Your Right to Record Medical Procedures: Patient Autonomy Explained

You have the right to record your own medical procedure. This stems from patient autonomy—your authority over your healthcare decisions.

Key Points

• Many providers routinely record procedures (e.g., colonoscopy) for documentation and mutual protection.
• You can also request destruction of the recording after the procedure.
• Providers may object due to legal concerns, but your right to record generally stands.

Best Practice

Inform your doctor in advance if you plan to record. This ensures safe, ethical recording and avoids misunderstandings.

Learn More About Patient Rights

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF)
• Patient Rights Advocate (PRA)