LEGAL REGULATION OF COMPENSATION FOR MORAL HARM TO THE PATIENT

Abstract

Currently, the problem of high-quality medical care, effective implementation and effective protection of the patient's rights, including the right to compensation for moral harm, is becoming increasingly important. Legal regulation of moral harm is determined by the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and a number of other normative legal acts. The author, considering the issues of legal regulation of compensation for moral harm to a patient, draws attention to the fact that despite the increase in the number of similar claims filed in courts, there is no established practice in these cases in Russia. Based on the analysis of current legislation, scientific research and examples of judicial practice, including in Novgorod region, the article identifies circumstances that may affect the amount of compensation for moral harm to the patient, reveals the complex procedural nature of such cases. The latter is due to the fact that in the domestic legislation there are no methods for assessing and criteria for the amount of moral damage. In this regard, the author substantiates the need to improve the institution of compensation for moral harm to a patient, in particular, by such measures as calculating the amount of moral harm according to a certain formula and the active involvement of medical psychologists when conducting medical examinations. The author considers the introduction of compulsory professional liability insurance of medical workers working in the most risky, from the point of view of an unfavorable result, specialties as an indirect step along this path. At the same time, the author emphasizes the importance of avoiding an imbalance in the legal relations of the parties in the field of healthcare. Taking into account the manifestations of patient extremism in a number of cases, healthcare professionals should not find themselves in an unequal position compared to patients who assert their rights.

Keywords

medical error; compensation for moral harm; medical assistance; moral harm; mental and physical suffering; patient; patient’s right

References

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About the Author

Tatyana A. Antonova – PhD in Pedagogy, Docent; Associate Professor, Department of History of State and Law, Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, Veliky Novgorod, Russia. E-mail: Tatyana.A.Antonova@novsu.ru. SPIN РИНЦ 6257-6900

For citation:
Antonova T.A. Legal Regulation of Compensation for Moral Harm to the Patient // BENEFICIUM. 2020. No. 3 (36). pp. 48-54. (In Russ.). DOI: http://doi.org/10.34680/BENEFICIUM.2020.3(36).48-54