Code of Health Consumers' Rights
Your rights as a patient and/or health and disability services consumer are set out in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, which is a regulation under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.
Health and disability service providers have an obligation under law to uphold your rights and comply with the code. The code applies whether or not you are paying for a service – and applies to all health and disability service providers including: GPs; hospitals (public and private); all registered health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and dentists; allied health practitioners, such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, acupuncturists, naturopaths and homoeopaths.
If you believe that your rights have been breached you may make a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner.
Health and disability service providers have an obligation under law to uphold your rights and comply with the code. The code applies whether or not you are paying for a service – and applies to all health and disability service providers including: GPs; hospitals (public and private); all registered health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and dentists; allied health practitioners, such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, acupuncturists, naturopaths and homoeopaths.
If you believe that your rights have been breached you may make a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner.
The Code of Rights
Right 1The right to be treated with respect.
Right 2The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation.
Right 3The right to dignity and independence.
Right 4The right to services of an appropriate standard.
Right 5The right to effective communication.
Right 6The right to be fully informed.
Right 7The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent.
Right 8The right to support.
Right 9Rights in respect of teaching or research.
Right 10The right to complain.
Right 2The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation.
Right 3The right to dignity and independence.
Right 4The right to services of an appropriate standard.
Right 5The right to effective communication.
Right 6The right to be fully informed.
Right 7The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent.
Right 8The right to support.
Right 9Rights in respect of teaching or research.
Right 10The right to complain.
Resources and Links
The Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service is a free service for those wanting to make a complaint.