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Patient Rights and HIPAA
Patient Rights and HIPAA
Table of Contents
Patient Rights and HIPAA
Overview
What are patient rights?
As a person receiving health care, you have certain rights. Federal laws protect some of
those rights, like the right to see your medical records and keep them private. Many
states also have laws protecting your rights. Hospitals and other health care facilities
often have a "bill of rights" for patients.
When you are in the hospital, you should expect quality care from your providers and
know who is caring for you. And you have the right to keep your health care private.
You also can expect help when you leave the hospital. This includes help knowing what
self-care or follow-up care you may need, as well as help understanding your bill or
insurance.
One important right for patients is called informed consent. This means that your doctor
gives you enough information to help you make decisions about your treatment. You are
told the risks and benefits of certain treatments and what your options are. You can ask
questions about your treatment options. This helps you choose the care that is best for
you.
Patient rights and mental health care
Most states and many health care groups have a bill of rights for people with mental
health conditions. These rights include strict rights to privacy (or confidentiality) with
respect to your illness and treatment plan. They also include the right to treatment that
puts the fewest possible restrictions on your lifestyle.
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) helps to keep your
health information private. HIPAA requires that providers, such as doctors, nurses,
pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes, keep your health information private.
A federal law protects your health information in electronic form. It requires organizations
covered by HIPAA to keep electronic information about your health private. Groups that
must follow HIPAA laws include health plans and most health care providers. A federal
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Patient Rights and HIPAA
law also helps to keep private any information that health care providers discuss with
one another.
Credits for Patient Rights and HIPAA
Current as of: August 6, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
(https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses,
advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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