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Patient’s right to self-determination and its interpretation in case law

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September 4, 2023
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Zákány, J. (2023). Patient’s right to self-determination and its interpretation in case law. Debreceni Jogi Műhely, 20(1-2), 145-172. https://doi.org/10.24169/DJM/2023/1-2/7
Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the patient's right to self-determination and the present issues of legal interpretation. The right to self-determination – along with the right to information – is one of the most important patient’s right. It ensures that the patient can be a well-informed person, who is not just a vulnerable subject suffering from lack of information. If this right prevails properly, the patient is able to make decisions based on his own interests and values during his medical treatment.

The focus is on the narrower interpretation of the right to self-determination, namely the consent to interventions, as well as its limits and the exercise of the right by deputy decision-makers. In addition to the legal content and interpretation of the right, we consider it important to cite examples of recent case law from the last few years and to present the most significant findings. The examination of the right of self-determination is current and necessary, since the legal disputed related to this are still present nowadays, and the case law is constantly evolving in this area.