§ 1871. Patient’s bill of rights for palliative care and pain management

(a) A patient has the right to be informed of all evidence-based options for care and treatment, including palliative care, in order to make a fully informed patient choice.

(b) A patient with a terminal illness has the right to be informed by a clinician of all available options related to terminal care; to be able to request any, all, or none of these options; and to expect and receive supportive care for the specific option or options available.

(c) A patient with pain has the right to request or reject the use of any or all treatments in order to relieve his or her pain.

(d) A patient with a chronic condition has the right to competent and compassionate medical assistance in managing his or her physical and emotional symptoms.

(e) A pediatric patient with a serious or life-limiting illness or condition has the right to receive palliative care while seeking and undergoing potentially curative treatment. (Added 2009, No. 25, § 3; amended 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 95.)