A patient as the victim of an illegal offence. Doctor’s legal obligations and limits of medical confidentiality

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. Medical confidentiality, its limits and contact with a patient who is the victim of an illegal offence is a very important element of the work of almost every medical practitioner. Promoting legal education and legal awareness among medical staff is the assumed goal of this article. Review methods. The review of the current legal regulations, legal literature and judicial decision making was performed using the Polish Legal Information System “LEX”. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Medical confidentiality and the resulting legal obligations of a physician, as well as the treatment of a patient-victim of an illegal offence are specified in numerous legal acts, including: Act of 6 June 1997 Penal Code, Act of 6 June 1997 Code of Criminal Proce-dure, Act of 6 November 2008 on the rights of patients, and the Patient’s Rights Ombudsman, and Act of 5 December 1996 on professions of doctor and dentist. Interpretation of the selected extracts from the indicated legal acts is performed by representatives of the legal doctrine, moreover, this issue is also mentioned in numerous judgments of Polish courts. Summary. A patient-victim of an illegal offence requires a spe-cial approach. While treating such a person, it is extremely important to show respect for the patient’s dignity. Doctors should know their legal responsibilities in this regard. Legal education of doctors is an important element strengthening the legal order in Poland. Compliance with and respect for the law is the foundation and guiding principle of the modern, civilized Western world.