Hospital Stays & Medication Rights: What You Need to Know
I recently had someone reach out because their loved one was in the hospital and not receiving their regular home medications. In this case, those medications were for mental health — and the lack of treatment was making the situation worse. Sadly, this is not unusual.
Families often call me saying:
“I don’t know what the next steps are.”
“I’m not sure what the plan of care is.”
“They’re sending my loved one home too soon, and it doesn’t feel safe.”
And yes, I’ve even had a hospital tell my client, “We don’t work with advocates.” Ironically, that very hospital later made national news for poor care practices.
All of this highlights why knowing your rights and understanding your options during a hospital stay matters so much.
In this new series, we’re breaking down your rights during and after a hospitalization — starting today with medications.
Medication Errors: A Real Risk
Medication errors are one of the most common and dangerous problems in hospitals. Research estimates that 400,000 hospitalized patients each year experience preventable medication-related harm. Not just mistakes — actual harm.
This is why patients and families need to be informed and proactive when it comes to medications in the hospital.
Your Rights With Home Medications
When someone is admitted to the hospital, bringing home medications into the equation can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know:
You have the right to request reconciliation. Ask that your loved one’s home medication list be compared against hospital orders immediately. This helps catch errors and ensures nothing important is overlooked.
Know the list. You should know what medications your loved one takes, the dose, and how often. This is where tools like Primary Record are invaluable. All of our clients have access to the unlimited version, which means I know exactly what each client is taking — and so do their families.
Hospitals don’t have to give exact home medications. They are required to provide safe care, but they may not carry the same brand or may substitute for safety or formulary reasons. If there’s a difference between home and hospital medications, ask why.
The Five Rights of Medication Administration
Anyone in healthcare knows the “five rights”:
Right patient
Right drug
Right dose
Right route
Right time
As a patient (or family member), you also have rights:
The right to ask questions.
The right to know what medication is being given, why it’s prescribed, and what side effects to watch for.
The right to refuse a medication if you have valid concerns until further explanation is provided.
Medication Rights at Discharge
Going home can be just as confusing as admission — and sometimes even riskier if medication instructions aren’t clear. At discharge, you have the right to:
Know your full medication list. This includes the name of each drug, why you’re taking it, how much, how often, how to take it, and what side effects to look for.
Reconcile the changes. Compare what you’re being discharged on with what you were taking before hospitalization. Make sure any changes are intentional and appropriate.
Ask about timing. Know when your last hospital dose was given and when your next dose should be taken at home.
Request “Meds to Beds.” Many hospitals now send you home with your prescriptions filled before you leave.
Bottom Line: Advocate for Clarity
Medication rights during a hospital stay are clear — but they only protect you if you use them. By asking questions, confirming details, and reconciling changes, you can help prevent errors and ensure your loved one’s safety.
Being proactive about medications is one of the most important steps you can take to advocate for yourself or your family.
At Haven Healthcare Advocates we provide expert, trusted, nurse-led healthcare advocacy and care management, ensuring your loved ones receive compassionate, high-quality care. We make sure you have and understand your healthcare and then we make sure nothing falls between the cracks. Through our expert guidance we provide peace of mind and restore family harmony. Healthcare is complicated, we make it easier.
To learn more about Haven Healthcare Advocates please visit our website at www.havenhca.com or click here to schedule a consultation.