Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct

Commitment to a Safe and Respectful Environment

At OSF HealthCare, we treat all patients and caregivers/visitors with dignity. We focus on each individual’s needs. We give the best care to our patients. We do this by being considerate and respectful of all those we serve. OSF strives to be a safe place for workers, patients and visitors. We need your commitment to keep the environment safe. OSF will not tolerate behaviors that makes our spaces unsafe.

The OSF Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct helps promote that safe space. Words or actions by patients, visitors or health care workers that are disrespectful, racist, discriminatory, hostile or harassing are not welcome. Some examples are:

• Physical threats and assaults. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as grabbing, kicking, hitting, spitting, biting or groping.
• Verbal threats and assaults in person or via phone calls, letters, voicemail, email or any written or electronic communication.
• Throwing objects. Destroying property.
• Having firearms or any weapon on OSF property.
• Intimidating or harassing staff, other patients or visitors.
• Comments about others’ race, accent, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other personal traits.
• Refusal to see or receive care from a clinician or other staff member because of their personal traits or differences.

If we visit your home, please make the space safe. Restrain all animals. Secure any weapons.

If we believe you have violated the code, we will allow you to explain your perspective. We will consider your response. Then we will decide about your future care at OSF.

• Patients: We may ask you to make other plans for your non-emergency care.
• Visitors and caregivers: You may be asked to leave and be restricted from visiting.

If you see or are the target of any of the behaviors listed, please tell your care team.