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Chapter 22: Your
Rights as a Patient
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When
men say they have rights, they generally mean
that they are suffering wrongs. .
- J.A.Spender |
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The Patient's Bill of Rights, has been popularized
in the USA by the American Hospital Association
and all these rights should apply to all patients,
all over the world! Patients in India are so used
to being at the "receiving end" of medical
care, that they sometimes forget that they do have
rights! All patients have the right to:
Respectful Care
Medical staff should respect your dignity and be
sensitive to your needs. Treatment must be provided
regardless of your race, religion, national origin,
or, in emergencies, your ability to pay.
Complete Information
You must be given complete, up-to-date information
about your condition, treatment and chances for
recovery. You also have the right to review your
medical records - after all, they are your property!
Informed Consent
You must give written permission for any procedure,
test or treatment. Before you can do this, your
physician must explain to you, in language you understand
the following:
- The advantages and risks of the procedure.
- Any possible side-effects.
- The consequences of not receiving treatment.
- How long recovery can be expected to take.
Privacy
Personal or medical details of your condition and
treatment may not be needlessly disclosed to others
at any time. In most cases, you must give permission
before anyone not directly involved in your case
is given information about you.
Confidentiality
All communications and medical records (messages
between you and your physician, hospital charts,
test results, X-rays, etc.) must be kept private.
You must give permission for the release of your
records for specific purposes in most cases.
Acceptance for Treatment
If you request treatment at a hospital, you shouldn't
be refused or sent to another hospital without a
good reason. The decision should be based on:
- Whether the hospital is qualified to treat
your condition.
- Whether the necessary equipment is available.
- Whether treating you could potentially endanger
others.
- Whether your condition requires immediate
treatment.
- Whether treatment will be of value to you.
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Information about Affiliation
You have the right to know about any financial links
your hospital and physician may have with other
institutions. For example, if your physician recommends
treatment at a specific institution, you have a
right to ask if he or she is affiliated with that
institution.
Acceptance or Refusal of
Treatment
As a legally competent adult, you have the right
to accept or refuse any medical treatment.
Refusal of Experimental
Treatment
In some cases, physicians may recommend experimental
therapies, medication or other courses of treatment.
You must be told if your proposed treatment is experimental
and what the potential results and risks are. You
may refuse to participate in any research if you
do not wish to - it's your choice!
Knowledge of Hospital Regulations
You should be told about the rules which govern
conduct in the hospital - for example, regulations
about visitors, smoking, meals, movement in the
hospital, etc.
Information about Continuing
Care
Before scheduling any treatment, you should be told
when and where a physician will be available. This
may save you the trouble and expense of long waits
or long trips for treatment. You must also be told
what treatment may be needed after discharge from
the hospital.
Information about Your Medical
Fees
You have a right to receive a copy of your bill
and to know the charges for each service you receive.
Remember, that you can demand your rights, only
if you are aware of them!
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