Know Your Rights in New York State

You do not need permission, and no one should try to stop you from getting the care you need. If a clinic staff member says otherwise, you can ask to speak to a supervisor or find a different provider who respects your rights.

You Have the Right to Care

In New York State, if you are under 18, you can still get certain health services without a parent or guardian.

These include:

  • STI testing and treatment

  • Birth control

  • Emergency contraception (Plan B)

  • Pregnancy testing and abortion care

  • Some mental health services (especially if related to harm or serious emotional distress)

Your Information Can Stay Private

When you ask for confidential services, your health information should not be shared with anyone—not even your parents.
You have the right to:

  • Ask questions and get answers you understand

  • Say no to any test, treatment, or provider

  • Request that your information not be shared

  • Be treated with dignity, privacy, and respect

If you use your parent’s insurance, your visit might show up in billing paperwork (like an EOB), so make sure to ask about this before your appointment.

You Have the Right to Respectful, Inclusive Care

You deserve care that matches your identity and values. That means:

  • Being addressed by your name and pronouns

  • Receiving care that respects your gender, language, and cultural background

  • Accessing interpretation services if English is not your preferred language

  • Asking for a different provider if you feel unsafe or disrespected

You do not have to accept discrimination or judgment. You can always speak up or ask for help.

You Can Ask Questions and Speak Up

Knowing your rights means using your voice. You are allowed to:

  • Ask what a test or treatment is for

  • Request someone else in the room (or ask for privacy)

  • Bring a trusted friend or adult, if you want

  • Leave an appointment if you feel uncomfortable

  • File a complaint if your rights were violated

You do not have to accept discrimination or judgment. You can always speak up or ask for help.

In New York State, if you feel discriminated against, judged, or disrespected by a medical provider, you have the right to file a complaint.

Here is how and who you can report to:

Where to Report Discrimination by a Healthcare Provider in NYS

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

What for: 

Discrimination, mistreatment,denial of care, language barriers, or violations of your patient rights.

How:

  • Online: www.health.ny.gov

  • Mail: NYS Department of Health, Office of Professional Medical Conduct, Riverview Center 150 Broadway, Suite 355 Albany, New York 12204-2719

  • Phone: (800) 663-6114 or (518) 402-0836

The Office for Civil  Rights (OCR) –U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

What for: 

Discrimination based on race,color, national origin (language), disability, age, sex (including gender  identity), or religion in any  program that receives federal funding.

How:

  • Online complaint portal: 

    ocrportal.hhs.gov

  • Phone: 1-877-696-6775

  • Language interpretation  is available.

The New York State Division of Human Rights

What for: 

Discrimination  based on gender identity,  race, ethnicity, national  origin, disability, etc., in  places of public  accommodation (like hospitals or clinics).

How:

What You Can Say  When Reporting

Be specific about:

  • What happened (e.g., misgendering, refusal to provide interpreter, rude or dismissive behavior)

  • Where and when it  happened

  • Who was involved (names, roles)

  • How it made you feel or impacted your care