Who must have access to the policies and procedures regarding patient rights and responsibilities before and after admission?

Access to the policies and procedures regarding patient rights and responsibilities is crucial for both the patient and the attending physician. This access ensures that the patient is informed of their rights before and after admission, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care and treatment. Additionally, the attending physician, who plays a key role in the patient's care planning and decision-making, needs to be aware of these policies to align the medical treatment with the patient's rights and ensure compliance.

Providing this information only to the patient or the guardian would limit the overall understanding of the patient’s care requirements and related rights to only one representative, which could hinder effective communication and advocacy. Employees of the facility should be knowledgeable about these policies as well, but the fundamental need for access lies primarily with the patient and their physician, who are directly involved in the care process.