A nurse manager is educating a group of nursing students about the Patient’s Bill of Rights. The nurse knows that the student nurses have an understanding of the bill when one of the nurses makes which statement?

  • “Clients have the right to view their medical records but may not copy any of the information contained in the records.”
  • “Clients may be declined care at an emergency department or need preauthorization for care if they do not have premium-level insurance.”
  • “Clients have the right to a quick and objective review of any claim that they levy against a health care facility, physician, or health care plan.”
  • “It is the admitting nurse’s job to verify the client’s past medical history, medications, and treatments, even if the client refuses to cooperate in giving the information.”
Number 3 is correct.
The Patient’s Bill of Rights gives all clients the right to a quick and objective review of any claim that they levy against a health care facility, physician, or health care plan. Clients also have the right to view and receive copies of their medical records. Anyone presenting to an emergency department, whether insured or not, has the right to receive life-saving treatment and stabilization, or be transferred to another, more appropriate facility if required. It is against the law for an emergency department to refuse treatment to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. The client is responsible for providing correct information regarding past medical history, medications, and treatments. While the nurse is expected to make all reasonable efforts to corroborate client reports, the ultimate responsibility lies with the consumer of health care.