In our country, patient rights are included in various regulations, starting with the Spanish Constitution, which enshrines the fundamental right to health protection, and the General Health Law of 1986, which established fundamental rights and duties. of the patient, as well as the general principles of universality and equity.
In 2002, specific regulations on this matter came into force, the Basic Law Regulating Patient Autonomy and Rights and Obligations in the Matter of Clinical Information and Documentation (Law 41/2002), for the development of which, to a large extent, the the autonomous communities.
Law 16/2003 on Cohesion and Quality of the National Health System develops the organization and coordination of health activities throughout the territory.
More recently, Law 33/2011, of October 4, General Public Health, extends universal public health care to the entire population, including more than 250,000 Spaniards exempt from health care at that time. The Law understands investment in health as a decisive contribution to general well-being through the prevention, protection and promotion of health.
Royal Decree-Law 16/2012, of April 20, modifies important aspects of the previous regulations. One of the changes it introduces is in the right of resident citizens to public health care.
Patient rights:
-Receive healthcare that puts all the technical and human resources at the person’s service to treat their illness.
-Be served with criteria of quality and agility.
-Make decisions related to your autonomy.
-Be served without discrimination based on age, sex, race, ideology, religion and socioeconomic condition.
-Be treated by health personnel, respecting their dignity and privacy.
-Continue maintaining the relationship with your family and friends, as well as communication with the outside world. This relationship can only be limited for healthcare reasons.
-Maintain the confidentiality of your illness, your medical history data and your genome information, and that said data cannot be used to exercise any type of discrimination. The patient has the right to expressly request in writing that their stay in the Hospital be kept secret or that it be communicated only to the person they wish. Court orders and minors or legally incapacitated persons will be exceptions to this rule.
-Receive relevant and continuous information about both your care process and the general rules of the center. When the patient’s condition or circumstances do not allow him or her to adequately assimilate the information, family members or legally responsible persons will be informed.
-Have access to the information contained in your medical history and to the results of examinations and diagnostic tests.
-That no test or treatment be performed that you have not authorized having been adequately informed. In the case of surgical interventions, some explorations, risky treatments and participation in clinical trials, you will be asked for written authorization by signing a document.
-That your family and social situation be assessed in order to receive comprehensive assistance.
-Be duly informed when it is necessary to transfer you to another center, and in that case, be transferred safely and comfortably.
-Request a second medical opinion in situations of special relevance.
-That the contents of your advance directives document are respected.
-In the case of an advanced and terminal illness, receive care that guarantees a dignified death and that your loved ones receive the support they need.
-Receive guidance and protection in case of abuse and have specific actions applied for these situations.
-Present suggestions and complaints, and have them studied and answered.
Patient Duties:
-Take care of your health and take responsibility. This duty must be required especially when risks or harm to the health of other people may arise.
-Collaborate with the healthcare team to foster a relationship of trust and provide complete and reliable information at all times.
-Treat other patients and all staff with respect.
-Respect the center’s regulations, collaborate in its operation and maintain the good condition of the facilities.
-In the event that the patient chooses to leave the Hospital before receiving medical discharge, they must sign the corresponding document.
-Identify yourself using your individual health card.