Patient Rights and Responsibilities

You have the right to be informed about all aspects of your healthcare. If there is something you do not understand, we encourage you to ask any staff member.

Your basic rights as a patient are listed below. For a complete listing of your rights and responsibilities at MIT Health, you may download our brochure, “Patient Rights and Responsibilities.” [PDF]  

Your Rights

As an MIT Health patient, you have the right to:

  • Be informed about, and participate in, decisions about your care, including giving informed consent to the extent provided by law.
  • A clear explanation of all treatment options and their pros and cons.
  • Receive treatment without discrimination.
  • Include your family in discussions about your care, if you so choose.
  • Confidentiality of all communications and records to the extent provided by law.
  • Inspect your medical records and to request a copy.
  • A private and secure treatment area, within the capacity of MIT Health to provide it.
  • A clear explanation of the costs of your treatment.
  • Information about financial assistance or free care, if you request it.
  • Care that is considerate and respectful of your personal values and beliefs.

Your Responsibilities

  • As a patient, you play a key role in helping us provide you with the best possible care. As an MIT Health patient you are responsible to:
  • Provide accurate and complete information about your past and present health issues, medications, illnesses, and hospitalizations.
  • Ask questions when you do not understand what you have been told about your care or what you are expected to do.
  • Follow the care, service, or treatment plan developed, or if you do not, accept responsibility for the consequences.
  • Be courteous to MIT Health staff and respect MIT Health property.
  • Promptly meet any financial obligation to MIT Health.

Further Questions

If you have any questions about your rights or responsibilities as a patient, you may discuss them with your primary care provider, other care provider, or with:

MIT Health’s Patient Relations Coordinator
617-253-4976
patientrelations@med.mit.edu

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine
560 Harrison Avenue, Suite G-4
Boston, MA 02118
617-654-9800
617-423-5604 (TTY)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108-4619
617-624-6000
617-624-6001 (TTY)