Know your Rights

Your Rights When Receiving a Health or Disability Service

The following is an outline of the rights guaranteed by the law known as the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. They apply to all health and disability services, whether you pay for them or not.

• Respect – You should always be treated with respect. This includes respect for your culture, values and beliefs, as well as your right to personal privacy.

• Fair Treatment – No-one should discriminate against you, pressure you into something you do not want or take advantage of you in any way.

• Dignity and Independence – Services should support you to live a dignified life, independent life.

• Proper Standards – You have the right to be treated with care and skill, and to receive services that reflect your needs. All those involved in your care should work together for you.

• Communication – You have the right to be listened to, understood and receive information in whatever way you need. When it is necessary and practicable an interpreter should be available.

• Information – You have the right to have your condition explained and be told what your choices are. This includes how long you may have to wait, an estimate of any costs and likely benefits and side effects. You can ask any questions to help you be fully informed.

• It’s Your Decision – It’s up to you to decide. You can say no or change your mind at any time.

• Support – You have the right to have someone with you to give you support in most circumstances.

• Teaching and Research – All these rights also apply when taking part in teaching and research.

• Complaints – It is OK to complain – your complaints help improve services. It must be easy for you to make a complaint, and it should not have an adverse effect on the way you are treated.