Kaiser Arbitration Agreement: What it is and What it Means for You
If you or a loved one has received medical care from Kaiser Permanente, you may have come across the term “Kaiser arbitration agreement.” But what does this agreement actually mean, and how does it affect your rights as a patient? In this article, we`ll break down the basics of the Kaiser arbitration agreement and what you need to know.
What is the Kaiser arbitration agreement?
The Kaiser arbitration agreement is a contract that patients sign when they receive medical care from Kaiser Permanente. In signing this agreement, patients agree to resolve any disputes that may arise through arbitration rather than through the court system.
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which an impartial third party (the arbitrator) hears both sides of a dispute and makes a binding decision. This means that if you sign the Kaiser arbitration agreement and later have a dispute with Kaiser Permanente, you won`t be able to take them to court. Instead, the dispute will be resolved through arbitration.
What are the pros and cons of the Kaiser arbitration agreement?
Proponents of the Kaiser arbitration agreement argue that it can be a faster and less expensive way to resolve disputes. The arbitration process is often quicker than going to court, and the costs may be lower since there is no need for a trial.
However, critics of the Kaiser arbitration agreement argue that it can limit patients` rights and access to justice. With arbitration, there is no jury and no formal rules of evidence, which can make it harder to win a case. Additionally, many arbitration agreements contain a clause that prohibits class action lawsuits, which means that patients cannot band together to bring a case against Kaiser Permanente.
What should you do if you`re asked to sign the Kaiser arbitration agreement?
If you`re asked to sign the Kaiser arbitration agreement, it`s important to understand the implications of doing so. Before signing, you may want to consider consulting with a lawyer who can explain your rights and help you make an informed decision.
If you do sign the Kaiser arbitration agreement and later have a dispute with Kaiser Permanente, it`s important to understand your rights as an arbitration client. You have the right to choose your own arbitrator, to be represented by a lawyer, and to receive a written decision that explains the arbitrator`s reasoning.
Overall, the Kaiser arbitration agreement is an important legal document that patients should be aware of when seeking medical care from Kaiser Permanente. By understanding your rights and the potential pros and cons of arbitration, you can make an informed decision about whether to sign this agreement.