§ 991 Patient Definition In Healthcare

Evidence Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•A 'patient' is someone who goes to a doctor for help with their body or feelings.
•This includes getting checked, treated, or advice from a doctor.
•It doesn’t matter if it’s for a cold, a broken bone, or feeling sad—if you see a doctor for help, you’re a patient.

Example

You go to the doctor because you have a bad cough.

Under this law, you are a 'patient' because you’re seeing a doctor to figure out what’s wrong and get better.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 991 Patient Definition In Healthcare

As used in this article, “patient” means a person who consults a physician or submits to an examination by a physician for the purpose of securing a diagnosis or preventive, palliative, or curative treatment of his physical or mental or emotional condition. (Enacted by Stats. 1965, Ch. 299.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

patient physician diagnosis treatment physical or mental or emotional condition

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 991.

Key Takeaways

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Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References