Patient Charter of Rights
"All patients possess dignity and value as human beings. To lead a healthy life, patients hold the following rights as well as corresponding responsibilities and duties."
Patient Rights
Right to Receive Medical Care
Every patient has the right to receive appropriate healthcare services for the protection and promotion of their health. This right shall not be infringed upon based on gender, age, religion, social status, or financial circumstances. Medical professionals shall not refuse treatment without justifiable grounds.
Right to Information and Self-Determination
Patients have the right to receive detailed explanations from their physicians, nurses, and other medical staff regarding their current health status, treatment methods, participation in medical research, organ transplantation, potential side effects, and expected outcomes, as well as medical expenses. Patients hold the right to ask questions and provide informed consent regarding their treatment.
Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
A patient’s physical and medical information, as well as their personal life, shall remain confidential and protected. Medical professionals and institutions may not disclose or publish a patient's secrets without their consent, except when required by law (such as for criminal investigations).
Right to Request Consultation and Mediation
In the event of a dispute regarding medical services, patients have the right to apply for consultation and mediation through the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency or other relevant institutions.
Patient Responsibilities and Duties
Duty of Trust and Respect for Medical Professionals
Patients must provide accurate health-related information to medical professionals and must trust and respect the treatment plans provided by medical staff.
Duty to Seek Treatment Through Honest Means
Patients must verify their identity before receiving treatment and must not seek medical care through fraudulent or dishonest means, such as using another person's identity.