Your Rights
Have you been asking yourself, “What are my rights?” regarding health and disability services?
When you use a health or disability service in New Zealand, you are protected by a Code of Rights. The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights provides the following 10 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.
Go to the health and disability commissioner’s website for more information. The Code and Your Rights – Health and Disability Commissioner (hdc.org.nz)
For help with making a complaint, go to the nationwide health and disability service advocacy website Advocacy – Health and Disability Advocacy Service
If you have any further queries you can call us on 0800 663 463 or email info@arthritis.org.nz