1. A patient shall be given information about his/ her status of health, the significance of the treatment, various alternative forms of treatment and their effects and about other factors related to his/ her treatment that are significant when decisions are made on the treatment given to him/her. However, this information shall not be given against the will of the patient or when it is obvious that giving information would cause serious hazard to the life or health of the patient.
2. Health care professionals should try to give information in such a way that the patient can understand it. If the health care professional does not know the language used by the patient or if the patient because of a sensory handicap or speech defect cannot be understood, interpretation should be provided if possible.
3. Information about the identity and state of health of a patient may be given to a family member of the patient or to other person close to the patient, if the patient is receiving treatment because of unconsciousness or for other comparable reason, unless there is reason to believe that the patient would forbid this.
4. If a minor patient because of his/her age or level of development can decide on the treatment given to him/her, he/she has a right to forbid providing his/ her guardian or other legal representative with information on his state of health and care. The information shal be given to the guardian or other legal representative of a minor patient.

Top