Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights

The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights(external link) (Code of Rights) sets out your rights as a user of health and disability services. It also outlines the obligations and duties of those providing the services. 

Everyone using a health or disability service in Aotearoa New Zealand has the protection of the Code of Rights. There are 10 rights – you can read about them below. 

The Code of Rights covers all registered providers (health professionals) such as doctors, nurses, and dentists. It also covers other types of healthcare providers such as rongoā Māori practitioners, naturopaths, homeopaths, acupuncturists, massage therapists, counsellors and support workers. It applies to both public and private facilities, and to both paid and unpaid services.

Image credit: Depositphotos

The Code of Rights is important because it provides legal protection to you as the user of health and disability services, making sure you:

• are treated with respect
• have proper communication
• can make informed choices
• receive quality care.

The Code of Rights makes it easier for consumers to know what to expect from service providers and outlines the obligations (requirements) for the people providing the services. It also offers a formal process for making complaints if your rights are breached. 

People using health and disability services are often placed in a vulnerable situation because of a lack of knowledge and their need for treatment. The Code of Rights means you can take part more effectively in your own care which supports your dignity and independence.

When you use a health or disability service in Aotearoa New Zealand, you have:

Right 1: The right to be treated with respect | Mana

You have the right to be treated with respect and have your privacy and cultural beliefs respected.

Right 2: The right to fair treatment | Manaakitanga

You have the right to be free from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and sexual, financial or other exploitation.

Right 3: The right to dignity and independence | Tū rangatira Motuhake

You have the right to have services provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of you as an individual.

Right 4: The right services of an appropriate standard | Tautikanga

You have the right to have good care and support that fits your needs.  

Right 5: The right to effective communication | Whakawhitiwhitinga whakairo

You have the right to be told things in a way that you understand. 

Right 6: The right to be fully informed | Whakamōhio

You have the right to be told everything you need to know about your care and support.

Right 7: The right to choice and consent | Whakaritenga mōu ake

You have the right to make informed choices and give informed consent about your care and support.

Right 8: The right to have support | Tautoko

You have the right to have one or more support people with you.

Right 9: Rights during teaching or research | Ako me te rangahau

You have the right to decide if you want to be part of training, teaching or research.

Right 10: The right to complain | Amuamu

You have the right to make a complaint and for your complaint to be taken seriously. 

There are more details about the Code of Rights(external link) on the Health & Disability Commission website.

These videos (in English and te reo Māori) show what it means to have your healthcare rights supported and what to do if they're not.

Video: Respecting your rights!

(Health & Disability Commissioner, NZ, 2023) English version

Video: Ōu Mōtika

(Health & Disability Commissioner, NZ, 2023) te reo Māori version

Video: Making it easy to get the right service – subtitles

(Health & Disability Commissioner, NZ, 2015)

Video: Making it easy to get the right service – NZSL

(Health & Disability Commissioner, NZ, 2015)

Video: Making it easy to get the right service – audio description

(Health & Disability Commissioner, NZ, 2015)

Diagnostic overshadowing

Diagnostic overshadowing happens when a healthcare provider assumes that a person's symptoms are just part of an existing disability or mental health condition, instead of looking for other possible causes like a new illness or medical problem.

In collaboration with StoryBox, the University of Otago developed this animated video about diagnostic overshadowing, and what you can do about it as someone using health services or supporting someone to use them.

Video: Understanding overshadowing: Getting the care you deserve

(StoryBox, NZ, 2024)

The Health and Disability Commissioner(external link) helps ensure your rights are upheld and complaints are taken care of. Read more about making a complaint.(external link)

You can read more about your rights when using a health or disability service and how to make a complaint(external link) translated into multiple languages, some as audio files for you to listen to.

The current Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights(external link) has recently been through a review process and suggested changes were presented to the Minister for Health and Government in December 2024.  

Read more about the Code of Rights(external link) and the recent review process(external link).