Home Health and disability Seeking medical help Seeing a health care provider or going to hospital Your rights as a patient

Your rights as a patient

Find out about your rights when getting health care and how to raise a concern about a health professional.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights you, or someone you care for, can expect when seeking health care.

As a patient getting health care in Australia, you have a right to:

  • access
  • safety
  • respect
  • partnership
  • information
  • privacy
  • give feedback.

You can find the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website, or learn more about your healthcare rights on the healthdirect website.

Concerns about a medical professional

If you’re unhappy with the care or advice from your doctor, talk to them about it first. They should listen and discuss your worries.

If you’re still unhappy, you can report your concerns to Ahpra or your local health complaints organisation.

Find out more about submitting a concern about a medical practitioner on the Ahpra website.

Find information about healthcare complaints on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website.
Page last updated: 3 July 2025