Employees at the Speak Up program - funded by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) - believe that in order to provide optimum care, patients should be active, involved, informed participants and become familiarized with the healthcare system. In order to avoid misunderstandings and promote efficient medical treatment, patients should learn their basic rights.

The Association of American Hospitals first adopted patient rights in 1973. They have since been revised. The Association promotes the adaptation of these rights so they meet the needs of the populations at each hospital. Still, it is rare to see a Spanish version of the patients' rights materials at medical facilities. Some of the patient's rights appear below.

As a patient you have the right to:

• Be informed about all aspects of your illness, and of the possible treatment options and their secondary effects.
• Know the names and functions of the staffs who attend you.
• Have an evaluation of your illness and receive appropriate treatment.
• Refuse a treatment.
• Receive alternate treatment if one treatment is refused and another is readily available.
• Respect of your values and personal, spiritual, cultural and religious beliefs.
• Have staff notify your family, representative or doctor upon your arrival at the hospital.
• Keep your medical record confidential, unless you authorize its release or it is required by law.
• Receive a copy of your medical history with explanation, except when prohibited by law.
• Be transferred to receive care from another doctor or in another hospital.
• Be advised of the hospital's relationship with institutions that can influence your medical care including universities, insurance companies, etc.
• Refuse participation in experimental treatments or medical studies that are related to your illness or treatment.
• Request a detailed copy of your invoice.
• Know if the hospital has a patient's representative or ethical committee that hears complaints and advocates for patients.

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