Patient Care Standards
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
We consider our patients ’ families our partners in their child ’ s care . We encourage respect for the personal preferences and values of each individual . Patients and / or families have rights and responsibilities that are posted throughout the Children ’ s Colorado locations , on the intranet , and on childrenscolorado . org .
We respect the rights of patients and those authorized by federal and state laws to make healthcare decisions . When clinical decisions are in conflict and a choice needs to be made , patients , families , and team members can request an ethics consultation with the Ethics Committee 24 / 7 via the hospital operator ( 720-777-1234 ) or One-Call ( 720-777-3999 ).
Admission , Transfer , Discharge / Non-Discrimination
We admit , transfer , and discharge patients based on medical appropriateness . We do not discriminate on the basis of age , race , ethnicity , national origin , ancestry , sex , color , cultural , economic , and / or educational background , creed , religion , pregnancy , disability ( mental and physical ), marital status , genetic information , gender identity or expression , sexual orientation , veteran status , insurance status , ability to pay , or other protected classification to the extent required by relevant laws .
Patient Safety
We commit to a culture of safety through our behaviors , initiatives , and programs . We strive to provide our patients , families , team members , visitors , and community with a safe environment in which to heal , work , and visit . We focus on the continuous enhancement of safety and improvement of patient care by the identification , analysis , and reduction of risks .
Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act ( EMTALA )
EMTALA is a federal statute that governs the treatment of all individuals and / or transfer of an individual who presents to a dedicated emergency department in a hospital that participates in federal and state healthcare programs , regardless of the individual ’ s insurance status or ability to pay .
EMTALA obligates Children ’ s Colorado to conduct a Medical Screening Exam ( MSE ) on all patients who present to an emergency department to assess whether an Emergency Medical Condition ( EMC ) exists . If a patient is determined to have an EMC , EMTALA requires Children ’ s Colorado to stabilize the patient and treat the EMC ( e . g ., a pregnant woman in labor or an adult experiencing a Code Blue event ). If Children ’ s Colorado is unable to stabilize a patient within its capability , or if the patient requests , an appropriate transfer to another facility will be implemented .
Informed Consent
We adhere to our General and Informed Consent policy that defines who can legally provide and authorize consent and outlines the informed consent process . Our policy provides clarification of procedures that require informed consent in compliance with Colorado Consent Law and other various regulatory and accrediting bodies .
Decision Making / Advance Directives
We involve patients and families in healthcare decisions and make medically appropriate recommendations . We discuss all treatment options including benefits and risks associated with each to ensure informed decision making . We facilitate discussions to understand patients ’ and families ’ goals of care .
We respect the rights of patients authorized by federal and state law to complete an Advanced Directive . Advance Directives ensure that patient ’ s wishes are communicated when treatment decisions need to be made . The Department of Clinical Social Work or Risk Management can assist with education and completion of Advance Directives ( 720-777-6975 ).
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