§33-25C-1. Short title and purpose.

This article may be referred to as the "Patients' Bill of Rights." It is the intent of the Legislature that enrollees covered by health care plans receive quality, cost-effective health care designed to maintain and improve their health. The purpose of this article is to ensure that health plan enrollees:

(a) Have improved access to information regarding their health plans;

(b) Have sufficient and timely access to appropriate health care services, and choice among health care providers;

(c) Are assured that health care decisions are made by appropriate medical personnel;

(d) Have access to a quick and impartial process for appealing plan decisions;

(e) Are protected from unnecessary invasions of health care privacy; and

(f) Are assured that personal health care information will be used only as necessary to obtain and pay for health care or to improve the quality of care.