Effective Date: October 14, 2025
Last Updated: October 14, 2025

At Richmed Hospice Services, we are committed to providing care with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Every patient and family member we serve deserves to be treated with honesty, fairness, and understanding.
This page explains your rights as a hospice patient and your responsibilities as a partner in your care.

Our goal is to ensure that you and your loved ones feel supported, informed, and empowered at every step of your hospice journey.

Your Rights as a Patient

As a patient receiving care from Richmed Hospice Services, you have the right to:

1. Respect and Dignity

• Be treated with kindness, compassion, and respect at all times.
• Receive care that supports your comfort, privacy, and individuality.
• Have your personal values, cultural beliefs, and spiritual preferences honored in your plan of care.

2. Choice and Participation

• Be fully informed about hospice care and the services we provide.
• Choose your hospice provider and change providers at any time, for any reason.
• Participate in creating and updating your plan of care with your hospice team.
• Designate a representative or caregiver to help make decisions on your behalf if you choose.

3. Privacy and Confidentiality

• Expect that your personal and medical information will remain confidential and secure.
• Review your medical record and request corrections if necessary.
• Be informed about how your information is used, shared, and protected under HIPAA laws.

4. Information and Communication

• Receive clear, honest explanations about your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.
• Be informed, in advance, of any changes in care, treatment, or service providers.
• Receive information in a language or format you can understand, including interpretation or translation services if needed.
• Receive timely responses to your questions and concerns.

5. Quality Care

• Receive compassionate and appropriate care regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or ability to pay.
• Have your symptoms managed with dignity and comfort, including pain relief and emotional support.
• Expect professional, qualified, and courteous staff to deliver your care.

6. Freedom from Abuse or Neglect

• Receive care in a safe environment free from abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or exploitation.
• Report any concerns or complaints without fear of discrimination or retaliation.

7. Advance Directives and Decision-Making

• Create or update an advance directive, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare.
• Have your advance directive respected by our staff and care team.
• Be informed of your rights under state law regarding advance directives.

8. Pain Management and Symptom Relief

• Receive effective pain and symptom control that aligns with your care goals.
• Request adjustments to medications or treatments if you feel they are ineffective or causing distress.

9. Financial Transparency

• Receive clear, written information about services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
• Be informed about any costs you may be responsible for before services are provided.
• Be free from being charged for services not provided or not authorized.

10. Complaint Resolution

• Voice complaints or concerns about your care, staff conduct, or services without fear of retaliation.
• Have your complaints investigated and resolved promptly.
• Contact management or a state agency if you feel your concerns are not addressed.

You can report any concerns directly to:

Richmed Hospice Services
9319 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy #203
Dallas, TX 75243
Phone: (469) 381-2665
Fax: (888) 829-8823
Email: info@richmedhospice.com

If your issue remains unresolved, you may contact:

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Complaints Department – Regulatory Services Division
Phone: 1-800-458-9858
Website: www.hhs.texas.gov

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

Hospice care works best when patients, families, and the hospice team work together.
As a patient (or caregiver), you have the responsibility to:

1. Participate in Your Care

• Share accurate and complete information about your health, medications, and medical history.
• Ask questions if you do not understand your plan of care, medications, or treatments.
• Work with your hospice team to follow the agreed plan of care.

2. Treat Others with Respect

• Treat hospice staff, volunteers, and other patients with courtesy and respect.
• Maintain a safe environment for care team members providing in-home services.

3. Keep Appointments and Notify Us of Changes

• Notify the hospice team of schedule changes, hospitalizations, or if you move to a new location.
• Inform us promptly if you decide to discontinue hospice care or seek treatment elsewhere.

4. Provide a Safe Environment

• Ensure that staff members can provide care in a safe, smoke-free, and accessible environment.
• Secure pets or other potential safety concerns during home visits.

5. Financial Cooperation

• Provide accurate insurance and billing information.
• Ask questions about charges or coverage if anything is unclear.
• Notify us of any changes in your insurance or financial status.

6. Communication and Feedback

• Express your needs, concerns, or dissatisfaction promptly so we can address them quickly.
• Participate honestly in care discussions and share any changes in your health or emotional well-being.

7. Advance Care Planning

• Communicate your wishes about end-of-life care to your hospice team and family.
• Provide copies of advance directives or update them as needed.

Working Together

Hospice care is a partnership — between patients, families, and professionals — built on trust, communication, and compassion.
At Richmed Hospice Services, we honor your choices and will always strive to support your comfort, peace, and dignity.
Your rights are protected under federal law, and your participation ensures that your care truly reflects your values and wishes.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities as a patient, please contact our office:

Richmed Hospice Services
9319 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy #203
Dallas, TX 75243
Phone: (469) 381-2665
Fax: (888) 829-8823
Email: info@richmedhospice.com

We are here to listen, help, and make sure your care experience is compassionate, transparent, and respectful.