Patient Responsibilities

Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their care. 

• The patient has the responsibility to provide, to the best of her/his knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to her/his health.
• The patient has the responsibility to report unexpected changes in her/his condition to the responsible practitioner.
• The patient is responsible for reporting whether she/he clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of her/him.
• The patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for her/his care.
• The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when she/he is unable to do so, the patient is responsible for notifying the physician or the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
• The patient is responsible to give her/his healthcare team a copy of her/his Advanced Directive, living Will, Power of Attorney or any other legal documents that affect her/his healthcare.
• The patient is responsible for her/his actions if she/he refuses treatment or does not follow the instructions of the responsible physician(s).
• The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations for her/his health care are fulfilled appropriately and as promptly as possible.
• The patient is responsible for following University of Mississippi Medical Center rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
• The University of Mississippi Medical Center has the right to expect appropriate behavior from patients and their visitors. Patients should be considerate of other patients’ rights and comply with the “No Tobacco” policy.
• The patient is responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and The University of Mississippi Medical Center.
• The patient is responsible for not bringing firearms, explosives, weapons, or knives within the boundaries of The University of Mississippi Medical Center. Patients and visitors are not allowed to use, to have in their possession, or distribute illegal drugs or alcohol on hospital property.
• Audio recording or recording the image of any person, without their prior consent, within the premises of University Hospital or University Clinics is strictly prohibited.
• Patients may be subject to immediate non-voluntary discharge for violations of the University of Mississippi Medical Center policy as determined by Hospital Administration. Such violations may include but are not limited to:
  • Intimidation, menacing, or derogatory gestures;
  • Possession of a firearm, explosive, or weapon;
  • Unauthorized drugs;
  • destruction of property;
  • violence toward staff, other patients, or visitors.

• The patient and family are responsible for participating reasonably in discharge planning.

Questions about patient care and safety

The Office of Patient Experience serves to support patients, families, and customers by helping them understand and navigate a complicated, sometimes confusing, hospital system.  

If you need assistance or would like to provide feedback, contact the Office of Patient Experience:

• Adult and Women's Services: (601) 815-4545
• Children's (Pediatric) Services: (601) 815-0123
• Email: ope@umc.edu

Patient rights

• Learn about the rights guaranteed to patients of UMMC.

Submit care and safety concerns to The Joint Commission

Individuals who have concerns about patient care and safety in the hospital that the hospital has not addressed are encouraged to contact University of Mississippi Medical Center management. You may contact The Joint Commission directly about patient safety and qualify of care concerns.