Many health care agencies have written policies concerning patient's rights, or the factors of care that patients can expect to receive. The American Hospital Association has affirmed a "Patient's Bill of Rights" that is recognized and honored by many health care facilities. This bill of rights states twelve rights that patients are entitled to, and I will discuss six.

A patient has a right to considerate and respectful care. Every patient should expect to be treated with kindness and empathy. Whether they are suffering from appendicitis or cancer, patients need to be cared for with sincerity and understanding. If you were in their place, you would want the same kindness; so treat them as you would want to be treated.

A patient also has the right to obtain complete and current information concerning their illness, to an extent. They may want to know their diagnosis, which is the...