The Executive Yuan on Thursday passed a draft bill aimed at reducing medical malpractice and resolving related disputes.
Earlier this year on January 24, Article 82 of the Medical Care Act was amended to address difficulties with resolving disputes over negligent medical treatment and improve relations between doctors and patients. That amendment clearly defined conduct constituting negligence and established related civil and criminal liabilities. Civil liabilities for medical care organizations were also specified, making possible clearer and more sensible judgements based on well-defined responsibilities.
To carry out the provisions of the amended Article 82, the Ministry of Health and Welfare drafted the current bill to reduce medical malpractice and settle disputes arising from such cases. The bill calls for immediate assistance and honest communication in the event of medical malpractice, prioritizes dispute resolution in the aftermath, and requires ongoing malpractice prevention efforts to enhance the quality of care. These prescriptions will help improve relations between medical personnel and patients and raise the overall caliber of medical services.
The bill now goes to the Legislative Yuan for review and debate.