In the early 1970s, the American Hospital Association drafted a Patient Bill of Rights so people would know what they could reasonably expect when they were hospitalized. Since then, a number of similar measures have been developed. These are designed to:
Empower people to take an active role in improving their health, including making informed decisions and the choice and right to have an advance directive.
Strengthen the relationships that patients have with their health care providers.
Establish patients' rights in dealing with insurance companies and other specific situations related to health coverage and payment of services.
hope this helps. :)