Patients’ Bill of Rights

The health care rights of patients are sometimes referred to as Patients’ Bill of Rights. The rapid change in medical care moved health care decision making from patients to medical professionals, and eventually to business entities, a move that resulted in an erosion of trust in the health care industry. The Patients’ Bill of Rights was created by the American Hospital Association in 1973, and revised in 1992, to affirm the rights of patients and thus help patients feel more confident in the U.S. health care system. The Patients’ Bill of [Page 1249]Rights offers some guidance and protection to patients by stating the duties and responsibilities that physicians and other health care workers have toward their patients. Also, it gives patients a way to address ...