When receiving health care, you have the right to expect the highest level of medical care and to be treated with respect. These rights are known as “Patient Rights” and are protected by legal regulations.
In this blog post, you will give detailed information about patient rights, learn what rights you have and how you can protect these rights.
What are Patient Rights?
Patient rights are a set of legal rights and freedoms that patients have when receiving healthcare. These rights include:
• Right to information: You have the right to receive complete and accurate information about the disease, treatment options, risks and benefits.
• Right to consent: Before consenting to treatment, you must understand all options and give your consent freely.
• Right to respect: You deserve to be treated with respect, regardless of race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation or any other discrimination.
• Right to privacy: Your personal health information should be kept confidential and not shared with unauthorized persons.
• Right to choose: You have the right to choose which healthcare providers and which treatments you want to benefit from.
• Right to a second opinion: You have the right to get a second opinion from another healthcare professional before engaging in diagnosis or treatment.
• Right to complain: If you are not satisfied with the health service provision, you have the right to complain.
• The right to a safe environment: You have the right to be in a safe and hygienic environment while receiving health care.
• Right to pain management: You have the right to request that necessary steps be taken to control your pain and provide you with relief.
• The right to have a companion: You have the right to have a companion with you while you are receiving inpatient treatment in the hospital.
• The right to practice your religion: You have the right to worship and fulfill your religious obligations in accordance with your religious beliefs.
How Can You Protect Your Patient Rights?
Here are some things you can do to protect your patient rights:
• Learn your rights: Learn about patient rights and know what rights you have.