The Patient’s Rights - In terms of South Africa’s constitution each person is entitled to human dignity, equality and freedom. This should also be the case when a patient receives medical treatment in the private and public sector.

Informed Consent - A patient is entitled to provide or refuse consent to treatment. This is regarded as patient autonomy or self determination in South African medical law.

Medical and Dental Matters - The Medical and Dental Council in 1989 formulated guidelines with regard to HIV and AIDS for giving information to persons other than the patient.

Patient Records - A medical record is any record made by a medical practitioner from time to time regarding consultations, examinations or recommendations pertaining to surgical procedures or any other proposed treatment.