Every U.S. citizen shall have the right to excellent health care, including those without insurance, with insurance, and in health plans. If France is capable of providing free health care to its citizens and guests, the United States is just as capable.

Patients shall have the right to choose health care providers sufficient to assure access to appropriate high-quality health care, including giving women access to qualified specialists, such as obstetrician-gynecologists and giving patients with serious medical conditions and chronic illnesses access to specialists. (Clinton’s Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry, hereinafter known as ACCP)

Patients shall be guaranteed access to the necessary specialists, even if it is outside the plan in which they are entered. (MEK)

Patients shall be able to access emergency room care where and when the need arises (McCain-Edwards-Kennedy Patient Bill of Rights (not passed) (MEK,) and ACCP)

Patients shall have the right to receive accurate, easily understood information to help them make informed decisions about health plans, facilities, and professionals.

Patients shall have the right to be a full partner in health care decisions, to fully participate in all decisions related to their health care (ACCP)

Patients shall have the right to considerate, respectful care from all members of the health care industry at all times without discrimination by sex, relgion, ethnicity, race, sex, age, or mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information or source of payment in the marketing or enrollment or in the provision of health care services. (ACCP)

Patients shall have the right to communicate with health care providers in confidence and to have the confidentiality of their individually identifiable health care information protected. Patients also shall have the right to review and copy their own medical records and request amendments to their records (ACCP).

Patients shall have the right to a fair and efficient process for resolving differences with their health plans, health care providers, and the institutions that serve them, including a rigorous system of internal review and an independent system of external review. (ACCP).

Patients shall be encouraged to take greater responsibilities for maintaining good health.

Patients shall have the right to full disclosure of and receive an explanation for any bills from health care providers in clear English.

All health care providers shall be assured that they can discuss all treatment options with their patients (MEK)