Health & Disability Services Consumers' Rights

Health & Disability Services Consumers' Rights

When you use a health or disability service in New Zealand, you have the protection of a Code of Rights. 

HDC Code of Rights

The Code and Making a Complaint - 'Health and Disability Commissioner' and 'People First' video

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Key points to remember about your rights when using health and disability services

  • when you use a health or disability service, you have rights
  • all people in New Zealand have these rights
  • if you are not happy with a health and disability service you receive, you have the right to complain

What are my rights when using health and disability services in NZ?

When you use a health or disability service in New Zealand, you have the protection of a Code of Rights. The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights provides 10 rights.

Right 1 - The right to be treated with respect.

Right 2 - The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation.

Right 3 - The right to dignity and independence.

Right 4 - The right to services of an appropriate standard.

Right 5 - The right to effective communication.

Right 6 - The right to be fully informed.

Right 7 - The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent.

Right 8 - The right to support.

Right 9 - Rights in respect of teaching or research.

Right 10 - The right to complain.

Listen to, or read your rights in different languages at the Health and Disability Commissioner website

You can check the booklet below (PDF, 2MB). It tells you about your rights and how to make a complaint if you are not happy with a service you receive.

Image of the cover of a booklet about your rights when using health services

See the Health and Disability Commissioner website to find out more about your rights

What can I do if I'm not happy with a health and disability service I receive?

You can contact Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service. An advocate can listen to you and talk with you about your problem with a health or disability service. Advocates can help and support you when you have a problem with a health or disability service. They can support you if you want to talk to the health or disability service about your problem.

Free phone Advocacy: 0800 555 050

Check a set of principles which describe how healthcare providers should meet your child or young person's particular needs

This page last reviewed 11 June 2021.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for free health advice when you need it