The Patients’ Rights and Informed Consent Act
The Patients’ Rights and Informed Consent Act is a law that was enacted in 2004 to protect the rights of patients in the healthcare system. This law outlines the rights of patients to receive appropriate medical care, to be fully informed about their health status, and to have the right to give or withhold consent for medical treatments and procedures.
One of the key provisions of this law is the right to be fully informed about one’s health status. This includes the right to receive information about tests, treatments, and proposed medical procedures, as well as the potential risks and benefits involved. The law requires that this information be given in a timely manner, in a private conversation with the patient, and in a way that is honest, clear, and understandable. The patient also has the right to receive a written file containing this information, and to take the time to consider whether to give their consent for medical procedures.
Another important provision of this law is the requirement for informed consent for medical treatments and procedures. No medical action or treatment can be performed without the prior consent of the patient, except in cases of emergency. This consent must be given freely and must be based on all the necessary information provided by the healthcare team. In addition, the patient has the right to withdraw their consent at any time.
The Patients’ Rights and Informed Consent Act also grants patients the right to obtain information about the expected costs of treatment and the conditions under which these costs will be covered.
Overall, the Patients’ Rights and Informed Consent Act is an important law that protects the rights of patients in the Lebanese healthcare system and ensures that they are fully informed about their health status and have the right to make informed decisions about their medical treatment.