LEGAL PROTECTION FOR PATIENTS IN THERAPEUTIC AGREEMENTS

Abstract

SUTARNO

Patients visit healthcare facilities to get medical assistance for different medical conditions. In some cases, the outcome of the interventions used by caregivers when taking care of patients may be uncertain. Treatment efforts for the same healing provided to two patients with similardisease tend tohave diverseresults. However, doctors are required to take actions and make decisions that will lead to the provision of services that will improve the wellbeing of patients. The relationship between doctor and patient in health care is called a therapeutic agreement, which is patterned in vertical paternalistic or contractual horizontalways. However, in this relationship, doctors may be in a more advantaged position compared to their patients. Therefore, legal protection is needed for patientsduring the care provision process. Patients can be consumers of healthcare services under the ConsumerProtectionAct.However, some do not view patients as consumers, a trend that raises controversy regarding the application of the Civil Code Agreement. Thus, additional legislation should be enacted to address the shortcomings of the current laws and ensure that patients’ rights are always protected.