Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights 1996

What is the purpose of the Health and Disability Services Commissioner (HDC) Act 1994?

To establish the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC), provide an independent nationwide patient advocacy service, and enable complaints about health professionals to be investigated.

What does the Health and Disability Services Commissioner (HDC) Act 1994 establish?

The Health and Disability Commissioner's Office, an independent advocacy service, and a complaints process for health and disability services.

What is the purpose of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights 1996?

To protect the rights of people using health and disability services and outline the obligations of health providers.

How many rights are included in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights?

There are 10 consumer rights.

What is HDC Right 1?

The right to be treated with respect (Mana).

What does HDC Right 1 mean?

Every person must be treated with respect for their dignity, cultural values, beliefs, and identity.

How is HDC Right 1 applied in midwifery practice?

By respecting tikanga Māori, supporting culturally safe care, using correct names and pronouns, and supporting cultural birth practices.

What is an example of HDC Right 1 in midwifery?

A midwife asks about and supports a wāhine's cultural birth preferences rather than assuming a standard approach.

What is HDC Right 2?

The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation (Manaakitanga).

What does HDC Right 2 mean?

Consumers must not be treated unfairly, pressured, or exploited.

How is HDC Right 2 applied in midwifery practice?

By avoiding judgment, respecting all women equally, and presenting intervention options without coercion.

What is an example of HDC Right 2 in midwifery?

A midwife presents birth options neutrally instead of pressuring a wāhine into a specific choice.

What is HDC Right 3?

The right to dignity and independence (Tū rangatira Motuhake).

What does HDC Right 3 mean?

A person's dignity must be respected, and they should be supported to maintain independence.

How is HDC Right 3 applied in midwifery practice?

By supporting physiological birth, maintaining privacy, asking permission before examinations, and encouraging informed decision-making.

What is an example of HDC Right 3 in midwifery?

A midwife asks permission before performing a vaginal examination.

What is HDC Right 4?

The right to services of an appropriate standard (Tautikanga).

What does HDC Right 4 mean?

Care must be safe, skilled, timely, and meet professional standards.

How is HDC Right 4 applied in midwifery practice?

By following Midwifery Council competencies, recognising complications, referring appropriately, and maintaining continuity of care.

What is an example of HDC Right 4 in midwifery?

A midwife recognises fetal distress and arranges prompt transfer to secondary care.

What is HDC Right 5?

The right to effective communication (Whakawhitiwhitinga whakairo).

What does HDC Right 5 mean?

Information must be communicated clearly and in a way the consumer understands.

How is HDC Right 5 applied in midwifery practice?

By using plain language, interpreters when needed, checking understanding, and supporting health literacy.

What is an example of HDC Right 5 in midwifery?

A midwife explains labour contractions and what to expect in language the woman understands.

What is HDC Right 6?

The right to be fully informed (Whakamōhio).

What does HDC Right 6 mean?

Consumers must receive all information needed to make informed decisions, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.

How is HDC Right 6 applied in midwifery practice?

By discussing all care options honestly and explaining the risks and benefits of interventions.

What is an example of HDC Right 6 in midwifery?

A midwife explains the benefits and possible complications of an epidural before the woman decides.

What is HDC Right 7?

The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent (Whakaritenga mōu ake).

What does HDC Right 7 mean?

Consumers have the right to make their own healthcare decisions and give or refuse consent freely.

How is HDC Right 7 applied in midwifery practice?

By supporting the woman's rangatiratanga, respecting refusal of treatment, and ensuring consent is ongoing.

What is an example of HDC Right 7 in midwifery?

A wāhine declines continuous fetal monitoring, and the midwife respects her decision while discussing alternatives.

What is HDC Right 8?

The right to support (Tautoko).

What does HDC Right 8 mean?

Consumers have the right to have support people present.

How is HDC Right 8 applied in midwifery practice?

By encouraging whānau, partners, or other support people to be involved throughout pregnancy, labour, and postnatal care.

What is an example of HDC Right 8 in midwifery?

A midwife supports a wāhine to have her partner and mother present during labour.

What is HDC Right 9?

The right in respect of teaching or research (Ako me te rangahau).

What does HDC Right 9 mean?

Consumers must consent before participating in teaching or research.

How is HDC Right 9 applied in midwifery practice?

By asking permission for student midwives to observe or participate and respecting any refusal.

What is an example of HDC Right 9 in midwifery?

A midwife obtains consent before a student midwife is present during labour and birth.

What is HDC Right 10?

The right to complain (Amuamu).

What does HDC Right 10 mean?

Consumers have the right to raise concerns and expect a fair, respectful response.

How is HDC Right 10 applied in midwifery practice?

By providing information about the complaints process, responding professionally, and using feedback to improve care.

What is an example of HDC Right 10 in midwifery?

A wāhine who is unhappy with her care is supported to make a complaint and receives a respectful response.

What are the 10 Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights?

1. Right to be treated with respect. 2. Freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation. 3. Right to dignity and independence. 4. Right to services of an appropriate standard. 5. Right to effective communication. 6. Right to be fully informed. 7. Right to make an informed choice and give informed consent. 8. Right to support. 9. Rights in respect of teaching or research. 10. Right to complain.

What is the importance of informed consent in midwifery?

It ensures women receive adequate information, make voluntary decisions, and have their choices respected throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period.

Why is culturally safe care important under the HDC Code?

It respects each person's culture, identity, beliefs, and values, improving trust, communication, and health outcomes.