Major changes to health reports: New regulation has entered into force

The new Health Reports Regulation, which initiates a significant transformation in the healthcare sector, has been published in the Official Gazette and has officially entered into force. With the new regulation, report procedures in both public and private healthcare institutions will now be carried out in an electronic environment. According to the regulation, reports not generated through the e-Report system will generally not be considered valid. Citizens will initiate their health report requests via e-Devlet and complete their procedures by filling out the necessary health information forms. Reports will be prepared electronically and made accessible again through e-Devlet.

STRUCTURE OF HEALTH BOARDS REORGANIZED

With the new regulations, the structure of health boards has also been revised. Fully equipped boards will be required to include specialists in internal medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology, ENT, neurology, psychiatry, and either physical therapy or orthopedics. Prepared board reports will now be approved with an electronic signature.

TIME LIMIT ON MEDICAL LEAVE REPORTS

Within the scope of the new rules determined for medical leave reports, a single doctor will be able to issue a report for a maximum of 10 days. If deemed necessary, this period can be extended for another 10 days, but if it exceeds 20 days in total, a health board report will be required. Furthermore, the total duration of medical leave reports issued by the same physician within one year cannot exceed 40 days.

DETAIL REQUIREMENT FOR DISABILITY REPORTS

With the new criteria introduced for disability reports, it will be mandatory to clearly state the type of disability, the organ or region affected, and the percentage separately, especially in documents to be used for vehicle purchases with SCT exemption. Detailed and clear information will be provided instead of general definitions.

CONDITIONS FOR FIREARM LICENSES TIGHTENED

Health conditions required for firearm license applications have also been tightened. From now on, a positive health report will not be issued to those with epilepsy, dementia, narcolepsy, advanced neurological and psychiatric diseases, or those identified with substance or alcohol addiction. Those with a history of suicide attempts and those diagnosed with impulse control disorders will also not be able to receive a positive report. Similar rules will apply to non-rifled hunting rifle licenses. In reports to be issued for private security guards, it will be mandatory to use one of the phrases "fit for armed duty," "fit for unarmed duty," or "unfit," and the justification for an "unfit" decision must be clearly stated in the report.

PRE-MARITAL EXAMINATIONS MOVED TO DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT

Pre-marital health examinations and reports have also been moved to a digital environment. Applications will be made electronically, and if no obstacles are found after the necessary tests, the report will be issued electronically. Providing pre-marital counseling services to couples together has also been established as a principle in the regulation.

REPORT REQUIREMENT LIFTED FOR SCHOOL SPORTS

An innovation has also been made in sports activities; a health report will not be requested for school sports and social activities, and submitting a health status certificate will be sufficient.

NEW REGULATION FOR FORENSIC REPORT PROCESSES

The application regarding forensic report processes has also been detailed. It was emphasized that examinations must be conducted in accordance with human rights and privacy principles, and that it is essential for the examination to be performed by a female physician upon the request of women. Additionally, an obligation was introduced to report to the prosecutor's office if findings of torture or ill-treatment are detected. Objections to health board reports will be directed to provincial health directorates, and in certain cases, an arbitration hospital application will be resorted to. Finality has been introduced for some decisions.

The new regulation, which has been put into effect with comprehensive changes, aims to make processes more secure, transparent, and fast in health reports through digitalization.

News Source: 12punto