Visiting Patients

Jenkins County Medical Center is committed to providing safe, respectful, and compassionate care while supporting the presence of loved ones. Patients may receive visits from family and friends during their stay, in accordance with hospital guidelines. All patients and visitors are expected to follow established hospital policies. For more information, please review our Visitor Policy. (Política de visitas)

• General visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• All visitors must check in with Registration and wear a visitor badge.
• Parents or legal guardians may designate visitors for minor patients.

JCMC’s Behavioral Health Unit has its own visitor guidelines to best support the care and well-being of patients.

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

You have the right…

• to receive care in a safe environment, free from all forms of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.

• to have family members or a person of your choice notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.

• to have someone remain with you for emotional support during your hospital stay, unless your visitor’s presence compromises others’ rights, safety, or health.

• to deny visitation at any time.

• to expect privacy and dignity in treatment consistent with receiving quality medical and psychiatric care.

• to know who is responsible for authorizing and performing your procedures or treatments.

• to receive access to medical treatment or accommodations regardless of race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, physical handicap, or sources of payment.

• to know the identity/professional status of your caregivers.

• to know what patient support services are available, including access to an interpreter if language is a problem.

• to have access to your medical records according to hospital policy.

• to be informed of the nature of your condition; proposed treatment or procedure; risks, benefits, and prognosis; and any continuing healthcare requirements after your discharge, in terms you can understand.

• to have your pain assessed and to be involved in decisions about treating your pain.

• to be free from restraints and seclusion in any form that is not medically required.

• to expect consideration of your privacy and confidentiality in care, discussions, exams, and treatments. You may ask for an escort during any type of exam.

• to access protective and advocacy services in cases of abuse or neglect. The hospital will provide a list of these resources.

• to refuse treatment, except as otherwise provided by law, and to be informed of the consequences of your refusal.
• to participate in the decision-making process related to your plan of care.

• to have access to professionals to assist with emotional and/or spiritual care.

• to participate in discussions of ethical issues that may arise.

• to express concerns regarding any of these rights in accordance with the grievance process.

• to formulate an Advance Directive and appoint a surrogate to make healthcare decisions on your behalf to the extent permitted by law.

You have the responsibility…

• to provide accurate and complete information to your healthcare providers about your present and past medical conditions and all other matters pertaining to your health.

• to inform your healthcare providers whether or not you understand your plan of care and what is expected of you.

• to keep appointments and, if you cannot, notify the proper person.

• to be considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel, treat staff with respect, and follow hospital policy and regulations regarding care and conduct.

• to actively participate in your pain management plan, and keep your doctors and nurses informed of the effectiveness of your treatment.

• to leave valuables at home and bring only necessary items for your hospital stay.

Contact:

If you have a concern about the quality of care, service, or safety you and/or your family member has experienced, we encourage you to report your concerns to department leadership directly, or call our Patient Advocate at (478) 982-4221, ext. 221. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, we encourage you to contact the Georgia Department of Community Health, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, East Tower, Atlanta, GA, 30334. Phone: (404) 656-4496

No Patient Left Alone Act (House Bill 663)

During the 2024 legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly passed the No Patient Left Alone Act (House Bill 663), which was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on May 6, 2024. This legislation establishes visitation rights for individuals admitted to hospitals and long-term care facilities. Read about the No Patient Left Alone Act here.