Patient Rights Summary As a patient, you have certain rights. Some are guaranteed by federal law, such as the right to get a copy of your medical records, and the right to keep them private. Many states have additional laws protecting patients, and healthcare facilities often have a patient bill of rights. An important patient right is informed consent. This means that if you need a treatment, your health care provider must give you the information you need to make a decision. Many hospitals have patient advocates who can help you if you have problems. Many states have an ombudsman office for problems with long term care. Your state’s department of health may also be able to help. Find an Expert Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights Locate an Ombudsman National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Informed Consent National Institutes of Health Encyclopedia Consumer rights and responsibilties Related Issues Getting a Second Opinion Before Surgery Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services How to Get a Second Opinion Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Informed Consent American Cancer Society Informed Consent (Clinical Trials) National Cancer Institute Rights and Responsibilities of VA Patients and Residents of Community Living Centers Department of Veterans Affairs Array Informed consent – adults Seniors Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Administration on Aging Specifics Medicare Rights and Protections Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Start Here Patient Care Partnership: Understanding Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities American Hospital Association Patient’s Bill of Rights American Cancer Society Questions to Ask Your Doctor Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality When Health Care Providers May Communicate About You with Your Family, Friends, or Others Involved in Your Care Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights Journal Articles Freedom of choice laws Informed consent Patient rights
