Everyone wants to feel in control of their health when they seek care at a hospital or other medical facility. The good news is that the American Hospital Association (AHA) Patient Bill of Rights breaks down institutional barriers between doctors, staff, and patients and gives patients the right to full disclosure, respect, and top-quality treatment options.
When the AHA adopted the Patient Bill of Rights in 1973, it empowered patients to take an active role in their healthcare and provided open dialog and respectful care between patients and medical staff. Now called the Patient Care Partnership, the AHA Patient Bill of Rights still aims to put patients back in control of their treatment and foster transparency in the medical diagnoses, treatment, and billing process.
Discover 5 ways the AHA Patient’s Bill of Rights applies to you.
Key Takeaways from the AHA Patient’s Bill of Rights
While the federal government, state legislatures, and healthcare providers have developed individual patient bills of rights, many of these, including the AHA Bill, are institutional guidelines rather than federal law.
According to the American Hospital Association, which aims to ensure patients’ trust, protect US patients, and provide quality healthcare, patients have 15 rights that include:
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The right to have a safe, clean, and appropriate hospital environment
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The right to have respectful and transparent communication about diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis
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The right to discuss care options with your doctor
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The right to know how much treatments cost
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The right to obtain and protect your medical records and privacy
5 Ways that the AHA Patient Bill of Rights Applies to You
1. You Have the Right to Fair and Respectful Treatment
Regardless of gender, race, or financial status, all Americans have the right to receive high-quality treatment in US hospitals. All patients are entitled to the same quality of care, treatment options, and health screenings.
2. You Have the Right to Obtain Clear Information
People seeking medical care must be given information about their diagnosis, the types of treatments available to treat a condition, and risks, benefits, and final outcomes. They are entitled to receive this information in clear, simple terms that a layperson can understand.
3. You Are Entitled to Ask About Specific Treatments and Alternative Options
When you’re discussing your healthcare, you can ask for any information about specific treatment options, recovery time, and if there are any alternative procedures available at the current hospital or another institution.
Keep in mind that if you’re experiencing a medical emergency, you may not be capable of making decisions, and doctors may need to move forward with the most expedient, life-saving treatment.
4. You Have the Right to Information About Immediate and Long-Term Healthcare Costs
When admitted to a hospital, you are entitled to request a copy of the hospital’s policies and ask for a breakdown of treatment costs, medical record access and confidentiality, and acceptable payment methods. You can also place an advance care directive on file to voice your preferences for medical care.
5. You Have the Right to Decide About Your Care or Refuse Care
At any time before or during treatment, patients are entitled under the AHA bill to have the final say in decisions affecting their care. This means that you also can agree to join a research study, decline to participate in a study or clinical trial with full disclosure of risks or benefits, and retain the right to transfer to another hospital for alternative or continuing treatment.
