Your Patient Rights & Responsibilities | RWJUH Rahway
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
Your Patient Rights & Responsibilities | RWJUH Rahway
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Patients & Visitors
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
If you have questions or concerns regarding your hospitalization, please
speak with your nurse. Each nursing unit also has a nurse manager who
is available to assist you. For additional assistance, you can contact the
Patient Advocate Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, or call
732-499-6136
.
In the evenings or on weekends, ask the operator to connect you to the
Clinical Administrative Coordinator.
Every New Jersey hospital patient shall have the following rights, none
of which shall be abridged by the hospital or any of its staff. The hospital
administrator shall be responsible for developing and implementing policies
to protect patient rights and to respond to questions and grievances pertaining
to patient rights. These rights shall include at least the following:
To receive the care and health services that the hospital is required by
law to provide.
To treatment and medical services without discrimination based on age,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual preferences, handicap, diagnosis,
ability to pay, or source of payment. To exercise all your constitutional,
civil, and legal rights. To receive an understandable explanation from
your physician of your complete medical condition, recommended treatment,
expected results, risks involved, and reasonable medical alternatives.
If your physician believes that some of this information would be detrimental
to your health or beyond your ability to understand, the explanation must
be given to your next of kin or guardian.
To give informed, written consent prior to the start of specified, non-emergency
medical procedures or treatments. Your physician should explain to you--in
words you understand--specific details about the recommended procedure
or treatment, any risks involved, time required for recovery, and any
reasonable medical alternatives. To refuse medication and treatment after
possible consequences of this decision have been explained clearly to
you, unless the situation is life threatening or the procedure is required
by law. To be included in experimental research only if you give informed,
written consent. You have the right to refuse to participate. To be informed
of the names and functions of all health care professionals providing
you with personal care.
To receive, upon request, the hospital's written policies and procedures
regarding life-saving methods and the use or withdrawal of life support
mechanisms.
To receive, as soon as possible, the services of a translator or interpreter
if you need one to help you communicate with the hospital’s health
care providers.
To be informed of the names and functions of any outside health care and
educational institutions involved in your treatment. You may refuse to
allow their participation.
To receive, upon request, the hospital’s written policies and procedures
regarding life-saving methods and the use or withdrawal of life support
mechanisms.
To be advised in writing of the hospital’s rules regarding the conduct
of patients and visitors.
Information
To receive a summary of your patient rights that includes the name and
phone number of the hospital staff member to whom you can ask questions
or complain about any possible violation of your rights.
To have prompt access to the information in your medical record. If your
physician feels that this access is detrimental to your health, your next
of kin or guardian has a right to see your record.
To obtain a copy of your medical record, at a reasonable fee, within 30
days after a written request to the hospital.
To receive a copy of the hospital payment rates. If you request an itemized
bill, the hospital must provide one, and explain any questions you may
have. You have a right to appeal any charges.
To be informed by the hospital if part or your entire bill will not be
covered by insurance. The hospital is required to help you obtain any
public assistance and private health care benefits to which you may be entitled.
To receive information and assistance from your attending physician and
other health care providers if you need to arrange for continuing health
care after your discharge from the hospital.
To receive sufficient time before discharge to arrange for continuing health
care needs.
To be informed by the hospital about any appeal process to which you are
entitled by law if you disagree with the hospital’s discharge plans.
To be transferred to another facility only when you or your family has
made the request or in instances where the transferring hospital is unable
to provide you with the care you need.
To receive an advance explanation from a physician of the reasons for your
transfer and possible alternatives.
You have the Right:
To be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect for your dignity
and individuality.
To have access to storage space in your room for private use. The hospital
must also have a system to safeguard your personal property.
To freedom from physical and mental abuse.
To freedom from restraints, unless they are authorized by a physician for
a limited period of time to protect the safety of you or others.
To have physical privacy during medical treatment and personal hygiene
functions, unless you need assistance.
To confidential treatment of information about you. Information in your
records will not be released to anyone outside the hospital without your
approval, unless it is required by law.
Our Quality
Testimonials
Appointments
Patient Responsibilities
RWJ Rahway strives to ensure that all patients are provided with comprehensive,
quality and cost effective health care services. In order to do this most
effectively and to maximize your involvement and participation in the
health care process, we ask that you adhere to the patient responsibilities
that follow.
It is your responsibility as a patient to:
Provide accurate information about your past and present medical history,
including all medications that you are taking.
Know the physician in charge of your care and the people on your health
care team.
Actively participate in your plan of care decisions and include your family/significant
other to help provide for your discharge needs.
Ask questions about your medications, diagnostic test results and anything
you do not understand.
Be considerate of other patients' needs for rest, quiet and privacy.
Follow hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
Provide complete and accurate information necessary for processing your
hospital bill.
Be responsible for items on your bill not covered by insurance.
Respect hospital property as well as the private property of other patients
and hospital personnel. Hospital property should not be removed from the
hospital premises.
Inform physicians, nurses and other medical personnel if you have any concerns
regarding your care.
In our educational resources, RWJ Rahway strives to be culturally, religiously,
and spiritually sensitive to all people who access our health care and
education. If we can be more sensitive in our materials, please forward
your comments to the Patient Advocate Office, (732) 499-6136.
Special Needs
Patients and family members who are deaf/hearing impaired or blind/sight
impaired, or who have any other disabilities, are encouraged to ask for
special assistance. Please notify a nurse who will make necessary arrangements.
To present questions, complaints or grievances to a designated hospital
staff member and to receive a response in a reasonable period of time.
The hospital must provide you with the address and telephone number of
the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services that handles questions
and complaints. You may directly contact the NJ Department of Health Complaint
Hotline at (800) 792-9770 or write to:
NJ Department of Health and Senior Services
Health Care Quality and Oversight
P.O. Box 358
Trenton, NJ 08625
The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission conducts periodic accreditation surveys at Robert
Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway.
The purpose of these surveys is to evaluate the organization’s compliance
with nationally established Joint Commission standards. The survey results
will be used to determine whether, and the conditions under which, accreditation
should be awarded to the hospital.
If any individual has any concerns about patient care and safety in the
hospital he or she is encouraged to contact the hospital’s Patient
Advocate at (732) 499-6136.
If the concerns cannot be resolved through hospital management, the individual
may contact The Joint Commission to report concerns by visiting their
web site at
www.jointcommission.org
using the Report A Patient Safety Event link in the “action center”;
or writing:
The Joint Commission Office of Quality and Safety
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
“So many people are waiting for organs, and becoming a donor has only made my life better,” she says. “Being able to give Carlos the gift of life is a blessing, and I hope our story inspires others to do the same.”
Carlos
Read More
When Gerald Corrado developed a rare swallowing disorder called achalasia, a highly specialized procedure called POEM helped his esophagus empty its contents.
Gerald
Read More
“In addition to my knee, my self-esteem, confidence and quality of life are a thousand percent better. Now I can’t sit still. I’m always on the move.”
April
Read More
View All Stories
Watch Testimonial
Watch Testimonial
Watch Testimonial
View All Posts
Apr 7, 2026
RWJUH Rahway Appoints Kenneth Janowski, DO, CPE as Chief Medical Officer
Feb 10, 2026
RWJBarnabas Health Welcomes U.S. Senator Andy Kim and Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell for Visit
Feb 9, 2026
NJ General Assembly Speaker Coughlin & Rutgers President Tate Tour RWJBarnabas Health Food Programs
View All Events
Bariatric Surgery Support Group – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Apr 23, 2026
Bariatric Surgery Informational Session – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Apr 23, 2026
Mind Your Wellness – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Apr 25, 2026
If you Have Hypertension, the Goal is Control - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Apr 30, 2026
menu
Find A Doctor
RWJ University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
Rahway
,
NJ
07065
USA
(732) 381-4200
Get Directions
Hours
Open 24 hours
(732) 499-6136
Not finding the treatment you're looking for?
View All Services
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Patients & Visitors
Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
If you have questions or concerns regarding your hospitalization, please
speak with your nurse. Each nursing unit also has a nurse manager who
is available to assist you. For additional assistance, you can contact the
Patient Advocate Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, or call
732-499-6136
.
In the evenings or on weekends, ask the operator to connect you to the
Clinical Administrative Coordinator.
Every New Jersey hospital patient shall have the following rights, none
of which shall be abridged by the hospital or any of its staff. The hospital
administrator shall be responsible for developing and implementing policies
to protect patient rights and to respond to questions and grievances pertaining
to patient rights. These rights shall include at least the following:
To receive the care and health services that the hospital is required by
law to provide.
To treatment and medical services without discrimination based on age,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual preferences, handicap, diagnosis,
ability to pay, or source of payment. To exercise all your constitutional,
civil, and legal rights. To receive an understandable explanation from
your physician of your complete medical condition, recommended treatment,
expected results, risks involved, and reasonable medical alternatives.
If your physician believes that some of this information would be detrimental
to your health or beyond your ability to understand, the explanation must
be given to your next of kin or guardian.
To give informed, written consent prior to the start of specified, non-emergency
medical procedures or treatments. Your physician should explain to you--in
words you understand--specific details about the recommended procedure
or treatment, any risks involved, time required for recovery, and any
reasonable medical alternatives. To refuse medication and treatment after
possible consequences of this decision have been explained clearly to
you, unless the situation is life threatening or the procedure is required
by law. To be included in experimental research only if you give informed,
written consent. You have the right to refuse to participate. To be informed
of the names and functions of all health care professionals providing
you with personal care.
To receive, upon request, the hospital's written policies and procedures
regarding life-saving methods and the use or withdrawal of life support
mechanisms.
To receive, as soon as possible, the services of a translator or interpreter
if you need one to help you communicate with the hospital’s health
care providers.
To be informed of the names and functions of any outside health care and
educational institutions involved in your treatment. You may refuse to
allow their participation.
To receive, upon request, the hospital’s written policies and procedures
regarding life-saving methods and the use or withdrawal of life support
mechanisms.
To be advised in writing of the hospital’s rules regarding the conduct
of patients and visitors.
Information
To receive a summary of your patient rights that includes the name and
phone number of the hospital staff member to whom you can ask questions
or complain about any possible violation of your rights.
To have prompt access to the information in your medical record. If your
physician feels that this access is detrimental to your health, your next
of kin or guardian has a right to see your record.
To obtain a copy of your medical record, at a reasonable fee, within 30
days after a written request to the hospital.
To receive a copy of the hospital payment rates. If you request an itemized
bill, the hospital must provide one, and explain any questions you may
have. You have a right to appeal any charges.
To be informed by the hospital if part or your entire bill will not be
covered by insurance. The hospital is required to help you obtain any
public assistance and private health care benefits to which you may be entitled.
To receive information and assistance from your attending physician and
other health care providers if you need to arrange for continuing health
care after your discharge from the hospital.
To receive sufficient time before discharge to arrange for continuing health
care needs.
To be informed by the hospital about any appeal process to which you are
entitled by law if you disagree with the hospital’s discharge plans.
To be transferred to another facility only when you or your family has
made the request or in instances where the transferring hospital is unable
to provide you with the care you need.
To receive an advance explanation from a physician of the reasons for your
transfer and possible alternatives.
You have the Right:
To be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect for your dignity
and individuality.
To have access to storage space in your room for private use. The hospital
must also have a system to safeguard your personal property.
To freedom from physical and mental abuse.
To freedom from restraints, unless they are authorized by a physician for
a limited period of time to protect the safety of you or others.
To have physical privacy during medical treatment and personal hygiene
functions, unless you need assistance.
To confidential treatment of information about you. Information in your
records will not be released to anyone outside the hospital without your
approval, unless it is required by law.
Our Quality
Testimonials
Appointments
Patient Responsibilities
RWJ Rahway strives to ensure that all patients are provided with comprehensive,
quality and cost effective health care services. In order to do this most
effectively and to maximize your involvement and participation in the
health care process, we ask that you adhere to the patient responsibilities
that follow.
It is your responsibility as a patient to:
Provide accurate information about your past and present medical history,
including all medications that you are taking.
Know the physician in charge of your care and the people on your health
care team.
Actively participate in your plan of care decisions and include your family/significant
other to help provide for your discharge needs.
Ask questions about your medications, diagnostic test results and anything
you do not understand.
Be considerate of other patients' needs for rest, quiet and privacy.
Follow hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
Provide complete and accurate information necessary for processing your
hospital bill.
Be responsible for items on your bill not covered by insurance.
Respect hospital property as well as the private property of other patients
and hospital personnel. Hospital property should not be removed from the
hospital premises.
Inform physicians, nurses and other medical personnel if you have any concerns
regarding your care.
In our educational resources, RWJ Rahway strives to be culturally, religiously,
and spiritually sensitive to all people who access our health care and
education. If we can be more sensitive in our materials, please forward
your comments to the Patient Advocate Office, (732) 499-6136.
Special Needs
Patients and family members who are deaf/hearing impaired or blind/sight
impaired, or who have any other disabilities, are encouraged to ask for
special assistance. Please notify a nurse who will make necessary arrangements.
To present questions, complaints or grievances to a designated hospital
staff member and to receive a response in a reasonable period of time.
The hospital must provide you with the address and telephone number of
the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services that handles questions
and complaints. You may directly contact the NJ Department of Health Complaint
Hotline at (800) 792-9770 or write to:
NJ Department of Health and Senior Services
Health Care Quality and Oversight
P.O. Box 358
Trenton, NJ 08625
The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission conducts periodic accreditation surveys at Robert
Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway.
The purpose of these surveys is to evaluate the organization’s compliance
with nationally established Joint Commission standards. The survey results
will be used to determine whether, and the conditions under which, accreditation
should be awarded to the hospital.
If any individual has any concerns about patient care and safety in the
hospital he or she is encouraged to contact the hospital’s Patient
Advocate at (732) 499-6136.
If the concerns cannot be resolved through hospital management, the individual
may contact The Joint Commission to report concerns by visiting their
web site at
www.jointcommission.org
using the Report A Patient Safety Event link in the “action center”;
or writing:
The Joint Commission Office of Quality and Safety
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
“So many people are waiting for organs, and becoming a donor has only made my life better,” she says. “Being able to give Carlos the gift of life is a blessing, and I hope our story inspires others to do the same.”
Carlos
Read More
When Gerald Corrado developed a rare swallowing disorder called achalasia, a highly specialized procedure called POEM helped his esophagus empty its contents.
Gerald
Read More
“In addition to my knee, my self-esteem, confidence and quality of life are a thousand percent better. Now I can’t sit still. I’m always on the move.”
April
Read More
View All Stories
Watch Testimonial
Watch Testimonial
Watch Testimonial
View All Posts
Apr 7, 2026
RWJUH Rahway Appoints Kenneth Janowski, DO, CPE as Chief Medical Officer
Feb 10, 2026
RWJBarnabas Health Welcomes U.S. Senator Andy Kim and Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell for Visit
Feb 9, 2026
NJ General Assembly Speaker Coughlin & Rutgers President Tate Tour RWJBarnabas Health Food Programs
View All Events
Bariatric Surgery Support Group – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Apr 23, 2026
Bariatric Surgery Informational Session – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Apr 23, 2026
Mind Your Wellness – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Apr 25, 2026
If you Have Hypertension, the Goal is Control - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Apr 30, 2026
menu
Find A Doctor
RWJ University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
Rahway
,
NJ
07065
USA
(732) 381-4200
Get Directions
Hours
Open 24 hours
(732) 499-6136
Not finding the treatment you're looking for?
View All Services