Patient Safety

Speak Up When You Have Questions or Concerns

It is OK to ask questions and to expect answers you can understand. Always ask questions before agreeing to any medical test, medication, or treatment.

Make Sure You Understand What Will Happen if You Need Surgery

Make sure that you, your physician, and your surgeon all understand and agree on exactly what will be done. By discussing the plan ahead of time, you can help prevent rare mistakes.

Wash Your Hands

After you move around your room, touch things, or use the bathroom, always remember to wash your hands. It is OK to ask your caregivers whether they have washed their hands.

Make Sure That all Medical Professionals Involved in Your Care Have Important Health Information About You

Several health care professionals may ask you the same questions (e.g., do you have any allergies). That's all part of helping to make sure that you receive safe care. Be sure to share your health and medication history with your care team.

Compare Expectations

Tell your physician what you expect from the treatment and ask if that is realistic. If appropriate, discuss side effects, pain, recovery time, and long term limitations. Make sure you discuss your advance directive, designating someone to speak on your behalf if you can no longer speak for yourself, and giving specific instructions about your future medical care.

Request That Your Wristband be Checked When You are Given Medications, Have Blood Drawn, or When Procedures are Performed.

Occasionally, a patient is mistaken for another patient. You can help prevent mistakes by having your identification wristband checked.

Make Sure You Know Who is Taking Care of You.

If a caregiver attempts to care for you without an identification badge, ask them who they are, and tell a properly identified caregiver about the matter.

Before You Take Any Medication in the Hospital, Look at It

If it doesn't look like what you usually take, ask why.

When You are Discharged From the Hospital, Ask Your Physician to Explain the Treatment Plan You Should Use at Home

This includes learning about your medications and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.

Notification in Accordance with the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 - Proposition 65

Proposition 65 requires the Governor to publish a list of chemicals "known to the State to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm." It also requires California companies, including health care providers, to warn the public of potential exposures to these chemicals. Please be assured that Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing a safe environment for patients and members. However, some chemicals used in health care facilities, including Kaiser Permanente facilities, are on the Governor's list. You may be exposed to the following chemical during your stay in a Kaiser Permanente facility:

In addition to this chemical, some drugs prescribed to patients include chemicals known to the State to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Please consult your health care provider or pharmacist for specific information about any drugs prescribed for you.