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Patient Rights & Advocacy

Your Health, Your Voice

As a patient, you have the right to understand your care, make decisions about your own body, and have your personal information protected. But rights only help if you know about them. These guides explain your protections, how consent works, and where to turn when you need someone in your corner.

01 Understanding Patient Rights The core protections every patient has, from respectful care to access to your records. › 02 Health Advocacy Resources Organizations and people who can help you navigate problems with care, billing, or insurance. › 03 Navigating Patient Consent What informed consent really means and the questions to ask before agreeing to treatment. › 04 Medical Ethics Overview The principles that guide doctors' decisions and how ethics committees help in difficult cases. › 05 Patient Privacy Laws How HIPAA and other laws protect your health information, and what they don't cover. ›

The Four Principles of Medical Ethics

Most healthcare decisions are guided by four widely accepted principles. When they conflict, doctors, patients, and families work together, sometimes with an ethics committee, to find the best path forward.

Autonomy

Respecting your right to make informed decisions about your own care, including saying no.

Beneficence

Acting in the patient's best interest and working to improve their health and well-being.

Non-maleficence

"First, do no harm." Avoiding treatments whose risks outweigh their benefits.

Justice

Treating patients fairly and distributing care and resources equitably.

What Informed Consent Includes

Signing a form isn't the same as giving informed consent. True consent means your provider has explained your options in a way you understand, and you've had the chance to ask questions. Before a procedure, you should know:

Your diagnosis and why treatment is recommended
What the treatment or procedure involves
The expected benefits and the possible risks
Other options, including doing nothing
What could happen if you decline

Plan Ahead with Advance Directives

Advance directives let you share your wishes in case you can't speak for yourself. They're useful for adults of any age, not just older adults or people who are seriously ill.

Living Will

Spells out which treatments you would or wouldn't want, such as life support or tube feeding.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Names a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to.

POLST or Similar Form

A medical order, completed with your doctor, for people with serious illness to guide emergency care.

Rules and forms vary by state. Share copies with your doctor and loved ones.

Your Privacy Rights Under HIPAA

HIPAA is the US federal law that protects health information held by doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and health insurers. It gives you several important rights.

See and get copies

You can request your records, and providers generally must respond within 30 days. They may charge a reasonable fee.

Request corrections

Ask to fix information you believe is wrong or incomplete in your records.

Know who's seen it

Request a list of certain disclosures of your information made for purposes other than treatment or payment.

Choose how you're contacted

Ask to be reached at a different phone number or address for privacy.

Limit sharing

If you pay in full out of pocket, you can ask that the service not be shared with your insurer.

File a complaint

Report privacy violations to the provider or to the HHS Office for Civil Rights.

Note: HIPAA usually doesn't apply to fitness trackers, many health apps, or information you post online.

If Something Goes Wrong: Steps to Take

Most concerns can be resolved by speaking up early. If that doesn't work, there are clear next steps.

STEP 1

Talk to your care team

Raise the issue with your nurse, doctor, or the unit's charge nurse.

STEP 2

Contact patient relations

Most hospitals have a patient advocate or patient relations office to help resolve concerns.

STEP 3

Put it in writing

File a formal grievance and keep copies of all records, bills, and correspondence.

STEP 4

Go outside the facility

Contact your state health department, the provider's licensing board, or your insurer.

Where to Find Help

You don't have to navigate the system alone. These resources can help you understand your options and advocate for yourself or a loved one.

Hospital patient advocates: staff who help patients and families resolve concerns during a stay

Long-term care ombudsman: free advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living, available in every state

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): free, unbiased counseling on Medicare questions

State insurance department: help with insurance denials and complaints about health plans

Nonprofit patient advocacy groups: organizations that offer case management and support for people with serious or chronic illness

Private patient advocates: paid professionals who can help with complex care coordination or medical billing disputes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Adults who are able to make their own decisions have the right to refuse treatment, even if their doctor disagrees. Your doctor should explain the possible consequences so you can make an informed choice.

Providers can share relevant information with family or friends involved in your care unless you object. You can tell your provider exactly who may or may not receive your information.

In the US, most hospitals and providers that receive federal funding must offer free language assistance, including interpreters, and accommodations for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Absolutely. Second opinions are common, especially before major surgery or with a serious diagnosis, and most doctors welcome them. Check whether your insurance covers the visit beforehand.

This information is for general education only and isn't legal or medical advice. Patient rights and privacy laws vary by state and country, so consult a qualified professional about your specific situation.