Your Voice Matters in Your Care
Whether you receive dialysis in a center or at home, or you are working toward a transplant, you have rights as a patient. Knowing them can help you take part in decisions, be treated with respect, and raise a concern safely.
Rights of Dialysis Patients
Dialysis facilities that take part in Medicare must follow federal rules on patients’ rights (42 CFR 494.70). Under these rules, you have the right to:
- Be told about your rights when treatment begins, in a way you can understand
- Be treated with respect, dignity, and recognition of your individuality
- Privacy and confidentiality in your treatment and medical records
- Take part in planning your care, and refuse or stop treatment
- Be told about all treatment options, including home dialysis and transplant, even if your facility does not offer them
- Know your facility’s grievance process and the outside places you can contact
- Raise a concern without reprisal or denial of services
Florida Patient’s Bill of Rights
Florida law also includes a Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities (section 381.026, Florida Statutes). It covers respect for your dignity and privacy, information about your diagnosis and treatment options, information about costs and bills, access to care, and the right to voice a concern to your provider, your facility, or the appropriate state licensing agency.
Taking Part in Care Decisions
- Ask your care team to explain your test results and treatment plan in plain language.
- Ask about every treatment option, including home dialysis and transplant.
- Ask what your plan of care includes and how you can take part in updating it.
- Bring someone you trust to care-planning meetings if that helps you.
- Talk with your care team before changing or stopping any treatment.
If You Have a Concern
Many concerns can be solved by talking with your care team. If that does not work, you have other options:
- Talk with the person involved, or ask to speak with the nurse manager or facility administrator.
- Use your facility’s grievance process. Ask for it in writing.
- Contact ESRD Network 7, which serves dialysis patients in Florida, at 877-936-9260.
- Contact the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) at 888-419-3456.
You may raise a concern yourself, through a representative, or anonymously. Federal rules say dialysis patients may file a grievance without reprisal or denial of services.
It helps to write down dates, names, and what happened, and to keep copies of anything you send or receive.
Where to Get Help
- ESRD Network 7: Concerns about dialysis care in Florida. Patient phone: 877-936-9260.
- Florida Agency for Health Care Administration: Complaints about Florida health care facilities. Phone: 888-419-3456.
- Disability Rights Florida: Florida’s designated protection and advocacy organization for people with disabilities. Phone: 1-800-342-0823.
Before You Use This Information
This page is for general education only. It is not legal, medical, or benefits advice, and it does not decide whether you qualify for any program. Rules and phone numbers can change, so confirm details directly with the agency or organization. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.
Organizations listed on this page are outside resources. Marshall Kidney Foundation is not affiliated with them, and a listing here is not an endorsement.
Do you have a question about this topic? Contact us and let us know.
