Family & Visitor Rights
Families & Visitors Have a Right to:
- Spend time with your loved one. Patients will be asked to identify a small number of primary support people, who are considered to be the patient’s ‘family.’ Examples might be a close family member, domestic partner, spouse, sibling or best friend. These support people will generally be able to visit at any time during their hospital stay. Exceptions may be made based on patient needs.
- Access helpful information. Please visit an information desk to request information regarding food, gift shops, parking, maps, guest services, and local accommodations.
- Know the names of the people who are helping or caring for your loved one.
- Ask questions and receive answers in a way that meets your needs and helps you understand.
- Access pastoral care, interpretive services, social work and other support services as needed.
- Request copies of the MUSC Visitation Guidelines and the Patient Bill of Rights – please see staff located at information desks throughout the Medical Center to request copies.
- Share a complaint or concern with the healthcare team, and receive a response without affecting the quality or delivery of care. Complaints or concerns should be directed to the MUSC Patient and Family Centered Care Group at 843-792-5555. If we are unable to resolve your concern, you have the right to contact the following regulatory agencies to resolve your concerns:
- S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) at 800-922-6735
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals at 800-994-6610
- Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence (Medicaid & Medicare only) at 800-922-3089
Families & Visitors Have a Responsibility to:
- Review the MUSC Medical Center Visitation Guidelines. Copies of the Guidelines may be found at information desks throughout the Medical Center.
- Support the rest and recovery of our patients in a healing environment by speaking quietly.
- Be considerate and respectful of people who are caring for you or your loved one.
- Wear a visitor badge at all times when visiting.
- Wash hands or use hand sanitizer as you enter and leave patient rooms.
- Delay visiting if you have a cold, fever or illness.
- Follow the special rules when visiting a patient who is on ‘isolation’ to protect the safety of all families and patients.
- Follow all MUSC Medical Center policies and guidelines.
- Supervise children visitors at all times.
- Comply with any visitation restrictions recommended and communicated by the healthcare team, based on the needs of the patient.
- Refrain from using profanity or threatening language or behavior. Refrain from using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs or possessing weapons. Any visitor who interferes with the care of patients, or whose behavior or actions are a threat to patient safety, will be asked to leave.
- Look after your personal possessions and valuables, as MUSC Medical Center does not assume responsibility for lost or misplaced items.
