This week, our Publicist, Lyna Chahine, has researched National Healthcare Rights Day!
Background
National Healthcare Rights Day occurs every year on March 22nd. It was founded by Triage Cancer, a national nonprofit focusing on educating those with cancer and helping people become more educated regarding their care. Triage Cancer’s mission also aims to help families impacted by medical or health conditions. Triage Cancer submitted the idea of having a National Healthcare Day and it was officially recognized on March 22, 2025 by the registrar at the National Day Calendar. The main purpose of this day is to help improve access to accurate health information for those diagnosed with a chronic or serious medical condition. Although this is a relatively new holiday, the concept and idea behind it is not. Advocacy for patient rights and the right to healthcare is an ongoing issue in our country. Many people wish there was universal healthcare for all, but there are still people who oppose it. Cancer Triage states that healthcare rights refer to, “laws that provide access to necessary care, insurance coverage, workplace accommodations, essential benefits, and other protections”.
Significance
Healthcare rights are there to protect patients from malpractice and to ensure the healthcare system is safe and working effectively. Being unaware of your healthcare rights can make it difficult to manage your care and advocate for your needs. Your rights can protect you from a lot of unnecessary pain and stress that comes along with receiving a diagnosis.
Rights You Should Know as a Patient
You have:
- The right to clear information about your diagnosis and treatment options
- The right to review and obtain copies of your medical records
- The right to privacy and confidentiality of your health information
- The right to participate in decisions about your care
- The right to refuse treatment after understanding the risks
- The right to be treated without discrimination
These are not privileges. They are protections built into the healthcare system!
Rights You Should Know When Managing Your Healthcare
You have the right to:
- Ask why a medication was prescribed and what alternatives exist
- Understand the cost of a treatment before agreeing to it
- Request clarification if insurance denies coverage
- Seek a second opinion if something does not feel right
- Access your test results and share them with another provider
What You Can Do
- Prepare questions ahead of time to ask your provider
- Ensure you feel comfortable and confident advocating for yourself
- If you believe your rights have been violated, document the incident and report it to the proper department
- The facility’s relations department will focus on complaints regarding hospital safety and quality of care
- The HSS office of civil rights and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights focuses on discrimination and civil right violations
- The HHS HIPAA Complaint Portal can be used to report a breach of privacy regarding your personal health information