What is the purpose of the patient's bill of rights?

The patient's bill of rights is designed to ensure fair treatment and to inform patients of their inherent rights within the healthcare system. It emphasizes the importance of the patient’s autonomy, dignity, and the right to make informed decisions about their health care. This document serves as a critical framework for ensuring that patients receive respectful, equitable, and culturally appropriate care, while also helping them understand what they can expect from healthcare providers. This right to be informed includes clarity on the treatment they will receive, the option to refuse treatment, and the right to privacy regarding their medical records.

In contrast, while patients certainly have responsibilities in healthcare, the primary focus of the bill of rights is on patient rights rather than responsibilities. Limiting the scope of care provided by nurses or recommending treatments based on insurance coverage does not align with the foundational goals of the patient’s bill of rights, which centers around patient empowerment and fair treatment rather than restriction or financial considerations.