Patients' rights in cross-border healthcare
As part of the Renewed Social Agenda, the Commission adopted a draft Directive on the application of patients' rights in to cross-border healthcare, which provides a Community framework for safe, high quality and efficient cross-border healthcare.
Although the vast majority of patients receive healthcare in their own country, sometimes the care is best provided abroad. This can be the case for example for highly specialised care or in border areas where the nearest appropriate facility is abroad.
Rules for receiving cross-border healthcare and for reimbursement of costs are now not always completely clear or easy to understand. That is why the Commission has developed a proposal for a legal instrument which will provide more clarity about possibilities to seek healthcare in another Member State. The proposal will also make clear who is responsible for quality and safety of care in cross-border settings. Finally it will strengthen cooperation in different areas, such as networks of centres of reference for specialised care, for example.
According to the Commission this proposal will thus help patients in getting the healthcare they need, and help Member States ensure the accessibility, quality and financial sustainability of their health systems and the well-being of their citizens.
European Parliament adopts first reading on proposed directive on patients' rights in crossborder healthcare.
Adopted text.
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