IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF HEALTHCARE THROUGH THE PROTECTION OF PATIENT RIGHTS

The quality and safety of provided services are crucial aspects of the success of any institution, including healthcare facilities and the overall healthcare system of a particular country. This work emphasizes the fundamental provisions of healthcare regulations, where standards of quality and safety represent the primary determinants of successful healthcare service delivery. The authors believe that respecting patients' rights constitutes a significant segment in enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare. They argue that the Law on Healthcare of Republika Srpska is largely aligned with the basic principles observed in neighboring countries' healthcare sectors. The study employed a method of analyzing positive legal regulations, along with a comparative approach in comparing legal systems of neighboring countries. The new Law on Healthcare of Republika Srpska has established a nominally greater number of patient rights compared to previous regulations, thereby leading to a more effective and secure healthcare service provided by healthcare institutions and professionals. Additionally, the chapter of the Law on Healthcare of Republika Srpska that regulates patient rights, quality, and safety of healthcare is reasonably harmonized with the positive regulations governing these issues in Serbia and Croatia