What are the fundamental rights of patients in healthcare settings. How can patients advocate for themselves and ensure quality care. What responsibilities do healthcare providers have in upholding patient rights. How do patient rights contribute to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Understanding the Foundations of Patient Rights

Patient rights form the cornerstone of ethical healthcare delivery, ensuring that individuals receive respectful, dignified, and high-quality medical care. These rights are not just ethical considerations but are often backed by legal frameworks in many countries. Understanding patient rights is crucial for both healthcare providers and patients to foster a collaborative and effective healthcare environment.

The American Medical Association (AMA) outlines several key patient rights that are essential in maintaining a mutually respectful alliance between patients and physicians. These rights are designed to empower patients, promote transparency, and ensure that medical care is delivered with the utmost consideration for the patient’s well-being and autonomy.

Core Patient Rights as Defined by the AMA

• Right to courtesy, respect, and dignity
• Right to timely and responsive attention to needs
• Right to receive comprehensive information about treatment options
• Right to ask questions and receive clear answers
• Right to make informed decisions about care
• Right to privacy and confidentiality
• Right to access medical records
• Right to seek a second opinion
• Right to be informed of any conflicts of interest
• Right to continuity of care

These rights are fundamental in ensuring that patients are active participants in their healthcare journey, rather than passive recipients of medical care. By understanding and exercising these rights, patients can contribute to better health outcomes and a more satisfying healthcare experience.

The Right to Informed Consent and Decision-Making

One of the most critical aspects of patient rights is the concept of informed consent. This principle is deeply rooted in medical ethics and law, emphasizing the patient’s autonomy in making decisions about their health care. But what exactly does informed consent entail?

Informed consent is the process by which a healthcare provider educates a patient about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a given treatment or procedure. The patient then has the right to accept or refuse the recommended treatment based on this information. This process ensures that patients are active participants in their healthcare decisions, rather than passive recipients of care.

Key Elements of Informed Consent

1. Disclosure of relevant information by the healthcare provider
2. Patient comprehension of the information provided
3. Voluntary decision-making by the patient
4. Competence of the patient to make the decision

Do healthcare providers have an obligation to ensure patients understand the information provided? Yes, physicians are ethically bound to present information in a manner that is understandable to the patient, taking into account factors such as language barriers, educational background, and cognitive abilities. They should also be prepared to answer any questions the patient may have about their condition or treatment options.

Can a patient refuse treatment even if it may lead to serious health consequences? Indeed, a competent patient has the right to refuse any medical intervention, even if that decision may result in harm or death. This right is a fundamental expression of patient autonomy and is protected by both ethical guidelines and legal statutes in many jurisdictions.

Protecting Patient Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy and confidentiality are paramount in healthcare settings. These principles not only respect the patient’s dignity but also foster trust between patients and healthcare providers, which is essential for effective medical care. But how exactly are privacy and confidentiality defined in the context of healthcare?

Patient privacy encompasses several dimensions, including physical privacy (personal space), informational privacy (personal data), decisional privacy (personal choices), and associational privacy (personal relationships). Confidentiality, on the other hand, specifically refers to the protection of personal health information gathered during the course of medical care.

Aspects of Patient Privacy in Healthcare

• Physical privacy: Respect for personal space during examinations and procedures
• Informational privacy: Protection of personal health data
• Decisional privacy: Respect for personal choices, including cultural and religious affiliations
• Associational privacy: Protection of personal relationships with family and intimates

Are there any exceptions to patient confidentiality? While confidentiality is a fundamental principle, there are rare circumstances where healthcare providers may be legally or ethically obligated to disclose patient information. These exceptions typically involve situations where there is a significant risk of harm to the patient or others, or when required by law (such as in cases of suspected child abuse or certain communicable diseases).

How can healthcare institutions ensure the protection of patient privacy in the digital age? With the increasing use of electronic health records and telemedicine, healthcare providers must implement robust cybersecurity measures, train staff on privacy protocols, and stay updated on relevant data protection regulations. Patients should also be informed about how their data is used and protected, and given options to control access to their health information when possible.

The Right to Access and Control Medical Records

In an era of increasing emphasis on patient empowerment and transparency in healthcare, the right to access and control one’s medical records has become increasingly important. This right allows patients to be more informed about their health status, verify the accuracy of their records, and share information with other healthcare providers as needed.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, along with similar regulations in other countries, provides patients with the legal right to obtain copies of their medical records. But what does this right entail, and how can patients exercise it effectively?

Key Aspects of Medical Record Access

• Right to obtain copies or summaries of medical records
• Right to request amendments to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to know who has accessed your medical records
• Right to restrict certain uses and disclosures of your health information

How quickly must healthcare providers respond to requests for medical records? While specific timeframes may vary depending on local regulations, healthcare providers are generally required to provide access to medical records within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days of the request. Some jurisdictions may require faster response times for certain types of records or in emergency situations.

Can healthcare providers charge for providing copies of medical records? Yes, in many cases, providers are allowed to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs of copying and sending medical records. However, these fees are often regulated to ensure they do not create a barrier to access. Patients should inquire about any associated costs when making a request for their records.

The Right to Continuity of Care and Second Opinions

Continuity of care is a crucial aspect of effective healthcare delivery. It ensures that patients receive consistent, coordinated care over time, particularly when transitioning between different healthcare providers or settings. This right is closely tied to the concept of patient-centered care, which prioritizes the patient’s needs and preferences in healthcare decision-making.

Alongside the right to continuity of care, patients also have the right to seek second opinions. This right empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health by consulting multiple healthcare providers, especially in cases of serious diagnoses or when considering significant treatment options.

Elements of Continuity of Care

1. Coordination between different healthcare providers
2. Smooth transitions between healthcare settings (e.g., from hospital to home care)
3. Consistent communication of patient information across the care continuum
4. Long-term relationship between patients and primary care providers

How can patients ensure continuity of care when changing healthcare providers? Patients can take several steps to maintain continuity of care, including:
– Requesting that their medical records be transferred to their new provider
– Providing a comprehensive medical history to new healthcare providers
– Keeping a personal health record with important medical information
– Asking for referrals or recommendations when transitioning to new providers

Is a healthcare provider obligated to assist in obtaining a second opinion? While healthcare providers are not typically required to arrange second opinions themselves, they should respect a patient’s decision to seek one and should cooperate by providing necessary medical records and information to the second provider. Ethical guidelines encourage physicians to support patients in making informed decisions about their care, which may include seeking additional medical opinions.

Addressing Conflicts of Interest in Healthcare

Conflicts of interest in healthcare can arise when a healthcare provider’s personal interests or relationships potentially influence their professional judgment or actions. These conflicts can take various forms, including financial interests, research affiliations, or personal relationships. Recognizing and addressing these conflicts is crucial for maintaining trust in the patient-physician relationship and ensuring that patient care remains the primary focus.

Patients have the right to be informed of any potential conflicts of interest that their healthcare providers may have in relation to their care. This transparency allows patients to make more informed decisions about their treatment options and to understand any factors that might influence the care they receive.

Common Types of Conflicts of Interest in Healthcare

• Financial interests in pharmaceutical companies or medical device manufacturers
• Research funding from industry sources
• Ownership interests in healthcare facilities or services
• Personal or family relationships that may influence care decisions
• Gifts or payments from industry representatives

How can patients identify potential conflicts of interest? Patients can take several steps to identify potential conflicts of interest:
– Ask their healthcare providers directly about any financial or other relationships that might influence their care
– Research their provider’s background, including any published disclosures of industry relationships
– Review information provided by healthcare institutions about their conflict of interest policies
– Consult publicly available databases that track physician payments from pharmaceutical and medical device companies

What obligations do healthcare providers have in disclosing conflicts of interest? Healthcare providers have an ethical obligation to disclose any significant conflicts of interest to their patients, particularly when these conflicts might influence treatment recommendations or care decisions. Many healthcare institutions and professional organizations have established policies and guidelines for disclosure and management of conflicts of interest. Providers should proactively inform patients of any relevant conflicts and be prepared to discuss how these conflicts are managed to ensure they do not compromise patient care.

Patient Responsibilities: A Collaborative Approach to Healthcare

While much focus is placed on patient rights, it’s equally important to recognize that patients also have responsibilities in the healthcare process. These responsibilities contribute to a collaborative approach to healthcare, where patients and providers work together to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Understanding and fulfilling these responsibilities can lead to more effective care, improved communication, and better health outcomes.

Patient responsibilities are not legally binding in the same way that patient rights are, but they are considered ethical obligations that support the healthcare process. By fulfilling these responsibilities, patients contribute to a more efficient and effective healthcare system and take an active role in their own health management.

Key Patient Responsibilities

1. Providing accurate and complete health information
2. Following recommended treatment plans
3. Asking questions when information is not clear
4. Being respectful to healthcare providers and other patients
5. Meeting financial obligations for care
6. Adhering to healthcare facility rules and regulations
7. Informing providers about any changes in health status
8. Keeping appointments or notifying providers when unable to do so

How can healthcare providers encourage patients to fulfill their responsibilities? Healthcare providers can promote patient responsibility by:
– Educating patients about their role in the healthcare process
– Providing clear, understandable information about treatments and care plans
– Encouraging questions and active participation in healthcare decisions
– Offering resources and support for self-management of health conditions
– Creating a welcoming environment that respects patient autonomy and dignity

What happens if a patient consistently fails to meet their responsibilities? While patients cannot be legally compelled to fulfill these responsibilities (except for financial obligations), consistently failing to meet them can negatively impact the quality of care received. In extreme cases, it may lead to a breakdown in the patient-provider relationship. Healthcare providers should strive to understand the reasons behind a patient’s non-compliance and work collaboratively to address any barriers to fulfilling these responsibilities.

Navigating Patient Rights in Special Circumstances

While patient rights are universal, there are certain circumstances where their application may be more complex or require special consideration. These situations often involve vulnerable populations or instances where a patient’s decision-making capacity may be impaired. Understanding how patient rights apply in these special circumstances is crucial for both healthcare providers and patients to ensure ethical and appropriate care.

Some examples of special circumstances include pediatric care, mental health treatment, end-of-life care, and emergency situations. In each of these scenarios, the standard application of patient rights may need to be adapted to address unique ethical and practical considerations.

Patient Rights in Special Circumstances

• Pediatric care: Balancing parental rights with the best interests of the child
• Mental health treatment: Addressing capacity issues and involuntary treatment
• End-of-life care: Respecting advance directives and surrogate decision-making
• Emergency situations: Providing necessary care when consent may not be immediately obtainable
• Patients with disabilities: Ensuring equal access and accommodations
• Cultural and linguistic diversity: Providing culturally competent care and language assistance

How are patient rights upheld in emergency situations where the patient is unconscious? In emergency situations where a patient is unable to provide consent, healthcare providers typically operate under the principle of implied consent. This allows them to provide necessary, life-saving treatment. However, they should still attempt to contact the patient’s next of kin or legal representative as soon as possible, and any non-emergency decisions should be deferred until consent can be obtained.

What rights do minors have in healthcare decisions? The rights of minors in healthcare can vary significantly depending on local laws and the specific medical situation. In general, parents or legal guardians have the right to make healthcare decisions for minors. However, many jurisdictions recognize the concept of the “mature minor” doctrine, which allows adolescents to make certain healthcare decisions independently, particularly in areas such as reproductive health or mental health treatment. Healthcare providers must navigate these situations carefully, balancing respect for the minor’s emerging autonomy with legal requirements and the best interests of the child.

In cases involving mental health treatment, how are patient rights balanced with safety concerns? Mental health treatment presents unique challenges in upholding patient rights, particularly when a patient’s decision-making capacity may be impaired by their condition. In some cases, involuntary treatment may be necessary to prevent harm to the patient or others. However, such measures are typically subject to strict legal and ethical guidelines to protect patient rights. These may include:
– Regular reviews of the need for continued involuntary treatment
– The right to appeal involuntary commitment decisions
– The right to the least restrictive treatment environment possible
– Protections against unnecessary restrictions on communication or visitation
– The right to participate in treatment planning to the extent possible

Healthcare providers working in these special circumstances must be well-versed in both the ethical principles and legal requirements governing patient rights in their specific field. They should strive to uphold patient autonomy and dignity to the greatest extent possible while also ensuring patient safety and appropriate care.

Patient Rights | AMA-Code

Back to Chapter 1
Patient-Physician Relationships

Opinion 1.1.3

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The health and well-being of patients depends on a collaborative effort between patient and physician in a mutually respectful alliance. Patients contribute to this alliance when they fulfill responsibilities they have, to seek care and to be candid with their physicians.

Physicians can best contribute to a mutually respectful alliance with patients by serving as their patients’ advocates and by respecting patients’ rights. These include the right:

1. To courtesy, respect, dignity, and timely, responsive attention to his or her needs.
2. To receive information from their physicians and to have opportunity to discuss the benefits, risks, and costs of appropriate treatment alternatives, including the risks, benefits and costs of forgoing treatment. Patients should be able to expect that their physicians will provide guidance about what they consider the optimal course of action for the patient based on the physician’s objective professional judgment.
3. To ask questions about their health status or recommended treatment when they do not fully understand what has been described and to have their questions answered.
4. To make decisions about the care the physician recommends and to have those decisions respected. A patient who has decision-making capacity may accept or refuse any recommended medical intervention.
5. To have the physician and other staff respect the patient’s privacy and confidentiality.
6. To obtain copies or summaries of their medical records.
7. To obtain a second opinion.
8. To be advised of any conflicts of interest their physician may have in respect to their care.
9. To continuity of care. Patients should be able to expect that their physician will cooperate in coordinating medically indicated care with other health care professionals, and that the physician will not discontinue treating them when further treatment is medically indicated without giving them sufficient notice and reasonable assistance in making alternative arrangements for care.

AMA Principles of Medical Ethics: I, IV, V, VIII, IX

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Council Reports

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Ethics Cases & Legal Briefs

• Ethics Case
  Must Physicians Disclose Personal Health Information to Patients?

Related Opinions

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Opinion 1.1.7

Preserving opportunity for physicians to act (or to refrain from acting) in accordance with the dictates of conscience is important for preserving the integrity of the medical profession as well as the integrity of the individual physician; Physicians’ freedom to act according to conscience is not unlimited; They are expected to provide care in emergencies, honor patients’ informed decisions to refuse life-sustaining treatment, respect basic civil liberties and not discriminate against patients on the basis of arbitrary characteristics.

Opinion 2.1.1

Informed consent to medical treatment is fundamental in both ethics and law. Patients have the right to receive information and ask questions about recommended treatments so that they can make well-considered decisions about care.

Opinion 3.1.1

Respecting patient privacy is a fundamental expression of respect for patient autonomy and a prerequisite for trust. Patient privacy includes personal space (physical privacy), personal data (informational privacy), personal choices, including cultural and religious affiliations (decisional privacy), and personal relationships with family members and other intimates (associational privacy). Physicians must seek to protect patient privacy in all settings to the greatest extent possible.

Opinion 3.2.1

Physicians have an ethical obligation to preserve the confidentiality of information gathered in association with the care of the patient. With rare exceptions, patients are entitled to decide whether and to whom their personal health information is disclosed.

Opinion 5.2

Advance directives are tools that give patients of all ages and health status the opportunity to express their values, goals for care, and treatment preferences to guide future decisions about health care. Advance directives also allow patients to identify whom they want to make decisions on their behalf when they cannot do so themselves. However, an advance directive never takes precedence over the contemporaneous wishes of a patient who has decision-making capacity.

Opinion 5.3

A patient who has decision-making capacity appropriate to the decision at hand has the right to decline or halt any medical intervention even when that decision is expected to lead to his or her death, When a patient lacks appropriate capacity, the patient’s surrogate may halt or decline any intervention. There is no ethical difference between withholding and withdrawing treatment. When an intervention no longer helps to achieve the patient’s goals for care or desired quality of life, it is ethically appropriate for physicians to withdraw it.

Opinion 10.7

Ethics committees offer assistance in addressing ethical issues that arise in patient care and facilitate sound decision making that respects participants’ values, concerns, and interests. Ethics committees may also assist in ethics-related educational programming and policy development within their institutions.

Opinion 10.7.1

The goal of ethics consultation is to support informed, deliberative decision making on the part of patients, families, physicians, and the health care team. By helping to clarify ethical issues and values, facilitating discussion, and providing expertise and educational resources, ethics consultants promote respect for the values, needs, and interests of all participants, especially when there is disagreement or uncertainty about treatment decisions.

Opinion 11.1.4

Physicians individually and collectively have an ethical responsibility to ensure that all persons have access to needed care regardless of their economic means.

Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State

• “Your Rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State” is also available as a printable PDF. This document is also available in the following languages:
  Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Haitian Creole, Italian

Keep this booklet for reference. Review it carefully and share the information with your family and friends involved in your care.

The state and federal governments require that all hospital patients in New York State be given certain information and materials when admitted to a hospital. This booklet collects that information in one place, explains the rights of each hospital patient and contains advice for the patients on how best to get assistance.

The booklet is divided into two sections:

• The first section of this booklet explains the rights of each hospital patient in New York State. It also contains a Glossary to help understand terms commonly used in the hospital.
• The second section provides documents the law requires the hospital to provide to each patient while in a hospital in New York State.

• About Your Rights
• About Your Special Needs
• Concerns/Problems/Complaints About Your Hospital Care
• If You Think You Are Being Asked to Leave the Hospital Too Soon
• You Have the Right to File a Complaint About:
  • Doctors or Physician Assistants
  • Other Health Care Professionals

• Questions or Complaints About Your Hospital Bill or Health Insurance
• Access to Your Medical Records
• Glossary
• Regulations and Information
• Patients’ Bill of Rights
• An Important Message Regarding Your Rights as a Hospital Inpatient (for patients not covered by Medicare)
• Admission Notice for Medicare Patients
• Important Message from Medicare
• Deciding About Health Care: A Guide for Patients and Families
  • Introduction
  • Adult Patients Who Have the Ability to Make Informed Decisions
  • Advance Directives/Health Care Proxies
  • Health Care Decision-Making in Hospitals and Nursing Homes
  • Decisions to Withhold or Withdraw Life-Sustaining Treatment in Hospitals and Nursing Homes
  • Decision-Making Standards for Legal Guardians and Surrogates
  • Resolving Disputes in Hospitals and Nursing Homes
  • DNR Orders Outside the Hospital or Nursing Home
  • Health Care Proxy

• Letter from the New York State Department of Health (SPARCS data collection system)
• Maternity Information
• Domestic Violence: Notice for Prenatal and Maternity Patients
• Domestic Violence: Victim’s Rights Notice
• Parents’ Bill of Rights

Rights and obligations of the patient | City Clinical Hospital.

F.I. Inozemtseva

When applying for
medical care and its receipt the patient has the right to:

• respectful and humane treatment by medical workers and
  other persons involved in the provision of medical care;
• information about his last name, first name, patronymic, position and qualifications
  the attending physician and other persons directly involved in providing him
  medical care;
• examination, treatment, under the program of state guarantees
  free provision of medical care to citizens, and being in an institution
  health care in conditions corresponding to sanitary and hygienic and
  anti-epidemic requirements;
• transfer to another attending physician with the permission of the head of the organization
  health care (its structural subdivision) with the consent of another doctor;
• refusal to provide (termination) of medical care, from hospitalization, for
  with the exception of cases provided for by legislative acts;
• filing a complaint with the officials of the healthcare institution, in
  which he is receiving medical assistance, as well as to officials
  government agencies or to the court;
• confidentiality of information about the fact of his
  seeking medical care, health status, diagnosis and other information,
  obtained during examination and treatment, except for the cases provided for by
  legislative acts;
• receiving, in a form accessible to him, complete information about the state of his
  health, the methods of diagnosis and treatment used, as well as the choice of persons
  to whom information about the state of his health can be transferred;
• for additional medical and other services based on the program of paid
  medical services.

THE PATIENT IS OBLIGED:

• to comply with the rules of internal regulations and behavior for patients;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• take care of the property of the institution;
• treat medical workers and other persons involved in the provision of medical care with respect;
• treat other patients with respect, respect the queue, let people through who are entitled to extraordinary services in accordance with the Legislation of the Russian Federation;
• provide the person providing medical care with reliable information known to him about his state of health, including contraindications to the use of medicines, previous and hereditary diseases;
• comply with medical orders;
• cooperate with the doctor at all stages of medical care;
• comply with sanitary and hygienic standards: to be in hospital departments in change of shoes and clothes;
• comply with the rules for the prohibition of smoking, drinking alcohol;
• strictly observe the internal regulations.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYEES

Employees must comply with the rules of medical ethics and deontology, in
fully fulfill their professional duties (in accordance with
job descriptions), prevent the dissemination of confidential and
personal information about patients (except as provided in
current legislation).

Employees are strictly prohibited from using the services of patients or their
relatives for personal purposes.

At 22:00, medical personnel on duty must close the entrances to the departments.

The Procedure for resolving conflict situations between the hospital and patient

In the case of conflict situations, the patient (his legal representative) has the right to directly contact the hospital administration or the duty administrator according to the schedule of citizens’ admission or to contact the hospital administration in writing.

In person
citizen presents a document proving his identity.

The content of the oral appeal is recorded in the citizen’s personal reception card. If the facts and circumstances stated in the oral appeal are obvious and do not require additional verification, the response to the appeal with the consent of the citizen can be given orally during a personal reception, which is recorded in the citizen’s personal reception card. In other cases, a written response is given on the merits of the questions raised in the appeal.

Written appeal, accepted during a personal reception, is subject to registration and consideration in the prescribed manner.

If the circulation contains
issues, the solution of which is not within the competence of an official, to a citizen
clarification is given where and in what order he should apply.

A citizen in his written application must indicate either the name of the institution to which he sends a written application, or the last name, first name, patronymic of the relevant official, or the position of the relevant person, as well as his last name, first name, patronymic (the latter – if any) , the postal address to which the response should be sent, notification of redirection of the appeal, sets out the essence of the proposal, application or complaint, puts a personal signature and date.

If necessary, in support of his arguments, the citizen shall attach documents and materials or their copies to the written application.

A written appeal received by the hospital administration is considered within 30 days from the date of its registration in the manner prescribed by the Federal Law.

The response to a written appeal received by the hospital administration is sent to the postal address indicated in the appeal.

Patient rights

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In accordance with the Federal Law of November 21, 2011 No. 323-FZ “On the fundamentals of the health of citizens in the Russian Federation”

Article 19. Right to medical care

1. Everyone has the right to medical care.

2. Everyone has the right to medical care in a guaranteed volume, provided free of charge in accordance with the program of state guarantees of free provision of medical care to citizens, as well as to receive paid medical services and other services, including in accordance with a voluntary medical insurance contract.

3. The right to medical care for foreign citizens residing and staying on the territory of the Russian Federation is established by the legislation of the Russian Federation and the relevant international treaties of the Russian Federation. Stateless persons permanently residing in the Russian Federation enjoy the right to medical care on an equal footing with citizens of the Russian Federation, unless otherwise provided by international treaties of the Russian Federation.

4. The procedure for rendering medical assistance to foreign citizens is determined by the Government of the Russian Federation.

5. The patient is entitled to:

1) the choice of a doctor and the choice of a medical organization in accordance with this Federal Law;

2) prevention, diagnosis, treatment, medical rehabilitation in medical organizations in conditions that meet sanitary and hygienic requirements;

3) obtaining advice from medical specialists;

4) relief of pain associated with the disease and (or) medical intervention, available methods and drugs;

5) obtaining information about their rights and obligations, the state of their health, the choice of persons to whom, in the interests of the patient, information about the state of his health can be transferred;

6) receiving therapeutic nutrition in the case of a patient being treated in a hospital;

7) protection of information constituting a medical secret;

8) refusal of medical intervention;

9) compensation for harm caused to health during the provision of medical care to him;

10) admission to him of a lawyer or legal representative to protect his rights;

11) the admission of a clergyman to him, and in the case of a patient being treated in a hospital, to the provision of conditions for the performance of religious rites, which can be carried out in a hospital, including the provision of a separate room, if this does not violate the internal regulations of the medical organization.

Principles of health protection in Russia.
Article 4. Basic principles of health care

The basic principles of health care are:

1) observance of the rights of citizens in the field of health protection and provision of state guarantees related to these rights;

2) priority of the patient’s interests in the provision of medical care;

3) the priority of protecting the health of children;

4) social protection of citizens in case of loss of health;

5) the responsibility of public authorities and local governments, officials of organizations for ensuring the rights of citizens in the field of health care;

6) availability and quality of medical care;

7) inadmissibility of refusal to provide medical care;

8) the priority of prevention in the field of health protection;

9) observance of medical secrecy.

Article 5

1. Measures for the protection of health should be carried out on the basis of the recognition, observance and protection of the rights of citizens and in accordance with the generally recognized principles and norms of international law.

2. The state provides citizens with health protection regardless of gender, race, age, nationality, language, presence of diseases, conditions, origin, property and official status, place of residence, attitude to religion, beliefs, membership in public associations and other circumstances.

3. The state guarantees citizens protection from any form of discrimination caused by the presence of any diseases.

Medical assistance provided free of charge within the framework of state guarantees.
It is necessary to consider the territorial program of state guarantees for 2016 approved by the Decree of the Government of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra dated December 25, 2015 No. 492p and not the program of state guarantees for the provision of free medical care to citizens of the Russian Federation for 2008, approved by Decree N 286 of the Government of the Russian Federation of May 15, 2007 .

How are patients identified who can receive expensive and high-tech medical care free of charge?

The territorial program of state guarantees for 2016 approved by the Decree of the Government of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra dated December 25, 2015 No. 492p

How can I get information about my health status?

Section 22 Health Information

1. Everyone has the right to receive in an accessible form information available in a medical organization about their state of health, including information about the results of a medical examination, the presence of a disease, the diagnosis and prognosis of the development of the disease, methods of providing medical care related to them. risk, possible types of medical intervention, its consequences and results of medical care.

2. Information about the state of health is provided to the patient by the attending physician or other medical professionals who are directly involved in the medical examination and treatment. In relation to persons under the age established in Part 2 of Article 54 of this Federal Law, and citizens recognized as legally incompetent, information on the state of health is provided to their legal representatives.

3. Information about the state of health cannot be provided to the patient against his will. In the event of an unfavorable prognosis for the development of the disease, information should be communicated in a delicate form to a citizen or his spouse, one of his close relatives (children, parents, adopted children, adoptive parents, siblings, grandchildren, grandfathers, grandmothers), if the patient has not forbidden inform them about it and (or) has not identified another person to whom such information should be transferred.

4. The patient or his legal representative has the right to directly get acquainted with the medical documentation reflecting the state of his health, in the manner established by the authorized federal executive body, and receive advice from other specialists on the basis of such documentation.

(as amended by the Federal Law
dated November 25, 2013 N 317-FZ)

5. The patient or his legal representative has the right, on the basis of a written application, to receive medical documents reflecting the state of health, their copies and extracts from medical documents. The grounds, procedure and terms for the provision of medical documents (their copies) and extracts from them are established by the authorized federal executive body.

What kind of health impact information is every citizen entitled to receive?

Article 23. Information on factors affecting health

Citizens have the right to receive reliable and timely information about factors that contribute to the preservation of health or have a harmful effect on it, including information about the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the area of ​​residence, the state of the environment, rational nutrition, the quality and safety of industrial and technical products, food products, goods for personal and household needs, the potential danger to human health of the work performed and the services provided. Such information is provided by public authorities and local governments in accordance with their powers, as well as organizations in the manner prescribed by the legislation of the Russian Federation.