Human Rights in Patient Care: A Theoretical and Practical Framework

The concept of "human rights in patient care" (HRPC) refers to the application of human rights principles in the context of patient care. It provides a principled alternative to the growing discourse of "patients rights" that has evolved in response to widespread and severe human rights violations in health care settings. It neutrally applies universal, legally-recognized human rights principles, protecting both patients and providers and admitting of limitations that can be justified by human rights norms. It looks at systemic issues and state responsibility.