Eating Disorder Experts, Advocates Introduce Patient Bill of Rights To Ensure
Quality Care in Washington State and Throughout U.S.
SEATTLE, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Eating Disorders
Association (NEDA) and the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) today introduced
a patient bill of rights, launching a statewide initiative in Washington to
help families access quality care for individuals affected by eating
disorders.
Entitled the Worldwide Charter for Action on Eating Disorders, the Charter
calls for a partnership among patients, families and their treatment team to
ensure the highest quality care for every person undergoing treatment for
anorexia nervosa (which has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric
disorder), bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. NEDA, along with the
AED, the international organization of eating disorder specialists who drafted
the Charter, is seeking support for the Charter in Washington State from
national and state policymakers, clinicians, and families affected by eating
disorders.
"The Charter was created by the AED to ensure that eating disorders --
serious mental illnesses with often severe physical consequences -- are
treated as such, and that patients and their families are afforded every
opportunity to receive high quality, affordable care," said Lynn Grefe, NEDA
CEO. "We hear from families every day who don't know where to turn or what to
expect from their treatment providers. It's gut wrenching. Now their rights
as patients are clearly defined -- a huge step for the millions of affected
families." The Charter calls for patients and their families to:
-- have ongoing communication/partnership with health professionals
-- receive comprehensive assessment and treatment planning
-- receive accessible, high quality, fully funded, specialized care
-- receive respectful, fully informed, age-appropriate, safe levels of
care
-- have caregivers who are informed, valued and respected as a treatment
resource
-- have caregivers who provide accessible, appropriate support and
education resources
Visit www.aedweb.org/documents/WWcharter3.pdf for a copy of the full
document.
The content for the Charter was drawn from the results of a web-based
survey of families affected by eating disorders and health care professionals
throughout the world undertaken in 2006. It can be used by families to
identify high quality and appropriate services and to challenge substandard
care, and to assist health care providers in developing and maintaining
quality programs and services.
"The AED developed this Charter to help the families and providers who
need it most," said Kelly Klump, M.D., and AED President. "The Charter is a
significant step forward in promoting excellence in treatment for individuals
with eating disorders and their families."
The Charter was launched nationally in the United States by the AED in
Washington, D.C. in 2006. It is now supported by hundreds of organizations and
individuals around the world. NEDA plans a state-by-state Charter rollout
throughout the remainder of this year. Introduction of the Charter today in
Washington coincides with the AED's International Conference on Eating
Disorders being held this week in Seattle.
NEDA, headquartered in Seattle, supports families of those affected by
eating disorders, and advocates for prevention, cures and access to quality
care. Its Information and Referral Helpline (800-931-2237) and website
(www.myneda.org) helps many millions of people every year by providing
information and treatment referrals. AED promotes excellence in research,
treatment and prevention of eating disorders. (www.aedweb.org)
SOURCE National Eating Disorders Association
Susan Kayne, NEDA, +1-212-575-6200, or cell, +1-917-880-1365
