Passed in 1998, the Patients’ Bill of Rights outlines eight areas related to making healthcare decisions. Each state must comply with the minimum standards set forth in this bill. However, because many states have their own guidelines that exceed

minimum standards, it’s important that you become familiar with the specific regulations in your state. A detailed explanation of regulations can be found at the United States Department of Health and Human Services, while individual state regulations can be found through your state department.

The eight areas detailed in the Patients’ Bill of Rights include the following:

1.      Informed disclosure. Patients have a right to information that will allow them to make informed healthcare decisions, including information regarding their healthcare plan, healthcare facility, and healthcare provider.

2.      Choice providers and plans. Patients have a right to choose their healthcare providers.

3.      Access to emergency services. Consumers have the right to emergency medical services when and where needed, and healthcare plans should pay for these services.

4.      Participation in treatment decisions. Patients have a right to participate in decisions regarding their health. Incompetent patients have the right to be represented by someone with their best interests at heart, such as a parent, guardian, family member, or Guardian Ad Litem.

5.      Respect and discrimination. Consumers have the right to access the benefits covered in their policy or as required by law, and can’t be discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or source of payment.

6.      Confidentiality of health information. Patients have a right to confidentiality when it comes to their healthcare and personal health information. They also have the right to receive and review their own records.

7.      Complaints and appeals. Consumers have the right to a fair and efficient process for resolving differences with their health plans, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities, including a system of internal review and an independent system of external review.

8.      Consumer responsibilities. Consumer are expected to be actively involved in protecting their own health, including actively making decisions regarding treatment, complying with treatment plans, reading and understanding all documentation, and educating themselves about benefits, coverage, and appeals.