The Patient Rights Program is a program of the Health Law Department of the Boston University School of Public Health. Its mission is to promote the rights of patients through education and research. The Patient Rights Program offers news and general information about the rights of patients and research subjects, as well as links to public agencies and non-profit organizations with specialized information. The Patient Rights Program believes that people who are well-informed about their rights as patients are healthier and happier patients. Today, people who understand their rights as patients are more likely to successfully negotiate the health care system, use health insurance and managed care plans, and work with physicians and other health care professionals. Most important, a just health care system requires respect for the rights of patients.

Note on terminology: We use the term "patient" - instead of consumer - to describe anyone who needs health care of any kind, because not everyone can be a consumer and not everyone is covered by health insurance, but everyone will be a patient.

The Patient Rights Program is a general educational program and does not provide specific legal advice or referrals to individuals. The Patient Rights Program is funded by Boston University, is not affiliated with any other organization, and does not accept commercial advertising. Information about courses in health law at Boston University is available here.