Regardless of whether you go for a simple visit to the doctor or are undergoing long-term treatment, it is worth knowing your rights. Below you will find selected patient rights and information where you can report if they are violated.
CONSENT TO TREATMENT
The doctor suggests a specific treatment, but this you have the final consent to carry it out. You have the right to obtain information about the planned course of treatment and its effects. Remember that you have the right to ask for additional clarification on issues that raise your doubts. You can also refuse to consent to the proposed treatment.
If you are unconscious, your prior arrangements with the attending physician apply. If it was not possible to obtain your consent before you lost consciousness, your attending physician will decide on life-saving measures. In other cases, the decision is made by a curator appointed by the court.
A child under 16 years of age cannot make independent decisions about treatment. Consent to treatment is given by his/her legal representatives or actual guardians. If the child is 16-18 years old and his or her legal representative (usually a parent) has a different opinion regarding consent to treatment, the decision may be made by the guardianship court.
ACCESS TO MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION
You have the right to inspect your medical records. You can also designate a person authorized to access your medical records in the event of your unconsciousness or death. Medical records are made available for inspection free of charge, however, it should be agreed in advance. It is also possible to prepare an extract, transcript or copy (paper or electronic). The rates for such a service are specified by law. The maximum fees for providing medical records in the period 01/06/2018 - 31/08/2018 can be found here.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTH
You have the right to obtain information that you understand about your health and the course of treatment. You can also authorize a person you designate to receive this information. Your decision does not have to be in writing, you can provide the authorization verbally or with a gesture. However, an appropriate note must be made in your medical records.
PRESENCE OF A LOVED PERSON
You have the right to have a loved one present when receiving medical care, e.g. during a visit to a doctor. If the doctor does not allow it (e.g. due to the risk of infection), the refusal must be recorded and justified in the medical documentation.
Deaf or deaf people have the right to choose the form of communication. The medical facility is obliged to provide the possibility of using the assistance of an interpreter in accordance with the principles specified in the Sign Language Act.
WHERE TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT?
Provincial branch of the National Health Fund – in the event of a violation of the patient's rights in a facility that provides services under a contract with the National Health Fund. A complaint may be submitted in writing or electronically via Electronic Inbox.
Office of the Patient Ombudsman – in the event of violation of the rights to respect for privacy and dignity, information, health services, confidentiality of information, medical records, objections to a doctor's opinion or decision, pastoral care. You can use the free hotline at 800 190 590.
Ombudsman for professional responsibility of doctors – reservations about the method of treatment or the behavior of doctors. A complaint should be submitted to the district medical chamber to which the doctor belongs.
Spokesman for professional responsibility of nurses and midwives – objections to the manner or behavior of the nurse or midwife. A complaint should be submitted to the district chamber of nurses and midwives.
Office of the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection –reservations regarding confidentiality of the stored documentation and its protection against loss or theft. If you have any questions, you can use the hotline: 606 950 000 (between 10.00 and 13.00)
Based on: http://www.nfz.gov.pl/dla-pacjenta/prawa-pacjenta/
