Users' Rights and Protection

One of the regulatory objectives entrusted to the Portuguese Health Regulatory Authority (ERS), as established in its Statutes, is to ensure the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of users of healthcare services.

Awareness of the rights and obligations of healthcare service users enhances their capacity to participate actively in the continuous improvement of the quality of care and healthcare services.

In view of the fragmented and complex nature of the regulatory framework governing this area, a dynamic platform has been developed to provide users with structured, accessible and regularly updated information on rights and

Within this framework, ERS has published “Rights and Duties of Healthcare Service Users”, with the aim of providing clear information, guidance and support to healthcare service users, as well as to healthcare professionals and other stakeholders involved, directly or indirectly, in the healthcare system.

This publication consolidates legislation and other relevant information on the rights and duties of healthcare service users that were previously dispersed across multiple ERS publications and sections of its website. In particular, it brings together content drawn from decisions adopted in the context of ERS’s administrative and sanctioning activities, as well as from studies, supervisory alerts, information notes, responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and informational leaflets.

The publication is intended to be dynamic and subject to ongoing updates. To this end, it includes several annexes providing specific information on each of the areas addressed — including legislation, bibliographic references, case law, and ERS administrative and sanctioning activities. It is also conceived as a participatory process, allowing contributions from individuals and entities with an interest in the topics covered who wish to engage with ERS in its mission to inform the public and promote health literacy.

Suggestions, comments or requests for information may be submitted via this FORM.

Rights and Duties of Healthcare Users