Overview
At Nivano Physicians, we are committed to providing high-quality healthcare while respecting the rights and dignity of every patient. This document outlines your rights as a patient and your responsibilities in the healthcare process, in accordance with federal and California state laws.
Legal Framework
These rights and responsibilities are established under:
- Patient’s Bill of Rights (Affordable Care Act)
- No Surprises Act (effective January 1, 2022)
- HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules
- California Patient Bill of Rights (Title 22, CCR Section 70707)
- California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA)
- Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)
- Medicare Conditions of Participation
Your Rights as a Patient
Right to Quality Care
Safe and Effective Treatment
You have the right to:
- Receive safe, effective healthcare that meets professional standards
- Be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion regardless of your background
- Receive care that considers your individual needs and preferences
- Be informed of your condition and treatment options in understandable terms
- Participate in decisions about your care and treatment
Pain Management
You have the right to:
- Appropriate assessment and management of your pain
- Information about pain relief options and their risks and benefits
- Respect for your pain reports and concerns
- Access to pain management specialists when appropriate
Right to Information and Communication
Informed Consent
You have the right to:
- Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
- Understand the risks and benefits of proposed treatments
- Know about alternative treatments that may be available
- Receive information in a language you understand
- Have adequate time to make healthcare decisions
Medical Records Access
You have the right to:
- Access your medical records within 15 days under California law
- Request copies of your medical records
- Request amendments to inaccurate information
- Receive an accounting of how your information has been shared
- Restrict certain uses of your health information
Clear Communication
You have the right to:
- Interpreter services at no cost if English is not your primary language
- Materials in your preferred language when available
- Information in accessible formats if you have a disability
- Clear explanations of medical terms and procedures
Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
HIPAA Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
- Privacy and confidentiality of your health information
- Notice of privacy practices and how your information may be used
- Request restrictions on the use and disclosure of your information
- Request confidential communications in alternative ways or locations
- File complaints about privacy practices without retaliation
Visitor and Communication Privacy
You have the right to:
- Choose who may visit you during your care
- Privacy during examinations and treatment
- Private conversations with healthcare providers
- Limit visitors or designate specific individuals
Right to Participate in Care Decisions
Treatment Decisions
You have the right to:
- Participate actively in decisions about your care
- Accept or refuse treatment (with certain legal exceptions)
- Seek a second opinion about your diagnosis or treatment
- Change healthcare providers within your plan’s network
- Request specific providers when possible
Advance Directives
You have the right to:
- Create advance directives including living wills and healthcare powers of attorney
- Have your advance directives honored by healthcare providers
- Designate a healthcare proxy to make decisions if you cannot
- Receive information about advance directive options
Right to Fair Treatment and Non-Discrimination
Equal Access and Treatment
You have the right to:
- Receive care without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Reasonable accommodations for disabilities
- Culturally competent care that respects your beliefs and values
- Fair access to healthcare services based on medical need
Section 1557 Protections
Under federal law, you have the right to:
- Language assistance services at no cost
- Auxiliary aids and services for disabilities
- File discrimination complaints with appropriate agencies
- Receive services without regard to sex, including gender identity
Right to Financial Information and Protection
No Surprises Act Protections
You have the right to:
- Good faith estimates for scheduled services (3+ business days in advance)
- Protection from surprise billing for out-of-network emergency services
- Patient-Provider Dispute Resolution process for uninsured patients
- Independent Dispute Resolution for billing disputes
Financial Transparency
You have the right to:
- Understand your financial responsibility before receiving services
- Receive itemized bills for services provided
- Request payment plans or financial assistance when available
- Appeal insurance coverage decisions through your plan’s process
Right to Continuity of Care
Ongoing Treatment
You have the right to:
- Continuity of care when medically appropriate
- Reasonable notice of changes in providers or services
- Assistance with transitions to new providers when necessary
- Access to urgent and emergency care when needed
Care Coordination
You have the right to:
- Coordinated care among your healthcare team
- Referrals to specialists when medically necessary
- Follow-up care as appropriate for your condition
- Discharge planning that meets your needs
Right to Voice Concerns and File Complaints
Grievance Process
You have the right to:
- File complaints about your care or services without fear of retaliation
- Receive a prompt response to your concerns
- Appeal adverse benefit determinations through established processes
- Seek external review of certain decisions
External Advocacy
You have the right to:
- Contact external agencies including state licensing boards
- File complaints with regulatory agencies
- Seek legal counsel regarding your care
- Access patient advocacy services when available
Your Responsibilities as a Patient
Information and Communication Responsibilities
Accurate Information
You are responsible for:
- Providing complete and accurate information about your health, medical history, and current medications
- Informing providers of changes in your condition or circumstances
- Being honest about your symptoms, concerns, and understanding of treatments
- Updating contact information and insurance details promptly
Active Communication
You are responsible for:
- Asking questions when you don’t understand information provided
- Expressing concerns about your care or treatment
- Informing providers of cultural or religious preferences that may affect care
- Communicating pain levels and other symptoms accurately
Treatment Compliance Responsibilities
Following Treatment Plans
You are responsible for:
- Following prescribed treatment plans to the best of your ability
- Taking medications as directed by your healthcare provider
- Keeping scheduled appointments or providing adequate notice of cancellations
- Following pre- and post-procedure instructions carefully
Lifestyle and Prevention
You are responsible for:
- Making healthy lifestyle choices when possible
- Participating in preventive care and recommended screenings
- Following safety guidelines provided by your healthcare team
- Being proactive about your health and wellness
Respect and Conduct Responsibilities
Respectful Behavior
You are responsible for:
- Treating healthcare providers and staff with respect and courtesy
- Following facility policies and procedures
- Respecting the rights of other patients and their privacy
- Maintaining appropriate behavior during healthcare encounters
Safety and Security
You are responsible for:
- Following safety instructions and protocols
- Reporting safety concerns to appropriate staff
- Securing personal belongings during healthcare visits
- Informing providers of any safety risks or concerns
Financial Responsibilities
Payment Obligations
You are responsible for:
- Understanding your insurance coverage and benefits
- Paying applicable copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance promptly
- Providing current insurance information at each visit
- Notifying providers of insurance changes
Financial Communication
You are responsible for:
- Discussing financial concerns with appropriate staff
- Requesting financial assistance if needed and eligible
- Asking questions about costs and payment options
- Notifying providers if you cannot afford recommended treatments
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Truthfulness
You are responsible for:
- Being truthful in all communications with healthcare providers
- Not misrepresenting symptoms or medical history
- Reporting suspected fraud or unethical behavior
- Respecting intellectual property and confidentiality of other patients
Legal Compliance
You are responsible for:
- Following applicable laws regarding healthcare
- Not requesting inappropriate services or medications
- Respecting controlled substance regulations and prescribing practices
- Cooperating with reasonable requests from healthcare providers
Special Situations and Protections
Emergency Care Rights
In emergency situations, you have the right to:
- Receive emergency treatment regardless of ability to pay
- Medical screening examination to determine if an emergency condition exists
- Stabilizing treatment for emergency medical conditions
- Appropriate transfer to another facility if necessary
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
You have additional rights regarding:
- Confidentiality of mental health and substance abuse records
- Consent requirements for disclosure of sensitive information
- Access to mental health services as covered by your insurance
- Protection from discrimination based on mental health status
Reproductive Health Rights
Under California law, you have rights regarding:
- Confidential reproductive health services for minors in certain circumstances
- Access to family planning services and information
- Privacy protections for reproductive health information
- Non-discrimination in reproductive health care
Quality Assurance and Safety
Our Commitment to Quality
We are committed to:
- Continuous quality improvement in all aspects of care
- Patient safety initiatives and error prevention
- Evidence-based medicine and best practices
- Regular monitoring of care quality and outcomes
Reporting and Improvement
We encourage you to:
- Report any safety concerns or adverse events
- Provide feedback about your care experience
- Participate in quality surveys when requested
- Suggest improvements to our services
Contact Information
Patient Relations and Advocacy
Phone: (916) 407-2000
Email: customerservice@nivanophysicians.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST
Compliance and Ethics
Phone: (916) 407-2000
Email: compliance@nivanophysicians.com
Privacy Officer
Phone: (916) 407-2000 exy 83000
Email: quality@nivanophysicians.com
External Resources
California Department of Public Health
Phone: 1-916-558-1784
Website: www.cdph.ca.gov
Department of Managed Health Care
Phone: 1-888-466-2219
Website: www.dmhc.ca.gov
Medicare (for Medicare beneficiaries)
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Website: www.medicare.gov
These rights and responsibilities reflect our commitment to providing patient-centered care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients, families, and healthcare team members.
Document Version: 1.0
Effective Date: August 7, 2025
Next Review Date: August 7, 2027