Patient Rights Guide
Booklet | January 12, 2022
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Your health and end-of-life care rights and options in Canada.
In Canada, health care is managed by the provincial and territorial governments. Dying With Dignity Canada’s Patient Rights Guide offers general information about patient rights in Canada, although some laws and procedures may vary by location.
Download a Patient Rights Guide
This guide is a source of information for individuals who are eligible for publicly-funded health services in Canada – including Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
As a patient in Canada, you have the right to:
- Health care services without discrimination
- Understand your health condition and the treatments available to you
- A second opinion
- Have your Advance Directive*/prior capable wishes respected
- Have the authority of your Substitute Decision-Maker recognized
- Accept, refuse, or discontinue medical treatments, and to change your mind at any time
- Decline Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in accordance with a DNR order)
- Refuse nutrition and hydration by artificial means or any other aspects of care
- Pain and symptom management
- Palliative care (including palliative sedation) if it is appropriate for your condition
- Request an assessment for medical assistance in dying (MAID)
- View, obtain, amend and limit access to your own health record
*The term Advance Directive may not be used or may be different depending on the province or territory in which you live. All of this is outlined in the Guide.
