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.

Jamie Shepherd, CEO
Shepherd Center, Inc.
404-367-1237

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
Email the Joint Commission's Office of Quality Monitoring at 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 safe and effective medical care regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, culture, language, national origin, disability, or source of payment.
  • You have a right to be free from financial or other exploitation, retaliation, humiliation, neglect, and all forms of abuse or harassment.
  • You have the right to know who will perform your medical treatment or procedures.
  • You have the right to receive information from your doctor and team that will help you decide about treatment options or procedures before the treatment or procedure begins.
  • You have the right to provide input and ask for adjustments to the staff who make up your care team.
  • After providing you with information, your consent will be needed before receiving medical care or treatment.
  • You have the right to refuse recommended treatments. You have the right to be told about medical problems that may occur if medical treatment is refused.
  • You may ask questions or give feedback about any treatment or procedure and expect a prompt response.
  • You may involve your family and others in your medical decisions.
  • You will receive information on how to obtain protective and advocacy services.
  • You have the right to be informed of hospital charges for services and available payment methods.
  • You have the right to receive information in a manner you can understand.
  • You may choose whether you want to take part in any research or training program.
  • You can expect an environment that strives to protect your dignity and enhances a positive self- image. Respect includes protecting your privacy, confidentiality of information, security, and safety.
  • You may voice your concerns or complaints and expect a prompt and considerate response.
  • You may read your medical records.
  • Medical care includes access to psychological, social, and spiritual support.
  • You may choose the person to make decisions about your care in the event you cannot express your wishes.
  • You will be involved in any decisions if a conflict in your care should arise, including ethical ones and to have your rights respected.

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 our healthcare provider’s instructions.
  • You have the responsibility to follow hospital rules and regulations. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and weapons are not allowed on Shepherd Center property.
  • 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 as 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.