In This Section

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

When an individual has any concerns about the delivery of safe quality care at Shepherd Center, he or she is encouraged to contact the hospital management.

Sarah Morrison, CEO
Shepherd Center, Inc.
404-350-7311

If the concerns or complaints cannot be resolved through Shepherd Center, the individual may contact any of the following:

The Joint Commission’s Office of Quality Monitoring
1-800-994-6610
complaint@jointcommission.org

Department of Community Health
2 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-657-5728
1-800-878-6442

Medicare Hotline
(Patients covered by Medicare)
1-800-633-4227

Georgia Medicaid Hotline
(Patients covered by Georgia Medicaid)
1-800-669-8387

Patient/Family Rights

  • You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
  • You have the right to be involved in making decisions about your care, including pain control. In addition, you may also have your family or caregiver help with these decisions.
  • You have the right to be informed about your medical condition and any treatments your doctor orders for you.
  • You have the right to withhold consent for any treatments and accept responsibility for the consequences of refusing treatment.
  • You have the right to deal with ethical issues that might lead to a conflict with your care.
  • You have the right to be informed of any medical experiment or research affecting your care.
  • You have the right to privacy and safety, including a safe environment of care.
  • You have the right to confidentiality of your medical records according to state and federal law, including the right to these records.
  • You have the right to make advance directives and to have your wishes respected. You will need to supply Shepherd Center with these directives upon admission.
  • You have the right to name someone else to make medical decisions for you if you are unable.
  • You have the right to be informed of hospital costs for services and payment methods. This includes the right to question your bill.
  • You have the right to freedom from the inappropriate use of restraints and seclusion.
  • You have the right to bring a complaint related to your care. You may do so by talking to your case manager, doctor or a person from management.

Patient/Family Responsibilities

  • You have the responsibility to take part in all aspects of your treatment, including goal setting, as outlined by your rehabilitation team.
  • You have the responsibility to give truthful and complete information about your current health and health history, to the best of your knowledge.
  • You have the responsibility to accept the consequences if you refuse treatment or do not follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
  • You have the responsibility to follow hospital rules and regulations.
  • You have the responsibility to be considerate and respectful of other patients and their visitors.
  • You and your visitors have the responsibility to treat hospital staff and property with respect. We value our staff who are here to help you. Violent, threatening, or abusive behavior toward staff as well directing profanity at staff will not be tolerated and may result in discharge and/or removal from Shepherd Center premises.
  • You have the responsibility to only take those medications prescribed by your doctor and administered by nursing staff. No illegal drugs, alcohol or medications not prescribed by your medical team are to be used.
  • You have the responsibility to accept the consequences of an early discharge if you do not adhere to the responsibilities addressed above.

Refusal to comply with any of the above-mentioned patient responsibilities may result in your discharge, in compliance with federal regulations.