What option do patients always have under their bill of rights?

Patients always have the right to decline medical treatment, which reflects the principle of autonomy in healthcare. This right is grounded in the ethical concept that individuals have the authority to make decisions regarding their own bodies and healthcare interventions. It ensures that patients can refuse treatments or procedures even if the medical advice suggests otherwise, promoting informed consent and personal choice in managing their health.

While patients might have preferences regarding their healthcare, such as requesting a specific doctor or scheduling appointments, these rights are not universally guaranteed as part of their rights. Similarly, patients cannot modify their medical history as this would undermine the integrity of their health records. Therefore, the ability to decline medical treatment is a fundamental aspect of patient rights, emphasizing respect for individual choice in medical care.