Patients' rights

[2] Following a recommendation by the National Council of Clinical Establishments, MOHFW submitted the draft in the public domain for comments and suggestions in August 2018.

The "Bipartisan Patient Protection Act" (S.1052), sponsored by Senators Edward Kennedy and John McCain, contained new rules for what health maintenance organizations had to cover and granted new rights for patients to sue in state or federal courts, if they are denied needed care.

Reportedly, president Bush threatened to veto the bill if it included the Senate's provision to allow patients to sue managed care organizations in the state and federal courts.

[16] The industry, he says, "goes to great lengths to keep its involvement in these campaigns hidden from public view," including the use of "front groups".

[17] By highlighting the ethical responsibility of health care professionals towards their patients, basic principles are mentioned, such as self-esteem, prevention of harm, promotion of well-being and justice.