Patient Rights and Responsibilities

As a patient,* we encourage you to be a partner in your health care. As a member of that team, it is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities. Your rights explain how you should expect to be treated, and your responsibilities explain how you can be a more active member of your health care team.  

Talk openly with your health care provider about your health care. Ask questions, listen to the answers and talk about any concerns you may have. By being involved in your care, health care providers are able to provide you with the best and safest care possible.   

Your rights and responsibilities:

Dignity and respect

You have the right to:

• be treated with dignity and respect.

You are responsible for:

• treating all staff and other patients with dignity and respect.

Decision-making

You have the right to:

• make your own health care decisions;**
• have someone assist you in making your health care decisions;
• legally appoint someone (Proxy) to make health care decisions on your behalf; and
• consent to or refuse treatment at any time.**

You are responsible for:

• making sure you understand your treatment options and can make an informed health care decision; and
• ensuring the person making health care decisions on your behalf knows and understands your wishes.

Quality care

You have the right to:

• receive safe, quality health care; and
• be informed of unintended, unexpected and preventable events that result in harm during your care.

You are responsible to:

• be an active, involved, and informed partner in your health care.

Your health care

You have the right to:

• know the benefits and be informed of the risks associated with any medicine, treatment or decision related to your health care;
• a second opinion;
• refuse participation in any teaching or research program; and
• be included in all aspects of your health care.

You are responsible for:

• following the treatment/care plan as agreed to with your physician or health care provider(s);***
• notifying your physician or health care provider(s) of any changes in your health;
• keeping or cancelling appointments; and
• maintaining an accurate list of all current medications and for giving an up-to-date copy of that list to your health care provider(s).

Information

You have the right to:

• ask questions and receive information about your health care in a way you can understand;
• know the names, titles and roles of your health care providers;
• share your views, observations and concerns about your health care with your health care provider(s); 
• access or receive copies of your health record**; and

• access Health PEI’s Compliments and Complaints process to provide feedback and express concerns about the health care services you received.

You are responsible for:

• giving your health care provider(s) clear and accurate information about your health; and
• asking questions until you feel you have all the information you need to make informed health care decisions.

Privacy

You have the right to:

• have your health information kept confidential. As part of your care plan, your health information may be shared with other health care providers as required or with others; however, this will be done only with your consent or as required by law; and
• as much privacy as best can be provided.

You are responsible for:

• respecting the privacy and confidentiality of others, including patients, families, visitors and staff.

Explanation of Fees

You have the right to:

• be informed of any fee for service not covered by PEI’s health plan.

You are responsible for:

• promptly paying any fees for service charged.

Related Acts and Legislation

• Consent to Treatment and Health Care Directives Act [PDF | 136 KB]
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act [PDF | 312 KB]
• Mental Health Act [PDF | 164 KB]
• Adult Protection Act [PDF | 124 KB]
• Child Protection Act [PDF | 260 KB]

* A ‘patient’ is defined as anyone receiving care including patients, clients and residents from a health care provider(s) affiliated with Health PEI.
** There may be certain unique circumstances in which a patient does not have a right or a right may be limited.
*** The term ‘health care provider’ refers to a person who provides care and support to patients within Health PEI programs and services.

Compliments and Complaints

Providing safe, quality health care is important to Health PEI. As a patient, client, resident or loved one, you have the right to give feedback about care received and know you will be treated fairly. Your feedback provides us an opportunity to work with you to improve the care and quality of services we deliver.