Legal aspects of civil liability of healthcare professionals for violation of patients’ rights in the course of provision of medical services: current challenges and prospects for improvement of legislation

In today’s world, where the quality of medical services and patients’ rights are becoming increasingly important, the issue of civil liability of medical professionals is becoming extremely relevant. The article is devoted to a comprehensive study of the legal aspects of civil liability of healthcare professionals for violation of patients’ rights in the course of providing medical services in the context of current challenges and prospects for improving Ukrainian legislation. The article examines theoretical and practical issues related to the peculiarities of civil liability in the medical field. The legal basis for such liability, its forms and consequences are analysed. Particular attention is paid to the specifics of proof in medical cases and the problems faced by patients in defending their violated rights. The article analyses the judicial practice of consideration of cases involving violation of patients’ rights, identifies the main trends and problems of law enforcement. On the basis of this analysis, the author formulates proposals for improving the mechanisms of civil liability in the medical field. Special attention is paid to the new challenges facing the healthcare system in the context of technological progress and globalisation. The author examines the issues of liability in the use of telemedicine, artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment, as well as the problems of protecting patients’ personal data. Based on the study, the author proposes specific ways to improve Ukrainian legislation in the area of civil liability of medical professionals. In particular, the author considers the possibilities of introducing specialised rules on medical liability into the Civil Code of Ukraine, creating an effective system of pre-trial settlement of disputes in the medical field, and strengthening guarantees for the protection of patients’ rights. The article contains substantiated conclusions regarding the need for a systematic approach to reforming legislation in the area of civil liability of medical professionals. The author emphasises the importance of a balance between protection of patients’ rights and creation of favourable conditions for professional activity of healthcare professionals.