Rights, Assistance, and
Support Options
We aim to provide you with an overview of the key rights and public health services you should be aware of. The first section covers rights for children and their families, while the second part focuses on rights for individuals over 18. We understand that navigating the support system can be challenging, and we hope this information will help you access the help and services you are entitled to.
Rights for CF patients
The Norwegian Centre for Cystic Fibrosis provides a comprehensive overview of the rights and support options available for individuals with cystic fibrosis and their families. We recommend visiting their website for detailed and updated information on the services and support programs you can access. For more information, visit their page HERE.
Your rights when visiting public offices
Right to guidance: You have the right to receive guidance from the staff at the public office.
Right to bring someone: You may bring someone with you for support or assistance during your visit.
Confidentiality: All public employees are bound by confidentiality and must keep information about you private.
Right to access documents: You have the right to view the documents related to your case.
Written response to applications/claims: If you submit an application or claim, you are entitled to receive a written response.
Right to appeal decisions: A written decision can be appealed if you disagree with the outcome.
These rights ensure that you receive the information and support you need when interacting with public offices.
Tips for Contacting Support Services
- Call and schedule an appointment in advance: Arrange a time before visiting.
- Prepare a list of questions: Make a checklist of your questions.
- Bring medical records and other documents: Have any relevant paperwork ready.
Rights and support services for children under 18
Hospital stays for children
Children under 18 have the right to have their mother and/or father with them during their stay in a healthcare institution. For more details on parents' and children's rights during hospital stays, refer to the "Regulation on Children's Stay in Healthcare Institutions," which is provided upon admission to a pediatric ward. Parents also have the right to access their child’s medical records and associated documents.
For children under 12, information about the child's illness should primarily be provided to the parents. For children between 12 and 16, information should be shared with both the parents and the child. For all patients under 18, necessary health information needed to fulfill parental responsibilities should also be provided to the parents.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy is free for all children under 12. This rule also applies to children and adolescents up to 18 years old with certain diagnoses, including cystic fibrosis (CF).
Contact Person at the Assistive Technology Centre
Families with children who have significant disabilities can receive a dedicated contact person from the assistive technology center in their county.
Care Benefits, Parental Benefits, and Educational Benefits
To be eligible for care benefits, parental benefits, and educational benefits, you must be entitled to sick leave benefits. These benefits compensate for lost income due to a child's illness. For more information, visit www.nav.no.
Important support services in Norway
Nav
The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) provides a comprehensive range of services. Each NAV office must at least offer financial social assistance from the municipality and the full spectrum of state services previously handled by the social security and employment agencies. In some municipalities, NAV offices also manage additional support programs. Assistive technology centers, part of NAV, offer support and help to individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit nav.no. www.nav.no.
Helfo
The Norwegian Health Economics Administration (HELFO) handles the reimbursement of expenses for all healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and other health costs covered by national insurance. HELFO also manages the reimbursement for dental and other specialist treatments.
To apply for reimbursement or learn more about covered services, visit www.helfo.no. You can also find information on how to contact HELFO directly if you have questions or need assistance related to healthcare services and reimbursements.
Patient Travel
Patient travel offices are responsible for planning and booking travel with requisitions and processing and reimbursing patient travel without requisitions. Along with Patient Travel ANS, they ensure that patients have their necessary travel expenses related to treatment covered.
For more details on planning travel, applying for reimbursement, or getting other assistance related to patient travel, visit www.pasientreiser.no. You'll find information about their services and contact details if you have questions or need help.
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