Limits of Provision of Patient Information by Doctors and Nurses: The Legal Approach

Abstract

Provision of patient information giving is defined as a fundamental patient right, according to both the Greek legislation (Law 2071/1992) and the Oviedo International Convention relating to Human Rights and Bioethics (Law 2619/1998). According to legal theory and practice, three types of information are covered: general, therapeutic and legislative information. The medical and nursing staff is required to provide information as this obligation is legally defined in the Codes of Medical and Nursing Deontology. Nurses provide general and therapeutic information. In the case of omission or provision of insufficient information nurses can be liable to disciplinary sanctions against them.