PATIENTENRECHT

Abstract

The author reviews Professor Rang's inaugural speech on patients' rights for the newly created chair of health law at Leyden university, the first of its kind in Holland. Rang surveys the various legal provisions dealing directly or indirectly with patients' rights: legislation regarding the scope of authority and responsibility of the doctor, dentist, pharmacist, midwife and paramedical personnel; legislation concerning the organisation of health care; legislation pertaining to environmental control; and laws regarding preventive health care (the law on inoculation and contagious diseases). Rang argues for reinforcing the patient's juridical position by means of a treatment contract. Euthanasia is discussed from the juridical point of view and several suggestions are made regarding damage claims and administrative juridical shortcomings.