Connecticut Patient Rights

Connecticut has clearly stated policies that cover a broad spectrum of patient rights, including ethical treatment, financial and medical decisions. Organizations within Connecticut's health care system have specific patient rights policies designed for their treatment areas, but all follow state and federal guidelines.

Connecticut Patient Rights

• Connecticut Statute Section 19 governs Connecticut's patient rights laws and allows for ethical guidelines with respect to confidentiality, humane and dignified treatment, access to records and the right to petition in case of grievance. Generally, Connecticut's patient rights laws are all encompassing. However, there are separate guidelines for those under psychiatric, nursing home and other specialized care, all of which obey state law.

Federal Rights

• Connecticut follows the guidelines set forth in the Obama administration's Affordable Care Act. The primary focus of the act, touted as the new Patient Bill of Rights, is health insurance reform legislation. The act deals with many insurance practices that were previously unregulated, including health care for those with pre-existing conditions, protecting doctor choice rights and removing barriers between doctors and patients. Details of the act in regard to patient rights insurance legislation can be found at the Connecticut Office of the HealthCare Advocate's website.

Other Considerations

• Patient rights in Connecticut are not only required in state-licensed facilities, but in all licensed aspects of health care. Some private health care concerns, such as the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut, have full patient bills of rights covering all aspects of their particular health care function, including financial aspects of the care provided.