The practice of medicine in the 1960s saw a shift in the doctor-patient relationship that ultimately fueled the patients' rights movement. Individuals sought to become proactive in healthcare and their body's healing process. As medical practice rapidly evolves in terms of technology and specialized care, healthcare and patient rights have become a major concern that needs to be addressed. In 1973, the American Hospital Association issued a Patients' Bill of Rights that provided patients with the most beneficial health care available. This bill of rights required all accredited hospitals to accept this standard in the future (Patients' Rights, 2004). The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed a code of medical ethics that includes: the patient has the right to obtain and discuss health information related to the benefits, risks, and costs of treatment alternatives; the patient can make decisions regarding health care suggested by the doctor; the patient has the right to courtesy, respect, dignity and timely attention to health care needs; and the patient has the right to confidential, continuous and adequate health care. (emedicinehealth, 2011). Communicating openly and honestly between patient and doctor will allow both parties to make decisions to properly meet their needs. Patients have the right to know all details related to the service or treatment that will be provided and the right to refuse such service. or treatment before this happens. This informed consent will communicate the exact details of the procedure, the intensity of pain and/or period of disability experienced, the risk implication and any alternative methods of treatment and its risks. A patient will receive an agreement...... middle of paper ......integrity of protected health information.Works citedmedicinehealth. (2011). Accessed February 23, 2011 from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/scriptFiore, K. (2011) HIPAA Violation Costs Cignet Millions. Accessed March 15, 2011, from http://www/medpagetoday.com/tbprint.cfm?tbid=25036Patients' Rights. (2000). Retrieved February 23, 2011 from the Encyclopedia of the Royal Society of Medicine Health: http://lirnproxy.museglobal.comPatients' Rights. (2004). Retrieved February 23, 2011 from the New Harvard Guide to Women's Health, The. http://lirnproxy.museglobal.comPrivacy Rights Clearinghouse. (2011, January). Accessed March 3, 2011 from PrivacyRights.org: http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs8-med.htmU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). Accessed February 23, 2011 from hhhs.gov: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa