Ministry's new draft revealed... Radical change in healthcare: A new era begins for patients

The "Regulation on Rights and Communication in Healthcare" draft, prepared by the Ministry of Health, envisions comprehensive changes regarding the rights of patients and healthcare workers in health services. If the draft enters into force, patient and employee rights will be regulated under the same regulation for the first time.

MEDICAL CONSENTS CAN BE OBTAINED DIGITALLY

According to the report by the Türkiye newspaper, known for its proximity to the government, the draft paves the way for patients' consent regarding medical interventions to be obtained electronically. Thus, consent processes can be recorded, verified, and archived through a digital system.

Furthermore, it is planned to establish a Patient and Employee Rights Application System (HÇHBS) so that patients and healthcare workers can submit their complaints, requests, and applications electronically. Applications made will be tracked through the system.

CONCILIATION METHOD TO BE APPLIED FIRST IN APPLICATIONS

In the draft, it is aimed that applications submitted via HÇHBS will primarily be concluded through on-site resolution and conciliation methods. Files where no agreement can be reached may be referred to commissions, provincial coordinations, and provincial boards.

TREATMENT PREFERENCES CAN BE RECORDED IN ADVANCE

The draft regulation also includes the "advance healthcare directive" practice. Accordingly, individuals will be able to determine in advance which treatments they will or will not accept in the event that they become unable to make healthcare decisions due to loss of consciousness, serious illness, or similar reasons in the future.

The statement in question can be recorded in writing or digitally and will be taken into account by healthcare providers. The regulation also covers situations where a person may lose the ability to make decisions, such as dementia or being on life support in intensive care.

NEW PRACTICE FOR VIOLENCE IN HEALTHCARE: "WHITE HELP"

The draft also contains new provisions aimed at increasing the safety of healthcare workers. Accordingly, health institutions and organizations will be obliged to prepare programs for the prevention of violence in healthcare.

"Near-miss" incidents that do not result in violence but pose a serious risk will also be recorded and investigated. Providing psychosocial support to healthcare workers exposed to violence will become mandatory.

LEGAL SUPPORT AND REQUEST TO WITHDRAW FROM SERVICE

Within the scope of the draft, a new support system called "White Help" will be created for healthcare workers. Through this system, employees will be able to request legal support due to incidents of violence they are exposed to.

In addition, in the event of physical violence, threats, insults, or situations that seriously endanger their own safety or that of their teammates, they will be able to request to withdraw from service within the framework of established procedures.

News Source: 12punto