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.
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.
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.
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
This page last reviewed 11 June 2021.
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