Regulation on prevention and settlement of medical disputes, which was passed at the State Council executive meeting on June 20, was recently promulgated.

The regulation is meant to protect the legitimate interests of medical staff and patients by preventing and resolving disputes to maintain order and ensure security in medical care.

It advocates mutual respect in medical treatment and the rule of law in safeguarding rights. Fairness, justice and promptness should be upheld in dealing with medical disputes.

Governments above the county level should enhance leadership in tackling medical disputes, and include it in the governance system of public security. A coordinating mechanism should be established to divide responsibilities among government departments, as required in the regulation.

Medical institutes and their staff are asked to put patients first, giving them humane care. And medical institutes should enhance training on related laws and professional ethics.

When disputes occur, medical staff and patients can pursue the following: negotiating on a voluntary basis, applying for mediation, asking for administrative conciliation, filing a lawsuit with the people’s court and other approaches regulated by the law.

The regulation will be enforced starting on Oct 1, 2018.