UOAA Bill of Rights

You Matter! Know what to expect and know your rights

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The original “Ostomate Bill of Rights” was presented to the United Ostomy Association (UOA – the predecessor organization to UOAA) by the International Association of Enterostomal Therapists (now known as Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses) at the UOA House of Delegates Meeting during the Annual Conference in 1977 where they were adopted by UOA. The goal was to inform ostomates that all elements of quality care should be available to them.

UOAA’s goal is to drive change across the country to help improve the quality of your ostomy healthcare and ensure higher standards of care in all healthcare settings. This is why in 2017 UOAA revised these rights, now known as the “Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights” (PBOR) so that they are a tool for patients to advocate for their own care.

As a patient you have certain rights. Some are guaranteed by federal law, such as the right to informed consent. This means that if you need a treatment such as ostomy surgery, your healthcare provider must give you the information you need to make a decision.

Although UOAA’s PBOR is not mandated by law that does not make it less important; it just offers no legal recourse. It should be used as a guide for patients and families to know what is reasonable to ask for and what should be asked for to facilitate the best outcome for the patient.

Quality health care is a team effort. Patients need to collaborate with their health care providers and facilities.

If you believe you are not receiving the care you need, you must speak up as an empowered member of your healthcare team.

At the 2017 National Conference board meeting UOAA’s Management Board of Directors formally adopted the revised Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights. (Taken from the UOAA Website)

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Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights