Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities
1. Right to Receive Medical Care
Patients have the right to receive appropriate healthcare services to protect and improve their health. No patient shall be denied or deprived of healthcare on the basis of gender, age, religion, social status, financial circumstances, or any other such factor. Healthcare professionals may not refuse treatment without justifiable grounds.
2. Right to Information and Self-Determination
Patients have the right to receive clear and sufficient information from their physician, nurse, or other healthcare professionals regarding their medical condition, treatment options, potential participation in medical research, organ transplantation, expected outcomes and possible side effects, and the cost of care. Patients may ask questions and decide whether to consent to the proposed care or treatment
3. Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Patients have the right to the protection of their personal privacy and the confidentiality of all physical and health-related information obtained in connection with their care. Healthcare professionals and medical institutions may not disclose or publish such information without the patient’s consent, except where disclosure is required by law, such as for a criminal investigation.
4. Right to Request Consultation or Mediation
In the event of a dispute concerning medical services, patients have the right to seek consultation or apply for mediation through the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency or another appropriate organization.
5. Responsibility to Trust and Respect Healthcare Professionals
Patients must provide healthcare professionals with accurate information concerning their health and respect and cooperate with the recommended treatment plan.
6. Responsibility Not to Obtain Medical Care by Fraudulent Means
Patients must provide accurate identification before receiving medical care and must not obtain treatment through false or fraudulent means, including receiving care under another person’s name.
