A patient injured by medical malpractice in Arizona can turn to the state’s Patients’ Bill of Rights to determine if he can pursue recourse for his damages. In Arizona, in addition to other rights, a patient injured by medical malpractice has the right to sue his managed health care company.
Parental Rights in Arizona
A parent of a minor child in Arizona is entitled to the same rights for that child’s healthcare, provided the parent’s decisions do not place the child in immediate danger. Therefore, the rights discussed below apply to adult patients and to parents of a patient under the age of 18.
General Patient Right: Receive Immediate Treatment
If an individual in Arizona requires immediate medical treatment, the facility to which he submits himself must treat him. This means that a hospital cannot turn an uninsured individual away or direct him to another hospital.
General Patient Right: Understand and Be Involved in Treatment
Patients in Arizona are entitled to be involved in their treatment choice and be informed of the specifics of the procedure. Notice that Arizona laws do not provide patients with the choice to choose their treatment, just to be involved in the treatment decisions. This means that, potentially, if the physician believed the patient was not making the correct treatment choice, he may have the ability to utilize another procedure or treatment.
General Patient Right: Be Informed of Treating Physician and Facility
Arizona law guarantees to patients the right to know the name of the facility in which they are undergoing treatment and the names of the treating physicians and nurses. This information cannot be kept from a patient for any reason.
General Patient Right: Protection Against Abuse and to Complain
Arizona law gives patients the right to receive treatment free of abuse and to file a complaint if they believe they have been mistreated. Grievance procedures change depending on the party accused of violating patient rights and whether it is a government or private agency.
General Patient Right: Confidentiality
Arizona law makes a patient’s medical records confidential. This means that they cannot be distributed, replicated or otherwise used without express permission of the patient. Additionally, they cannot be discussed with parties other than the patient and his immediate family or caretaker.
Getting Legal Help
If you are an Arizona resident and believe your patient rights have been violated, seek legal advice about any potential cause of action against the medical facility or physician. An attorney will discuss your rights under Arizona law and which parties are liable for any violation.
