Rights and expectations of care
A good relationship with your doctor is built on trust, respect, honesty, and clear communication. You play an important role in your care.
Your rights
- You can accept or refuse the treatments offered to you.
- You can withdraw your consent and stop an exam or procedure at any time.
- You can ask for a support person or chaperone to be with you at appointments.
- You can ask questions during your appointment in order to understand your health and treatment choices.
- You have the right to get clear answers to your questions.
- You can ask for your medical records at any time and can request copies.
- You have a right to know who is involved in your care, which includes students or trainees.
- You can always seek a second opinion, without fear of judgment or penalty.
- You should always be treated professionally and respectfully, free from discrimination or inappropriate behaviour.
What you can expect from your doctor
- Clear communication: Your doctor must communicate clearly and honestly, explaining your condition, options, and next steps in a way you understand.
- Informed consent: Your doctor must explain all options for treatments and get your consent before starting or stopping treatment (except in some emergencies).
- Competent care: Your doctor must act in your best interest, providing safe, competent care, and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
- Respect and privacy: Your doctor must respect your dignity and privacy, protect your health information, and keep accurate records.
- Safe, respectful conduct: Your doctor must maintain professional boundaries, with no sexual contact, comments, or exploitation of the doctor–patient relationship.
If something doesn’t feel right
- Speak up during the visit or afterward.
- Contact the College for guidance or to file a complaint:
- Public inquiries: 902‑421‑2201 | publicinquiries@cpsns.ns.ca
- Sexual misconduct confidential line: 902‑406‑8401
- Online complaints: Visit Filing a complaint page
Related standards and resources
- Patient consent to treatment (professional standard & guidelines)
- Sexual misconduct by physicians (professional standards & guidelines)
- Standards and guidelines – overview and index (all the College's standards)
- PHIA (Province of Nova Scotia) – overview of your privacy rights and how to request access/corrections
Have questions?
For inquiries relating to what you can expect from your doctor please contact us.
Phone: 902-421-2201