Bioethics Assignment
Patient’s Bill of Rights (Philippines)
1. 1. Right to Appropriate Medical Care and Humane Treatment
Every person has a right to health and medical care corresponding to his/her state of health,
without discrimination. The patient has the right to good quality care; his dignity,
convictions, integrity, individual needs and culture shall be respected.
2. 2. Right to Informed Consent
The patient has the right to a clear, truthful, and understandable explanation of all proposed
procedures—diagnostic, preventive, curative, rehabilitative or therapeutic—by a person
who will perform them. No procedure may be done without written informed consent,
except in certain situations (emergency, epidemics, minors or legally incompetent patients,
etc.).
3. 3. Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
The patient is entitled to privacy at all stages of treatment. All information, communication
and records pertaining to his/her care must be kept confidential, except under specific
situations (public health, court orders, patient waiving this right, etc.).
4. 4. Right to Information
The patient or legal guardian has the right to be informed of the nature and extent of the
disease, results of evaluations, proposed treatments/procedures, medications (including
risks), and any changes in treatment plans, before they are implemented.
5. 5. Right to Choose Health Care Provider and Facility
The patient should be free to choose the provider and facility, seek second opinions, except
when restricted by laws, public health mandates, or other valid institutional policies.
6. 6. Right to Self-Determination
The patient has the right to accept or refuse recommended diagnostic or treatment
procedures and to prepare advance written directives for terminal care, as long as informed
of consequences, and when legally permissible.
7. 7. Right to Religious Belief
The patient may refuse medical treatment or procedures that conflict with his/her religious
beliefs, insofar as this does not endanger life under legal standards.
8. 8. Right to Access Medical Records
The patient has right to view or obtain a summary of his/her medical records, history,
diagnostic findings, and treatment plans; the health care institution must maintain records,
guarantee access, and protect confidentiality.
9. 9. Right to Leave
The patient has the right to leave the hospital/healthcare institution at will, regardless of
physical condition, provided the patient is informed of medical consequences of leaving, and
that decision will not jeopardize public health or safety.
10. 10. Right to Refuse Participation in Medical Research
Patients have the right to know if they’re being involved in medical research/human
experimentation, and to refuse participation. Written informed consent is needed.
11. 11. Right to Correspondence and to Receive Visitors
Patients may communicate with relatives/others, receive visitors subject to the institution’s
rules.
12. 12. Right to Express Grievances
The patient has the right to file complaints about the care or service received without fear of
retaliation, and to know how those complaints are addressed.
13. 13. Right to be Informed of Rights and Obligations
Patients should be made aware of these rights and their own obligations (e.g. respecting
hospital rules, giving full information, complying with treatment, settling financial or
insurance matters).
Sample Informed Consent Form
Title of Procedure / Study: ____________________________
Name of Healthcare Provider / Principal Investigator: ____________________________
Institution / Hospital: ____________________________
Contact Information: ____________________________
PART I: Information Sheet
Purpose:
This [procedure / study] is being done to __[explain why]__.
Description of Procedure:
You will undergo __[describe the procedure: what will happen, duration, location]__.
Risks / Discomforts:
Possible risks include __[list risks, side effects, discomforts]__. If you experience any
problems, please tell your provider immediately.
Benefits:
The possible benefits are __[describe benefits, if any]__. There may be no guarantee that you
will benefit.
Alternative Options:
Instead of this procedure, you could consider __[alternatives, including no treatment]__.
Confidentiality:
Any information collected will be kept confidential. Records will be stored securely.
Voluntary Participation / Right to Withdraw:
Your participation is voluntary. You may refuse or stop at any time without penalty or loss
of benefits.
Costs / Compensation:
[State if you will receive payment / compensation / if there are costs to the patient. If none,
say so.]
Contact for Questions:
If you have questions about this procedure / study or your rights, you may contact
__[name/contact details]__.
PART II: Consent
I have read (or been read) the information sheet. I have had the opportunity to ask
questions, and all my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I understand the
purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and I voluntarily agree to undergo the above
procedure / participate in the study.
Signature / Thumbprint of Patient (or Legal Guardian): ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Name and Signature of Physician / Investigator / Witness: ____________________________