Written by Martha Williams, Dailymail.Com
17:26 January 19, 2024, updated 18:11 January 19, 2024
- A Massachusetts hospital warned patients that they could be denied treatment if they engaged in offensive behavior.
- In a video outlining the latest patient behaviors, Dr. Peter Smulowitz said certain body language and tone of voice are “unwelcome.”
- The warning comes after Milford Regional Medical Center officially partnered with Massachusetts Memorial Hospital, which has similar patient practices.
A Massachusetts hospital warned patients that they could be refused treatment if they displayed the wrong body language or tone of voice.
In a video presentation uploaded by Milford Regional Medical Center, Dr. Peter Smulowitz explained how patients are held responsible for what is considered aggressive behavior.
Massachusetts Medical Center's chief medical officer announced updated rules for the hospital's “inclusive environment.”
“Everyone should expect a safe, caring and inclusive environment in all of our spaces,” Smulowitz said.
“Our Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct helps us achieve this goal. Rude, racist, discriminatory, hostile, or harassing language or behavior is unwelcome and will not be tolerated. yeah.”
The doctor added, “Body language and tone of voice are also important parts of communication.”
The hospital says on its website that racist, discriminatory, hostile or harassing language or behavior is not welcome.
Examples of such conduct include offensive comments about race, religion, gender, or orientation.
Refusing to see a doctor based on personal characteristics also violates the new rules.
Offensive or threatening threats, sexual or vulgar language or behavior are prohibited.
Smulowitz said hospitals could deny patients future non-emergency care if they violate the new rules.
He said people will be given a chance to defend themselves if they are charged with disorderly conduct.
“If we believe you have violated our standards with unwelcome language or behavior, you will be given an opportunity to explain your side of the story.
“We always carefully consider your responses before making decisions about your future care at Milford Regional,” Smulowitz said.
Milford Regional Medical Center's website outlines how violations can impact patient care. “Violating this code may result in patients being asked to develop an alternative treatment plan.
“In cases of serious or repeated violations, future non-emergency care and visitation rights at Milford Regional may require review, but we expect this to be rare.”
The announcement sparked outrage on social media, with one Pennsylvania man warning that he would “take this down before we get 1000 complaints from the state medical board.” It will be terrible for you,” the hospital said in a Facebook post.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Milford Regional Medical Center and Massachusetts Memorial Hospital have agreed to a corporate partnership.
The video announcement was released just days before the partnership between the two institutions was officially announced.
UMass Memorial Health is Central Massachusetts' largest nonprofit health system with approximately 19,000 employees.
The university-affiliated medical center released its own patient code of conduct, which was approved in 2021.
It warned that if patients do not comply with expectations, “they may be discharged or their reservations terminated.”
Massachusetts hospitals aren't the only hospitals to send unawake patients to the sidelines.
In 2022, Mass General, one of Boston's premier hospitals, announced in its updated Patient Code of Conduct that “language or behavior that is disrespectful, racist, discriminatory, hostile, or harassing is prohibited.” It is not welcome.”
Mass General's policy warned that “violation of this code may result in patients being asked to make alternative plans for treatment.”
