Patient’s Rights (and Responsibilities)
The patient’s rights list the guarantees a patient can expect from a healthcare facility or agency while receiving personal or medical care. Many government healthcare agencies like the California Department of Public Health, the US Dept of Human and Health Services, and even the American Hospital Association have their own list or version of patient’s rights. Most healthcare facilities and agencies incorporate all of this list to assure compliance with government surveyors and regulators. At the time of admission to a healthcare facility or agency, the patient is usually given notice in the admission agreement or consent for treatment form that such a list exists and is available upon request. This course lists some of the common patient’s rights and responsibilities found in usual admission agreements.
Learning Objectives Patient’s Rights
- List basic patient’s rights.
- Understand that patients have the right to say NO to any treatment, even if it will be detrimental to his/her health.
- Understand that the patient has the right to all information so he/she can make informed care decisions.
- Understand that it is the patient’s right to expect professional, safe, and quality care from his/her care providers.
- Understand that the patient has responsibilities as well, and acknowledge that the facility and services are shared with other patients.
- Explore scenarios where there can be a conflict between patient rights and
patient safety.