Section 1: Your Rights as a Patient

Every person in Quebec enjoys the following rights under the Civil Code of Quebec and the Quebec Health Act:

1.1 Right to integrity of the person.
[Student Manual, page 4]

You are inviolable. No one is allowed to touch you without your free and enlightened consent.

1.2 Right to consent to care.
[Student Manual, page 4]

You have the right to consent to care, except in case of an emergency when you cannot consent. You also have the right to refuse care.

If you cannot consent, someone else must consent for you.

1.3 Right to be informed.
[Student Manual, page 4]

You have the right to be informed about:

• the health care services available to you;
• your health;
• different treatments available;
• risks if you accept or refuse treatment;
• the users’ committee;
• how to file a complaint.

1.4 Right to choose your health care provider or the institution.

You have the right to choose the health care provider or health care institution where you want to be treated. However:

• the health care provider can accept or refuse to treat you, except in an emergency;
• you cannot choose a CLSC;
• your right to choose depends on whether the health care institution has the professionals, the equipment or the funds to offer the services.

1.5 Right to participate in your treatment.

You have the right to participate in any decision about your health.