The American Academy of Pain Management endorses a patient's bill of rights. It is an expectation that compliance with patient's rights can contribute to an effective patient care program. A modification of the American Hospital Association's statement on a patient's Bill of Rights has been incorporated as part of the framework of the American Academy of Pain Management. (You may download Patient's Bill of Rights in .pdf format here.)

The modifications consist of the following :

1. The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care.

2. The patient has the right to obtain, from their certified provider, complete current information regarding their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms the patient can reasonably be expected to understand. When it is not advisable to give such information to the patient, the information should be made available to an appropriate person on their behalf.

3. The patient has the right to receive from their certified provider information to make informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. This shall include such information as: the medically significant risks involved with any procedure and probable duration of incapacitation. Where medically appropriate, alternatives for care or treatment should be explained to the patient.

4. The patient has the right to refuse any and all treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of any of the medical consequences of their action.

5. The patient has the right to every consideration of privacy concerning their own medical care program limited only by state statutes, rules, regulations, or imminent danger to the individual or others.

6. The patient has the right to be advised if the clinician, hospital, clinic, etc. proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting their care or treatment. The patient has the right to refuse to participate in such research projects.

7. The patient has the privilege to examine and receive an explanation of the bill.

All activities of pain management are to be conducted with an overriding concern for the patient, and above all, the recognition of their dignity as a human being.