{"id":355838,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/tips-on-how-to-be-a-good-patient.html"},"modified":"2025-08-27T16:11:53","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T21:11:53","slug":"tips-on-how-to-be-a-good-patient","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/tips-on-how-to-be-a-good-patient.html","title":{"rendered":"The Rights and Responsibilities of Patients"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Rights and Responsibilities of Patients<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Patients have rights to respectful, non\u2011discriminatory medical care.\u00a0This includes\u00a0information about diagnoses and treatment options, privacy, access to medical records, timely care, the ability to question providers and refuse treatment, and continuity of care. They also have responsibilities to treat providers respectfully and\u00a0be honest about their health history and symptoms. Patients should\u00a0follow agreed healthcare treatment plans, coordinate care among providers, and comply with privacy requirements like HIPAA.<\/i><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Being\u00a0a proactive patient means\u00a0understanding your medical history, keeping detailed records, and advocating for your\u00a0healthcare needs<\/a>. This article explains\u00a0patients’ rights and responsibilities. It\u00a0offers\u00a0tips for taking control of your health. If you feel a healthcare provider has not respected your rights, contact an experienced\u00a0healthcare lawyer<\/a>\u00a0near you.<\/p>\n

What Is the Patient Bill of Rights?<\/h2>\n

In\u00a02010,\u00a0President Obama enacted the\u00a0Affordable Care Act<\/a>.\u00a0This law protects patients and healthcare providers by outlining their rights and responsibilities regarding medical treatment.<\/p>\n

According to the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Medical Services’\u00a0Patient Bill of Rights<\/a>, individuals have the following rights when it comes to patient care:<\/p>\n