Patients of medical institutions to have more rights, responsibilities

Chisinau, Nov. 9 /MOLDPRES/- The list of patients' rights and responsibilities will be expanded through the provisions of the European Charter of Patients' Rights. A legislative initiative providing for this was voted today in the second reading by 70 deputies.

The draft amendment to the Law on the patients' rights and responsibilities was set up by MPs of the Action and Solidarity Party.

The authors propose that if the patient cannot express his will, and his legal representative refuses the medical act necessary to save life, the decision can be taken by the board of doctors, in favor of the patient's life. At the same time, it will be necessary for doctors to consult the opinion of patients who have not reached the age of majority, when this is allowed by their exercise capacity. If a minor patient cannot express his will, and his legal representatives refuse, doctors have the right to give him the necessary treatment.

The legislative initiative also requires the completion of the Law on the rights and responsibilities of the patient with a new principle - of mutual collaboration between doctor and patient in providing health services. At the same time, the patient will be responsible for informing the medical worker or the pharmacist, if he did not understand the information provided. The patient will also be responsible for following the treatment recommended by the doctor, the instructions and respecting the appointment for the medical intervention.

After the adoption of the draft law, the Government and the institutions in the field will approve policies and normative acts, which will transpose the European legislation in ensuring the patients' rights and responsibilities.