Patient Rights:

The Clinic’s goal is to respect the individual rights of all persons that come to this facility for care. Your rights as a patient are as follows:

  • You shall be offered considerate and respectful care.
  • You have a right to obtain the name of the physician and any other individual responsible for services or treatment related to your care.
  • You have the right to refuse any treatment by Rhode Island Free Clinic to the extent permitted by law.
  • Your right to privacy shall be respected.
  • Your right to privacy and confidentiality shall extend to all records pertaining to your treatment except as otherwise provided by law.
  • Rhode Island Free Clinic shall respond in a reasonable manner to the request for your health information to be provided to other providers.
  • Upon request, an explanation of any bill will be provided if the bill was generated in conjunction with Rhode Island Free Clinic services.
  • You shall be offered treatment without discrimination as to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.​

Patient Responsibilities:

As a Rhode Island Free Clinic patient you are responsible to do everything you can to help us provide you with the best possible care. Your responsibilities as a patient are as follows:

  • You are responsible to attend all scheduled appointments, or cancel at least 24-hours before your scheduled appointment. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment it is considered a missed appointment, also called “no show.” After three (3) missed appointments, or “no shows,” the Clinic may terminate you as a patient. Written notice will be sent upon termination.
  • You are responsible to seek primary health care services ONLY at Rhode Island Free Clinic. This enables us to coordinate your care more effectively.
  • You are responsible to bring all current medications with you to all appointments at the Clinic.
  • You are responsible to keep appointments at sites the Clinic refers you to. If you are unable to keep your appointment at a referral site, you must call that site to cancel and reschedule the appointment at that site yourself.
  • You are responsible for any fees or bills generated from referral sites outside of Rhode Island Free Clinic. If referred elsewhere by the Clinic, you are responsible to apply for the Financial Assistant Program provided at those sites and pay whatever bills you are charged.
  • You are responsible to notify the Clinic of any changes in your current phone number, address, or income.
  • You are responsible to notify the Clinic if you obtain health insurance.
  • You are responsible to seek emergency treatment at a local emergency room. Rhode Island Free Clinic does not provide emergency services.
  • You are responsible to contact the Clinic Nurse or front desk staff if you have questions. Volunteer Medical Professionals should never be contacted directly through their offices or hospitals.
  • You are responsible to provide complete information about your present condition, past illnesses, previous hospital stays, medications you are taking (including any legal and illegal substances) and any other matters relating to your health.
  • You are responsible to ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions, so that you can safely care for yourself when you leave the Clinic.
  • You are responsible to treat all medical volunteers, staff, and patients with respect. The Clinic relies on the generosity of volunteers to provide care, and we strongly encourage kindness in all interactions among everyone at the Clinic.
  • You are responsible to respect the privacy of all other patients at all times, both inside and outside the Clinic.