Patient Rights
/ˈpeɪʃənt raɪts/
Definitions
- (n.) Legal and ethical entitlements of individuals receiving medical care, including rights to informed consent, privacy, and respectful treatment.
Hospitals must respect patient rights during medical procedures.
- (n.) Protections ensuring patients can make autonomous decisions about their healthcare and access necessary medical information.
Patient rights laws empower individuals to refuse or accept treatment.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Patient rights often form the foundation for healthcare regulations and require clear articulation in policies to balance medical authority and individual autonomy.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.