Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not fully aware of your rights as a patient. Understanding your healthcare rights empowers you to advocate for yourself, receive the care you deserve, and ensure equal access to medical services. This is especially crucial for individuals with disabilities, those who need language interpretation services, and anyone facing barriers to proper treatment.
At our most recent meeting on March 3, 2025 at Warwick Public Library we discussed these issues in a session called YOUR LIFE, YOUR RIGHTS.
Your Right to File a Complaint
If you feel that a medical facility or a healthcare provider has mistreated you, you have the right to file a complaint. In Rhode Island, for example, complaints against medical providers can be filed with the Department of Health. Ensuring you have the correct name and information about the provider or facility in question will help streamline the process. This right extends beyond hospitals and physicians—it also includes nursing homes, tattoo parlors, and any other facilities licensed through the Department of Health.
Language Interpretation Services
For individuals who do not speak English fluently or who use sign language, hospitals are required to provide free interpretation services. Under the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all hospitals must ensure that patients can communicate effectively with their healthcare providers. This applies to both spoken languages and sign language interpretation. While hospitals are required to provide interpreters, access to these services at regular doctor’s appointments may not always be guaranteed.
Healthcare Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
People with disabilities have the right to receive the same treatment options as everyone else. However, some facilities may try to direct individuals with disabilities to specialized clinics rather than integrating them into mainstream healthcare. While it’s important to have options, no patient should be pressured into segregated care. Equal access to medical services is a fundamental right, and all doctors should be equipped to treat patients with disabilities.
Additionally, individuals who rely on personal care assistants (PCAs) or direct support professionals (DSPs) have the right to have these individuals accompany them in medical settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals initially restricted patients from having support staff present. However, new policies now allow PCAs and DSPs to assist patients in hospitals. If a hospital refuses to allow a support worker to be present, patients and their families should advocate for this right by referencing updated hospital policies and legal protections.
Access to Medical Services and Staffing Shortages
A growing concern in the healthcare system is the shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other essential staff. Many patients experience delays in care due to understaffing. While this is a systemic issue, one way to protect yourself is to include specific needs in your Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Personal Care Plan (PCP). By clearly outlining required support services, such as the need for a DSP to assist in hospitals, you can ensure that your needs are documented and acknowledged in medical settings.
Advocating for Your Rights
Knowing your rights is only the first step—advocating for them is just as important. Here are a few practical steps you can take to ensure you receive the care you are entitled to:
- Keep Important Information Handy – Have the contact details of your state’s Department of Health or relevant advocacy organizations available in case you need to file a complaint.
- Know the Laws That Protect You – Familiarize yourself with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other laws that safeguard patient rights.
- Document Everything – If you experience discrimination or denial of services, keep detailed records of what happened, including names, dates, and specific incidents.
- Ask for Written Policies – If a hospital or clinic denies you a service, ask for their policy in writing. Many times, staff may not be aware of updated regulations, and written documentation can help clarify your rights.
- Seek Legal or Advocacy Support – Organizations specializing in healthcare rights and disability advocacy can provide guidance and support when facing barriers to care.
Conclusion
Understanding your healthcare rights is essential to receiving fair and equal treatment. Whether it’s ensuring access to interpretation services, advocating for inclusive medical care, or securing the presence of a support worker in a hospital, knowing the laws and policies that protect you can make a significant difference. By staying informed and prepared, you can advocate for yourself and others, helping to create a more accessible and equitable healthcare system for all.
If you or a loved one ever feel that your rights are being violated, don’t hesitate to speak up, seek help, and take action. Your health and well-being deserve to be prioritized, and knowing your rights is the first step in ensuring that happens.