Consumer rights and responsibilities
Key points
- In March 1998, the Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry (appointed by President Bill Clinton and co-chaired by Donna Shalala, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services) issued its final report that included the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
- You have the right to receive accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, health care professionals, and health care facilities.
- You have the right to a choice of health care providers that is sufficient to provide you with access to appropriate high-quality health care.
- If you have severe pain, an injury, or sudden illness that convinces you that your health is in serious jeopardy, you have the right to receive screening and stabilization emergency services whenever and wherever needed, without prior authorization or financial penalty.
Alternative names
Health care consumer's rights; Rights of the health care consumer
Information
In March 1998, the Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry (appointed by President Bill Clinton and co-chaired by Donna Shalala, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services) issued its final report that included the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. The purpose of the Bill of Rights is:
- To build up consumer confidence in the health care system, by facilitating ways the consumer may participate actively in their own health care.
- To strongly support the significance of a good healthcare provider and patient relationship.
- To emphasize and support the importance of the consumer's role in making sure they have rights and responsibilities with regard to health improvement.
The following section, Consumer Bill of Rights, was developed by the federal government. This has been used as a foundation for many health plans, including the federal government sponsored health plans.
Consumer Bill of Rights
I. Information Disclosure
You have the right to receive accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, health care professionals, and health care facilities. If you speak another language, have a physical or mental disability, or just don't understand something, assistance will be provided so you can make informed health care decisions.
II. Choice of Providers and Plans
You have the right to a choice of health care providers that is sufficient to provide you with access to appropriate high-quality health care.
III. Access to Emergency Services
If you have severe pain, an injury, or sudden illness that convinces you that your health is in serious jeopardy, you have the right to receive screening and stabilization emergency services whenever and wherever needed, without prior authorization or financial penalty.
IV. Participation in Treatment Decisions
You have the right to know all your treatment options and to participate in decisions about your care. Parents, guardians, members, or other individuals that you designate can represent you if you cannot make your own decisions.
V. Respect and Nondiscrimination
You have the right to considerate, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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