Code of Consumers’ Rights

Your rights as a patient and/or health and disability services consumer are set out in the Code of Health
and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, which is a regulation under the Health and Disability Commissioner
Act 1994.

Health and disability service providers have an obligation under law to uphold your rights and comply with
the code. The code applies whether or not you are paying for a service – and applies to all health and disability service providers including: GPs; hospitals (public and private); all registered health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and dentists; allied health practitioners, such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, acupuncturists, naturopaths and homoeopaths.

If you believe that your rights have been breached you may make a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner.

The Code of Rights

Right 1
The right to be treated with respect.

Right 2
The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation.

Right 3
The right to dignity and independence.

Right 4
The right to services of an appropriate standard.

Right 5
The right to effective communication.

Right 6
The right to be fully informed.

Right 7
The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent.

Right 8
The right to support.

Right 9
Rights in respect of teaching or research.

Right 10
The right to complain.