Bill of Rights for Children and TeensOur committment to your care

All of our pediatric patients have the right to care that supports them.

Making sure patients, guardians and parents of pediatric patients are aware of their rights is important to us. To help inform you, we have summarized these rights.

Complete information is available from the department of Patient Relations, (608) 263-8009. If you are the parent or guardian of a child, you may exercise these rights on behalf of your child. Parents or guardians usually give consent for treatment of patients under age 18, except under certain circumstances, such as emergencies.

Please do not hesitate to discuss any concerns regarding your medical care and treatment or any aspect of your hospital stay with your physicians and nurses. If you feel your concerns are not adequately addressed, please contact the department of Patient Relations.

Care that you deserve

Pediatric patients have the right to care that:

  • You are important

  • We want to get to know you

  • We will tell you who we are, and we will call you by your name

  • We will take time to listen to you

  • We will not talk about you in your room or outside your door unless you know what is happening

  • We will honor your privacy

  • You and your family are important.

  • We will work together to make you as safe and comfortable as possible.

  • All families are different. We want to learn about what’s important to you and your family.

  • There will be a place for a member of your family to spend the night in the hospital with you or near you.

  • We will explain things to you in ways you can understand.

  • You can ask about what is happening to you and why.

  • Someone who speaks your language will help explain things to you.

  • Someone from your family can be with you when people in the hospital are explaining things to you.

  • You will be taken care of by doctors, nurses and other people who know about children and teenagers.

  • You have the right to know all of the people who take care of you in the hospital.

  • You and your family can meet with your health care team to plan what is best or you.

  • We will work together with you and your family to make your stay in the hospital as short and as comfortable as possible.

  • When you are in the hospital, you might feel scared, mad, lonely or sad. You can let people know how you feel.

  • It is OK to cry or complain.

  • You can have your family with you as much as possible. When this is not possible, the other people caring for you will explain why.

  • We can help you meet children and families who have had experiences like yours.

  • You can wear your own clothing most of the time and keep your special things with you.

  • You can talk or play with people who know how to help when you have questions or problems.

  • You can ask to be moved to another room if you are uncomfortable or unhappy.

  • We will consider all your interests and needs, not just those related to your illness or disability.

  • You have the right to rest, to play and to learn.

  • We will make sure that you have places and times for the things children your age need to grow and learn.

  • Your ideas and feelings about how you want to be cared for are important. You can tell us how we can help you feel more comfortable.

  • You can tell us how you want to take part in your care.

  • You can make choices whenever possible. Sometimes you can help decide when and where you get your treatments.