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This is the second edition of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. These rights apply to all people in all places where health care is provided in Australia. The Charter describes what you, or someone you care for, can expect when receiving health care.

You have a right to:

  • Access healthcare services and treatment that meet your needs safety
  • Receive safe and high quality health care that meets national standards  
  • Be cared for in an environment that is safe and makes me feel safe Respect  
  • Be treated as an individual, and with dignity and respect  
  • Have my culture, identity, beliefs and choices recognised and respected Partnership
  • Ask questions and be involved in open and honest communication  
  • Make decisions with my healthcare provider, to the extent that I choose and am able to  Include the people that I want in planning and decision-making Information
  • Clear information about my condition, the possible benefits and risks of different tests and treatments, so I can give my informed consent  Receive information about services, waiting times and costs  
  • Be given assistance, when I need it, to help me to understand and use health information  
  • Access my health information  
  • Be told if something has gone wrong during my health care, how it happened, how it may affect me and what is being done to make care safe Privacy  
  • Have my personal privacy respected  
  • Have information about me and my health kept secure and confidential Give feedback
  • Provide feedback or make a complaint without it affecting the way that I am treated
  • Have my concerns addressed in a transparent and timely way  
  • Share my experience and participate to improve the quality of care and health services

Learn more here.