Your rights as a patient — Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

Every patient in Australia has the right to: access healthcare, be safe, receive quality care, be shown respect, be informed, be included in decisions, privacy, and give feedback or complain.

This applies in hospitals, aged care, GP clinics, mental health services, and community care. It applies regardless of where you were born, what language you speak, or what condition you have.

Any adult with decision-making capacity can refuse any treatment — even life-saving treatment. This includes refusing CPR, refusing surgery, refusing transfer to ICU, or discharging yourself against medical advice.

No one can force treatment on you except in very limited circumstances (involuntary mental health treatment orders, quarantine powers). Pressure from family or staff is not the same as legal authority.

If you want to refuse treatment, say so clearly and ask for it to be documented. An Advance Care Directive puts this in writing for the future.

You have the right to see your medical records. Hospitals must provide copies on request (they can charge a reasonable fee for printing).

My Health Record (myhealthrecord.gov.au) gives you access to some records online. For hospital-held records, contact the Health Information / Medical Records department.

As an EPOA or next of kin, your access depends on the patient's capacity and the documents in place. Ask the treating team what you're entitled to see.

Before any procedure, you must be told: what it is, why it's recommended, what the risks and benefits are, what the alternatives are (including doing nothing), and what happens if you say no.

If you don't understand, say "I need you to explain that again in plain language." If you feel rushed, say "I need more time before I decide." Both are your right.