Which rights does a competent individual have concerning their healthcare?

A competent individual has specific rights concerning their healthcare, including the right to consent to treatment and the right to access their own protected health information (PHI).

The right to consent to treatment is fundamental in healthcare, ensuring that individuals have control over the medical care they receive. This encompasses making informed decisions about treatments and interventions, allowing patients to weigh the benefits and risks before proceeding.

Additionally, the right to access one’s own PHI is a crucial aspect of patient autonomy and transparency in healthcare. This right empowers individuals to be informed about their health status, understand their medical history, and engage actively in their care.

These rights are rooted in laws and regulations designed to promote patient autonomy and protect personal health information, reflecting a commitment to ethical standards in healthcare delivery. The combination of these two rights—consent to treatment and access to PHI—reinforces an individual's role as an active participant in their own healthcare decisions.