsibilities that will help us to give you the best care while you are in the hospital.

If you want a full copy of your rights and responsibilities in a Massachusetts hospital, please call THE Patient Relations Department at (617) 665-1398.

Your Rights:

    * You have a right to all the medical care you need, if we offer this care at The Cambridge Hospital, Somerville Hospital, Whidden Memorial Hospital, or primary care site. Your caregivers will tell you about other choices for care if we do not have what you need.
    * You have a right to treatment that respects your values, beliefs, and privacy.
    * You have a right to clear information about your health problems and your care. Note: If you are here for breast surgery, breast cancer treatment or for childbirth, you have the right to specific information about our procedures. Please ask your caregiver.
    * You have a right to professional interpreter services at no cost.
    * You have a right to clear information about this health facility.
    * You have a right to be free from all forms of abuse or harassment.
    * You have a right to the name and job title of anyone taking care of you.
    * You have a right to say yes or no to having a student care for you.
    * You have a right to choices about which treatments you want.
    * You have the right to refuse any treatment, including pain treatment.
    * You have the right to get medicines or other treatment for your pain. You may also refuse pain treatment.
    * You have the right to know about how much your treatment will cost.

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THE RIGHT TO COMPLAIN

You have the right to complain if you have concerns about patient care or safety. Complaints will not hurt your rights as a patient. In fact, it helps us to know how we can improve our health care services to you. The nurse manager of your unit is one person you can request to speak to. You can also call the Patient Relations Department at 617-665-1398. They may help you make a formal complaint or possibly help you to request an Ethics Consultation.

If your concerns are not resolved at this level, you can also contact:

The Board of Registration in Medicine
560 Harrison Ave, suite G4, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-654-9800

Department of Public Health
10 West St., 5th floor
Boston MA, 02111
Phone: 617-753-8000

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is an independent, not-for-profit, national body that oversees the safety and quality of health care organizations. Consumers may share concerns about accredited hospitals by calling the Joint Commission’s complaint hotline at 1.800.994.6610 or e-mailing complaint@jcaho.org.