Patient Rights and Responsibilities in the Republic of Moldova
The Law of the Republic of Moldova No.263 of October 27, 2005 “On the Rights and Responsibilities of the Patient” establishes key guarantees for citizens in the healthcare system.
Patient Rights
Every person has the right to:
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Free medical assistance within the limits established by law;
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Respectful and humane treatment from healthcare providers, without discrimination;
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Safety of personal life, physical, psychological, and moral integrity;
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Relief of suffering and reduction of pain by all legal means;
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A second medical opinion and consultations from other specialists;
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Mandatory and voluntary health insurance;
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Information about the healthcare provider, services, quality, and costs;
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Examination, treatment, and care under proper sanitary conditions;
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Full information regarding their own health, diagnostic and treatment methods, potential risks;
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Information about harmful environmental factors;
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Voluntary consent or refusal to medical interventions and participation in research;
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Acceptance or refusal of religious rituals during hospitalization;
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Assistance from a lawyer or representative to protect their interests;
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Information about the results of complaint reviews;
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Appeal against the actions of medical staff and institutions in judicial and extrajudicial ways;
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Dignified terminal care;
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Compensation for damages caused to health.
Patient Responsibilities
The patient is obliged to:
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Take care of their own health and lead a healthy lifestyle;
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Observe precautionary measures if suffering from a socially dangerous disease;
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Undertake mandatory preventive measures, including immunizations;
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Provide the doctor with complete and accurate health information;
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Follow behavioral rules in healthcare institutions and the doctor’s recommendations;
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Refrain from using medicines, drugs, psychotropic substances, and alcohol without medical prescription;
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Respect the rights and dignity of other patients and medical staff.
