Health Consumer Rights Flashcards

Under the NZ Code, what is Right 1 — the right to be treated with respect?

Answer: Every consumer has the right to be treated with respect and have their dignity, independence, and privacy maintained

Right 1 states that every consumer has the right to be treated with respect, including having their dignity, independence, privacy, body (including dead body), and personal space respected.

What is an advance directive and how does it apply under NZ law?

Answer: A written or oral directive by a competent person about future treatment decisions that must be respected if they become incapable

Under NZ law (Right 7(5) of the Code), an advance directive made by a competent person regarding their future health care must be followed if that person becomes incapable of making decisions. It is a legal document reflecting the person's autonomous wishes.

Under the Privacy Act 2020, what are a NZ nurse's obligations regarding patient health information?

Answer: Collect only necessary information, keep it secure, use it only for the purpose collected, and allow patient access to their records

Under the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code, NZ nurses must collect only necessary information, store it securely, use it only for the purpose for which it was collected, and facilitate patient access to their own health information.

What is the NZ consumer's right to complain (Right 10) and what should a nurse do when a complaint is received?

Answer: Consumers have the right to complain and have their complaint investigated — nurses should acknowledge the complaint and follow the organisation's complaints process

Right 10 guarantees consumers the right to complain about a provider and have the complaint investigated. Nurses should acknowledge the complaint, listen respectfully, follow the organisation's complaints process, and not be defensive or retaliatory.

Under the NZ Code, what is Right 6 — the right to be fully informed?

Answer: The right to receive full and honest information about one's condition, treatment options, risks, costs, and expected results

Right 6 provides that every consumer has the right to the information a reasonable consumer in that position would expect to receive, including an explanation of condition, treatment options, risks, side effects, costs, and expected results.

What is the role of a health and disability advocate in New Zealand?

Answer: To provide free, independent support to consumers in resolving concerns about health and disability services

Health and disability advocates are appointed by the HDC to provide free, independent advocacy services to consumers. They help consumers understand their rights, resolve concerns, and navigate the complaints process.