Policy for Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Purpose / Aim(s):
The High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Network (HPU WSDM/OHN) is committed to delivering patient-centered, high-quality oral healthcare in an educational environment. This policy establishes:
- Patient rights and responsibilities
- Expectations for conduct
- Institutional procedures for declining, discontinuing, and dismissing care
- Clarifies distinctions between inactive and dismissed patient statuses
Scope of Applicability:
Applies to:
- All patients receiving care in HPU WSDM/OHN, including clinical sites, community rotations, partner facilities
- All individuals involved in care: faculty, students, residents, staff, volunteers, contracted personnel
Patient Rights
As a patient of HPU WSDM/OHN, you have the right to:
- Dignity & Respect: Be treated without discrimination; receive respectful and confidential care
- Safe Environment: Receive care in a clean, professional, and supportive setting
- Privacy: Records kept confidential per federal and state law
- Access to Records: Request and receive records; be informed about diagnosis, treatment, etc.
- Informed Care: Be clearly informed about diagnosis, treatment options, risks, and outcomes
- Identification of Providers: Know names and roles of those responsible for your care
- Communication Access: Free interpretation or alternative communication support
- Complaint Process: Voice concerns and receive a timely response
- Participation: Be involved in treatment decisions and know the cost of care in advance
Patient Responsibilities
As a patient of HPU WSDM/OHN, you are expected to:
- Provide complete and accurate health and personal info
- Communicate openly and ask questions
- Arrive on time and give 24-hour notice for cancellations
- Follow post-treatment instructions and support care plan
- Meet financial obligations per clinic’s policy
- Treat faculty, staff, and fellow patients respectfully
- Support a positive and safe care and learning environment
Patient Code of Conduct
Unacceptable behaviors include:
- Verbal abuse, threats, harassment, or discriminatory actions
- Physical aggression or disruptive behavior
- Profanity or offensive language
- Refusing safety protocols or instructions
- Any behavior that compromises safety, dignity, or learning environment
Consequences may include warnings, leadership review, or dismissal from the clinic.
HPU Right to Decline Care
HPU WSDM/OHN may decline a patient before a provider-patient relationship is established if:
- Financial terms or consent forms are not accepted
- Essential diagnostics or procedures are refused
- Treatment needs exceed clinic’s resources
- No mutually agreeable treatment plan can be established
HPU Right to Discontinue Care
An established relationship may be ended after review and documentation if:
- Repeated missed or late appointments
- Failure to engage in agreed treatment goals
- Unresolved financial obligations
- Unsafe, abusive, or disruptive behavior
HPU Right to Dismiss
A patient may be formally dismissed for:
- Continued missed or late appointments after warnings
- Abusive or threatening conduct
- Refusal to follow protocols for safe care
- Unresolved non-payment
- Violations of the Code of Conduct
Dismissal consequences:
- Not eligible for care at any HPU-affiliated site
- Not punitive—intended to protect the care environment
- Includes:
- 10 business days' written notice
- Instructions to obtain records
- Documentation in patient chart
- Referral resources when appropriate
Inactive vs. Dismissed Status
Inactive patients may return if clinic capacity allows. Status reasons include:
- Travel or relocation
- Electing to pause care
- Personal or medical circumstances
- Communication with clinic despite inability to schedule
Dismissed patients cannot return. Re-evaluation and new treatment plan may be required for inactive patients resuming care.
