Freedom from restraints (unless authorized by a physician for limited periods of time)
Prompt acknowledgment of and response to reports of pain in order to control and/or minimize it
Courteous treatment, with respect for each patient's civil rights and without discrimination based on age, race, religion, sex, nationality, or ability to pay

Legal Rights:

To treatment and medical services without discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preference, disability, handicap, diagnosis, ability to pay, or source of payment.
To exercise all your constitutional, civil, and legal rights.

Nondiscrimination Policy:

As a recipient of funding through Federal Health Care programs, Meridian Health does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the ground of race, color, or national origin, or on the basis of disability or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of services and benefits under any of its programs and activities. This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. (For further information about this policy, contact Guest Relations).

Advance Directives (Living Wills)

The state of New Jersey recognizes and encourages residents to complete an Advanced Directive form. The right of a competent individual to accept or refuse medical treatment is a fundamental right protected by law.

In the event that you are no longer capable of making decisions for yourself-thus you become incompetent-a document called Advanced Directive can protect your wishes and decisions. The document has two parts:

A living will which puts your decisions about treatment into writing.
Naming a healthcare representative whom you would like to make medical healthcare decisions for you.

Most people choose a family member or loved one to serve as their healthcare representative. You may choose either or both options of the Advanced Directive.

Bioethics Committee

Southern Ocean Medical Center maintains a multi-disciplinary Bioethics Committee that considers biomedical and ethical issues at the Hospital and helps to shape the Hospital's policies toward bioethics, ethics and advanced directives.

The Committee also plays an active role in resolving conflicts concerning a patient's decision-making capacity and interpretation of advanced directives, and provides a forum for patients, and their families and Hospital staff to discuss ethical concerns regarding healthcare and participate in healthcare decisions that require input from a Bioethics Committee.

Edward Niewiadomski, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs, is Chairman of the Hospital's Bioethics Committee and can be reached at 609-978-8913.

Questions & Answers

Do I need an Advanced Directive?
If you are concerned about the medical treatment you may receive if you are unable to make decisions for yourself, then you should complete an Advanced Directive. Many organizations, such as Southern Ocean Medical Center, provide sample Advance Directives that you can use. You also have the choice to make your own. You must, however, state that you are over 18 years old, are not being forced to prepare the document, and that you are of sound mind. Your signature must be witnessed and dated by two people, or notarized.

When will my Advanced Directive be used?
Only when you can no longer make decisions for yourself and you are in a healthcare facility.

What do I do with my Advanced Directive?
Make copies. Give one to your family, a neighbor, pastor or physician. Our Medical Records Department will also keep a copy and place it on your medical record, even if you have never been a patient at Southern Ocean Medical Center before.

I still have questions, where can I get help?
Call The Family Resource Center at 609-978-3559, or the Admissions Office at 609-597-6011 x2994.
They can supply you with the necessary forms.