I'm responding to "Patient Rights: Put a Lid on the Labels" (Ethical Problems, June 2009).* I agree that labeling patients is disrespectful and violates patient rights. But let's not forget the second part of the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities-the responsibilities.

Patients need to remember to give respect in order to receive it. In my long-term-care and rehab center, we have a large turnover in staff because we aren't respected by many of our patients. Nurses have the right to offer their assistance and care without being disrespected by their patients.

-NAME WITHHELD

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