Can I refuse treatment?
You can — and not only before treatment starts. The Patient Rights Law is clear: treatment is permissible only where the patient has given informed consent. And you may refuse in three ways: before treatment begins; a specific method, while continuing the rest of the treatment; and also while treatment is under way. The doctor must inform you of the possible consequences of such a decision — but the decision is yours. Consent is put in writing where the patient or the treating doctor asks for it; you then confirm it with your signature, stating the date and time, and it is attached to your medical records.
📋 The rules
- Treatment — only with informed consent
- You may refuse before treatment begins
- Or a specific method, continuing the rest
- Or while treatment is under way
- The doctor must explain the consequences
🔓 Exceptions
- Consent is put in writing where the patient or the treating doctor requests it
- Written consent is attached to the patient's medical records
- A patient has the right to see their own medical records
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The second right, used far too rarely, is access to your own records. A patient has the right to see their medical records and to request extracts, transcripts and copies — under the institution's approved price list. This matters if you are seeking a second opinion, making a complaint or heading into a dispute: without the records you have no evidence. And on consent: if you face a serious procedure, ask for the consent to be recorded in writing — it will then carry your signature, the date and time, and be attached to your file. That protects both sides, and you are entitled to ask for it.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
May I refuse treatment?
You may. You can refuse before treatment begins, refuse a specific method while continuing the rest of the treatment, and refuse even once treatment is under way. The doctor must explain the consequences.
Is my consent required for treatment?
It is. Treatment is permissible only where the patient has given informed consent. That is one of the founding principles of the Patient Rights Law.
When is consent put in writing?
Where the patient or the treating doctor requests it. The patient then confirms it with a signature, stating the date and time, and it is attached to the medical records.
Can I obtain my medical records?
You can. A patient has the right to see their medical records and to request extracts, transcripts and copies, under the institution's approved price list.
Why do the records matter?
They are your evidence if you seek a second opinion, make a complaint or enter a dispute. Without the medical records you have nothing to base your position on.
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