Pain Management Patient Rights

All patients have the right to pain relief, including those who are unable to describe their pain. We are committed to working with our patients to provide safe and effective pain management.

While you are a patient at Mills-Peninsula, you have the right to describe your pain and expect that your description will be believed and respected. You may help develop, implement, evaluate and revise your pain management. Your pain care will be administered by compassionate professionals who respect you as an individual.

We will take all reasonable safety measures as we provide your pain management. That management will be monitored and re-evaluated, and you have the right to review alternative pain management approaches. You may refuse your pain management plan, or ask that we revise it, without fear of discrimination.

As a patient, you also have responsibilities for pain management. Ask your doctor, nurse, or therapist what you can expect regarding pain and pain management. Discuss pain relief options with your doctor, nurse, or therapist, and work with them to develop a pain management plan.

Help your doctor, nurse, and therapist assess your pain. Ask for pain relief when you first experience pain and tell a member of your health care team if your pain is not relieved. Tell your doctor, nurse, or therapist about any worries you have about taking pain medications.

If you have any questions or concerns while you are at Mills-Peninsula, please call Patient Relations at 650-696-5565.