Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Patient Rights

Patient rights in healthcare refer to the legal and ethical principles that protect the autonomy, dignity, and well-being of patients. These rights are intended to ensure that patients receive appropriate and respectful care, and that their privacy and confidentiality are protected.

Some of the key patient rights in healthcare include:

The right to informed consent: Patients have the right to be fully informed about their medical condition, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits, and to make decisions about their care based on that information.

The right to privacy and confidentiality: Patients have the right to have their medical information kept confidential, and to have their privacy protected in the healthcare setting.

The right to access medical records: Patients have the right to access and review their medical records and to request copies of their records.

The right to choose a healthcare provider: Patients have the right to choose their own healthcare provider and to change providers if they wish.

The right to non-discrimination: Patients have the right to receive healthcare without discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

The right to an advanced directive: Patients have the right to make decisions about their care in advance, such as through a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare.

The right to complain: Patients have the right to complain about any aspect of their care without fear of retaliation.

Patient rights are protected by various laws and regulations at the federal and state level, such as the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It’s important for healthcare providers to understand and respect patient rights, as well as to ensure that patients are aware of their rights and know how to exercise them.