Ministry of Health New Draft Regulation: New Rights for Patients and Employees

A new draft regulation by the Ministry of Health is expected to bring significant changes to healthcare services. An electronic approval system, a patient and employee rights application system, and new measures against violence in healthcare are planned to be implemented.Patients' consent for medical interventions can now be obtained electronically. Additionally, a Patient and Employee Rights Application System will be established to allow patients and healthcare employees to submit their complaints, requests, and applications electronically.Applications made through the system will be evaluated primarily through on-site solution and reconciliation methods. Unresolved applications will be referred to commissions, provincial coordinatorships, and provincial boards.Another regulation in the draft introduces the concept of advance healthcare directives. According to this, individuals will be able to specify in advance which treatments they will accept or reject in the event that they are unable to make healthcare decisions due to loss of consciousness, severe illness, or similar reasons.New applications aimed at preventing violence in healthcare are also included. Healthcare institutions will be required to prepare programs to prevent violence. In addition to violence incidents, 'near-miss' events, which do not result in violence but pose a significant risk, will be recorded and examined.Moreover, psychosocial support for healthcare employees who have been subjected to violence will be made mandatory. Under the draft regulation, a new support system called 'White Aid' will be established for healthcare employees. Through this system, employees will be able to request legal support in cases of violence, threats, and harassment.Employees will be able to request withdrawal from service in accordance with established procedures if they are subjected to physical violence, threats, or harassment, or if their safety or that of their team members is seriously endangered.