Johns Hopkins Medicine recognizes that all patients have fundamental, overarching rights to information, fair treatment and autonomy over medical decisions, among other rights. As part of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center adheres to its patient rights and responsibilities.

Learn more about Patient Rights and Responsibilities.

Family Responsibilities

As the parent or guardian, you have the responsibility to:

• Provide complete and accurate information when it is required, including your child’s full name, address, home telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier and your employer when it is required.
• Provide the hospital or your child’s doctor with a copy of an advance directive if your child has one.
• Provide complete and accurate information about your child’s health, including present conditions, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products and any other health matters.
• Ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe your child can’t follow the treatment plan, you are responsible for telling the child’s doctor.
• Make sure your child actively participates in the pain management plan, and keep your child’s doctors and nurses informed of the effectiveness of treatments.
• Leave valuables at home and only bring necessary items for your child’s hospital stay.
• Treat all hospital staff members, other patients and visitors with courtesy and respect; abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations; be considerate of noise levels, privacy and number of visitors; and comply with the no smoking policy.
• Keep appointments and be on time. Call your health care practitioner if you cannot keep your child’s appointment.
• Provide complete and accurate information about your child’s health insurance coverage and pay your bills in a timely manner.