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Patient Rights Lawsuits & Patient Privacy

Cincinnati Hospital Negligence Lawyers and Ohio Medical Malpractice Attorneys review the rights of data privacy, medical record privacy and potential Patient Rights Lawsuits


Medical professionals and hospitals have a duty to respect the individual rights of all patients that arrive seeking care. Patient rights lawsuits may be filed should any medical facility or medical professional deny the right to make medical care decisions, the right to accept or refuse treatment, or the right to formulate advance written instructions (living will or power of attorney for health care). Ohio patients have the right to respectful and dignified care at all times, as well as keeping personal data and medical records private. .

When patients are treated at a healthcare facility, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects them from having their personal medical information shared with anyone. In certain situations, HIPAA prohibits information from being shared with employers.

Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Cincinnati hospital negligence lawyer and Ohio medical malpractice attorney investigating patient rights lawsuits nationwide. Contact The Lyon Firm following a breach of patient rights of you or your loved one.


Common Patient Rights Violations


Privacy & Confidentiality in Ohio Hospitals


Ohio patients have the right to personal privacy and information privacy, including the rights to the following:

  • Patient may refuse to see or communicate with outside visitors, or hospital staff not directly involved in their care.
  • Patient may wear their own personal clothing and personal items (religious garb), so long as it does not interfere with procedures or treatment.
  • Patient has a right to be consulted and examined in private surroundings. Any discussion or consultation must be conducted privately. This may include the right to have a third person present during a physical examination, treatment, or procedure. Patients have the right not to remain unclothed longer than is required.
  • Patients’ medical records should be protected and read only by individuals directly involved in treatment or monitoring of quality. All medical and financial records pertaining to care should be treated as confidential.
  • Patients have the right to request a transfer to another available room if patients or visitors are disturbing the patient.

Informed Consent in Ohio


Ohio patients have the right to informed participation in decisions involving their own health care. This should be based on an explanation of the patient’s condition and proposed treatment and procedures, including any risks of mortality or side effects. Any medical alternatives for care or treatment should be explained.

  • Patients have the right to know who is responsible for authorizing and performing certain procedures.
  • The patient must be informed if the clinician is involved in research or educational projects affecting care or treatment, and has the option of opting out at any time.
  • Patients may refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law.

Patient Rights Lawsuits & Legal Claims


Patient Right to Information—Patients have the right to obtain all medical records and information concerning a diagnosis, treatment, or pain management.

Communication Rights—patients have the right of access to people outside the hospital as well as written communication. The patient may also request not to be included in a patient directory.

Personal Safety and Security of Patients—Patients in Ohio have the right to expect reasonable safety regarding hospital practices and environment. It is reasonable to expect police patrol around the clock. Hospitals have a duty to protect patients with safety and security measures to limit access to their medical facility, with locked entrances and video monitoring.

Identification of Medical Staff—Patients have the right to know the identity of individuals providing services and which physician is generally or currently responsible for their care. This includes the right to know professional relationships among individuals in treatment. Participation in research programs should be voluntary and indicated with a signed informed consent form.

Ohio Patient Rights Lawsuits: Access to Care—Individuals seeking medical care in Ohio must be afforded access to available treatment, regardless of their race, creed, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability or indicated payment source.

Professional Consultation—patients at their own request and expense have the right to consult with specialists and other physicians.

Continuity of Care—patients who need to be transferred to another facility have the right to a complete explanation and possible alternatives. Patients also have the right to request an explanation of a finalized bill for services rendered in a hospital.

Continuity of Care—patients who need to be transferred to another facility have the right to a complete explanation and possible alternatives. Patients also have the right to request an explanation of a finalized bill for services rendered in a hospital.


If you or a loved one have questions about Ohio patient rights or legal remedies available to improve quality of life and medical care, contact The Lyon Firm. You will speak directly with Mr. Lyon, and he will help you answer critical questions regarding medical record privacy and Ohio patient rights lawsuits.

Cincinnati Patient Rights Lawyer, Ohio Patient Rights Attorney

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