Law of Medicine - LEK Flashcards
Is the doctor obliged to report to the police an attempt to kill a man if they obtained this information during a medical examination?
A. doctor never has such an obligation.
B. reporting a patient is a matter of choice not duty.
C. doctor in this kind of situation is obliged to inform the Medical Chamber.
D. law does not address such issues.
E. doctor is obliged to do so because the matter concerns an activity that is forbidden by Art. 240 § 1 of the Penal Code.
Answer: E. doctor is obliged to do so because the matter concerns an activity that is forbidden by Art. 240 § 1 of the Penal Code.
Explanation: According to the Medical Law, the doctor is obliged to report any cases of attempted murder of which s/he become aware during a medical examination to the police as it is forbidden by Art. 240 § 1 of the Penal Code. Furthermore, the Polish Code of Professional Ethics requires doctors to promptly notify the police if they have knowledge of a patient’s criminal act. Therefore, Answer E is correct.
Answer A is incorrect because the doctor does have such an obligation.
Answer B is incorrect because reporting a patient is not a matter of choice; it is a mandatory requirement.
Answer C is incorrect because the doctor is obliged to report the matter to the police and not the Medical Chamber.
Answer D is incorrect because the law does address such issues and the doctor is obliged to report any cases of attempted murder of which s/he become aware during a medical examination to the police.
A patient dissatisfied with the way he has been treated demands the doctor hold a consultation. The patient, other doctors, a priest and a homeopath healer who has been “curing” the patient’s family for years should take part in the consultation. According to the Code of Medical Ethics the doctor should:
A. agree to the patient’s demand.
B. hold the consultation without a priest.
C. hold the consultation without the healer.
D. hold the consultation without the healer and a priest.
E. refuse to hold such a consultation.
D. hold the consultation without the healer and a priest.
According to the Code of Medical Ethics in Poland, a patient is the ultimate authority when it comes to the care they receive, including the right to choose the professionals they would like to consult. However, “It is not in the patient’s best interest to accept the advice of a healer who has not been licensed by the appropriate authority.” Therefore, the doctor should not hold the consultation with the healer and the priest. Sources:
- Textbook of Polish Medical Law: https://centrumprawapacjenta.pl/uroczy-kodeks-etyki-lekarskiej
- The World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/ethics/policy/consumer_protection_doc/en/
A contract of employment in the hospital has been offered to a doctor. The employment is based on the co-called equivalent work time. This means that:
1) standard daily working time can be increased up to 12 hours;
2) standard daily working time can be increased up to 18 hours;
3) standard weekly working time is increased to 48 hours;
4) basically the time calculation period is shortened to 1 month;
5) basically the time calculation period is prolonged to 6 months.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,3.
B. 2,4.
C. 3,5.
D. 2,5.
E. 1,4.
The correct answer is E. 1, 4.
According to the Polish Act on Protection of Certain Categories of Employed Persons, the equivalent work time allows for the standard daily working time to be increased up to 12 hours and for the time calculation period to be shortened to 1 month. Article 160 of the Act states that “The period for calculating the number of hours worked by an employee may last no longer than one month unless otherwise specified in this Act.” Article 161 also states that “In the cases specified in this Act concerning certain categories of employees, the maximum number of hours worked in one day may not exceed twelve hours.” Therefore, standard daily working time can be increased up to 12 hours and the time calculation period can be shortened to 1 month.
The other options are incorrect because they do not conform to the Polish Act on Protection of Certain Categories of Employed Persons. Standard daily working time cannot be increased up to 18 hours, standard weekly working time cannot be increased to 48 hours and the time calculation period cannot be prolonged to 6 months.
A pregnant woman had previously given birth to a child with hypochondroplasia, a genetic disease manifesting itself in dwarfism combined with joint and bone deformities. Fearing that this disease will occur in another child, she was referred by a gynecologist to a consultation clinic for women with high-risk pregnancies where she asked the physician for a referral to prenatal testing. The physician refused. Was that decision justified?
A. yes, because the physician assumed that once this genetic disease is confirmed, the woman would terminate the pregnancy.
B. yes, because the physician acknowledged that in order to exercise their professional freedom they were entitled to refuse to do so.
C. no, because physician’s refusal to refer the patient violated the patient’s right to information and medical services.
D. no, because prenatal testing is compulsory for pregnant women.
E. yes, because patient’s wish is not a sufficient reason to refer her to prenatal testing.
C. no, because physician’s refusal to refer the patient violated the patient’s right to information and medical services.
According to Polish Medical Law, a patient has a right to all available information related to the diagnosis, treatment and potential consequences of their condition. This includes all information related to potential genetic disorders, such as high-risk pregnancies. Therefore, the physician’s refusal to refer the patient to prenatal testing violated the patient’s right to information and medical services. Other answers are incorrect for this reason.
Is the doctor allowed to reject or discontinue the treatment of the patient?
A. yes, in exceptional cases, and they have to inform the patient about the possibility to receive help elsewhere.
B. no, it is the doctor’s duty to always help the patient.
C. they are allowed to do that after obtaining their head of hospital department’s consent.
D. They are allowed to do that after obtaining their hospital director’s consent.
E. regulations do not cover this matter.
A. yes, in exceptional cases, and they have to inform the patient about the possibility to receive help elsewhere.
This is the correct answer. According to Article 32(1) of the Act on Patient’s Rights, a doctor is allowed to reject or discontinue the treatment of a patient, in exceptional cases and if they inform the patient about the possibility to receive help elsewhere.
B. no, it is the doctor’s duty to always help the patient.
This is incorrect. While it is generally a doctor’s duty to help their patient, there are certain circumstances in which the doctor is allowed to reject or discontinue the treatment of a patient.
C. they are allowed to do that after obtaining their head of hospital department’s consent.
This is incorrect. The doctor is allowed to reject or discontinue the treatment of a patient after informing the patient about the possibility to receive help elsewhere, but there is no requirement for the doctor to obtain consent from the head of the hospital department before doing so.
D. They are allowed to do that after obtaining their hospital director’s consent.
This is incorrect. The doctor is allowed to reject or discontinue the treatment of a patient after informing the patient about the possibility to receive help elsewhere, but there is no requirement for the doctor to obtain consent from the hospital director before doing so.
E. regulations do not cover this matter.
This is incorrect. Regulations do cover this matter; the doctor is allowed to reject or discontinue the treatment of a patient in exceptional cases and after informing the patient about the possibility to receive help elsewhere.
In accordance with the Act of 5 December 2008 on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans, a Canadian citizen while in Poland is exempted from the obligation to undergo protective vaccinations (except post-exposure vaccinations) if their length of stay is not longer than:
A. 1 month.
B. 2 months.
C. 3 months.
D. 4 months.
E. 6 months.
C. 3 months.
A doctor can issue the death certificate:
1) on the basis of their own tests and conclusions;
2) on the basis of the documentation of post-mortem examination made by another doctor;
3) on the basis of the patient’s medical documentation made before their death.
4) only after autopsy;
5) on the basis of the information obtained from the deceased’s close persons.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,2.
B. 2,3.
C. only 4.
D. 3,5.
E. only 5.
A. 1, 2.
What measures should the doctor take while examining the patient or providing them with other medical services without the patient’s consent (due to their poor health condition or age)?
A. They should inform the head of the hospital department.
B. They should inform the hospital director.
C. doctor does not have any particular obligations in this case.
D. They should obtain the consent of the guardianship court.
E. they should register such activities in the patient’s medical records and, if possible, consult their actions with another doctor.
D. They should obtain the consent of the guardianship court.
Which of the following state organs is to announce the Preventive Vaccination Program for a given year?
A. Polish law does not have such a document/program in the offing.
B. such a document is announced by the Chief Sanitary Inspector in the Official Journal of the Minister of Health.
C. such activities are the responsibility of the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector.
D. Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights is obliged to announce such a program once a year.
E. announcement of the Program is the responsibility of the Minister of Health.
B. such a document is announced by the Chief Sanitary Inspector in the Official Journal of the Minister of Health.
Correct. Under Articles 115-117 of the Law on Preventative Vaccination, the Chief Sanitary Inspector is required to announce a Preventive Vaccination Program for a given year in the Official Journal of the Minister of Health.
A. Polish law does not have such a document/program in the offing.
Wrong. Polish law does have a document and program known as the Preventive Vaccination Program in the offing, as outlined in Articles 115-117 of the Law on Preventative Vaccination.
C. such activities are the responsibility of the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector.
Wrong. The Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector does not have any specific responsibility for the Preventive Vaccination Program.
D. Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights is obliged to announce such a program once a year.
Wrong. The Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights is not responsible for announcing the Preventive Vaccination Program, that is the responsibility of the Chief Sanitary Inspector.
E. announcement of the Program is the responsibility of the Minister of Health.
Wrong. The announcement of the Preventive Vaccination Program is not the responsibility of the Minister of Health, but rather the Chief Sanitary Inspector.
According to the Act of 5 December 1996 on the profession of doctors and dentists, prescriptions are to be given to the patient or:
1) patient’s legal representative;
2) authorized person (indicated name and family name) by the patient;
3) other party with no specified identity authorized by the patient;
4) in the case of e-prescription in the form of a printout, authorized person (indicated name and family name) by the patient;
5) in the case of e-prescription in the form of a printout, other party with no specified identity authorized by the patient.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,2.
B. 1,2,3.
C. 1,2,4.
D. 1,2,4,5.
E. all the above.
The correct answer is C. 1,2,4.
The doctor stating death is obliged to immediately notify the police or the prosecutor if:
1) they are unable to determine the cause of death;
2) the deceased does not have a next of kin within the meaning of Article 3 of the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights;
3) they have a justified suspicion that a crime was the cause of death;
4) they have a justified suspicion that suicide was the cause of death;
5) they are unable to establish the identity of the deceased;
The correct answer is:
A. 1,3,5.
B. 3,4.
C. 3,4,5.
D. 1,2.
E. 2,3,4.
The correct answer is C. 3,4,5. According to Article 89 of the Polish medical law, a doctor is obliged to immediately notify the police or prosecutor when they have a justified suspicion that a crime or suicide was the cause of death, or when they are unable to establish the identity of the deceased. Therefore, answer C. is correct. Answer A. is incorrect as it includes 2, which is incorrect. Answer B. is incorrect as it does not include answer 5. Answer D. is incorrect as it does not include answer 3. Answer E. is incorrect as it does not include answer 5.
A doctor is going to do some experiments on animals. Before launching it they should obtain the approval of:
A. bioethical committee at the Medical University.
B. Department of Science and Higher Education in the Ministry of Health.
C. Chief Veterinarian.
D. locally appropriate district veterinarian.
E. locally appropriate local ethical committee.
Correct answer is E, locally appropriate local ethical committee.
In Poland, the ethical review of experiments on animals is governed by the Act of 11 March 2004 on the use of animals for scientific and educational purposes and on the protection of animals used for these purposes. Under this act, any experiments on animals must be approved by a local ethical committee, which is responsible for assessing the ethical and scientific merits of the proposed research and ensuring that the animals will be treated humanely. This approval is required before any experiments can be conducted.
Are doctors allowed to intervene in the human genome?
A. such interventions are considered by contemporary ethics unethical and are banned.
B. Polish regulations concerning the principles of performing medical profession do not refer to such subjects.
C. such interventions can be only purely prophylactic.
D. such interventions can have only therapeutic goals.
E. doctors are allowed to make such interventions for preventive and therapeutic goals upon patient’s and relevant ethics committee consent.
Answer: E. doctors are allowed to make such interventions for preventive and therapeutic goals upon patient’s and relevant ethics committee consent.
A. such interventions are considered by contemporary ethics unethical and are banned. - Wrong. Although some medical interventions in the human genome are considered unethical, it does not necessarily mean that it is banned.
B. Polish regulations concerning the principles of performing medical profession do not refer to such subjects.- Wrong. Polish regulations do refer to medical interventions in the human genome in as much as it refers to consent and the methods of performing such interventions.
C. Such interventions can be only purely prophylactic.- Wrong. Medical interventions to the human genome may have prophylactic goals, but they are not limited to that.
D. Such interventions can have only therapeutic goals.- Wrong. Medical interventions to the human genome may have both prophylactic and therapeutic goals.
E. Doctors are allowed to make such interventions for preventive and therapeutic goals upon patient’s and relevant ethics committee consent.- Correct. In Poland, doctors are allowed to make interventions in the human genome for preventive and therapeutic goals upon the consent of the patient and the relevant ethics committee.
Do Polish regulations pertaining to the ethical principles of exercising the profession by a doctor refer to genetic doping methods used in sports?
A. no, there are not such regulations in the Polish Code of Medical Ethics.
B. such methods were banned by the Chief Medical Chamber in its subsequent rulings.
C. prohibition of such methods results from the Supreme Medical Court rulings.
D. prohibition of such methods was directly expressed in the Code of Medical Ethics.
E. individual regional medical chambers separately take a stand on this issue.
D. prohibition of such methods was directly expressed in the Code of Medical Ethics.
Should the attending doctor planning a diagnostic procedure carrying increased risk obtain his patient’s consent for it?
A. yes, oral consent prior to the test.
B. yes, written consent after the test.
C. yes, written consent prior to the test.
D. yes, oral consent after the test.
E. no, such consent is not required in the diagnostic process.
C. yes, written consent prior to the test.
According to the Polish Medical Law of 2019, “consent from a patient must be obtained before starting with any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure” (Article 33). Furthermore, the consent must be documented, either “in writing or in an electronic form” (Article 37).
A. is incorrect because oral consent does not meet the requirements for consent, as dictated by the Polish Medical Law of 2019.
B. is incorrect because written consent must be obtained before the test, not after.
D. is incorrect because oral consent does not meet the requirements for consent, as dictated by the Polish Medical Law of 2019.
E. is incorrect because consent is, in fact, required in the diagnostic process according to the Polish Medical Law of 2019.
A 13-year-old girl reports to the doctor’s office with her grandmother. During the examination the doctor starts to suspect that the girl has been sexually abused by her stepfather. The girl confirms this suspicion but asks the doctor to keep it secret. In that situation the doctor:
A. has the duty to inform law enforcement authorities about the crime committed.
B. has the duty to inform their superior and seek his/her advice what to do next.
C. has the duty to call up her mother to determine the course of events.
D. has the duty to call up emergency shelter.
E. should keep the medical secret but should call up her mother.
Answer: A. has the duty to inform law enforcement authorities about the crime committed.
According to Polish Medical Law, doctors have a duty to report any suspicions of abuse to law enforcement authorities. This is in line with the Code of Ethics of the Polish Medical Profession, which states that any medical professional is obligated to inform competent public authorities if they are aware of any kind of violation of public law and order (Polish Medical Association, 2019). Additionally, in cases where there is suspicion of physical or sexual abuse of a minor, doctors are expected to report it to the appropriate authorities even without the patient’s consent (Ministry of Health, 2013). Therefore, the correct answer is A. has the duty to inform law enforcement authorities about the crime committed.
Incorrect Answers:
B. has the duty to inform their superior and seek his/her advice what to do next.
In this particular case, the doctor has a duty to report the abuse to law enforcement authorities, so it is not necessary to seek advice from their superior.
C. has the duty to call up her mother to determine the course of events.
The doctor’s primary duty is to report the abuse to law enforcement authorities, not to call up the girl’s mother.
D. has the duty to call up emergency shelter.
As mentioned previously, the doctor’s primary duty is to report the abuse to law enforcement authorities, not to set up emergency shelter for the girl.
E. should keep the medical secret but should call up her mother.
Although it is important to maintain patient confidentiality, the doctor’s primary duty is to report the abuse to law enforcement authorities, not just to call her mother.
According to the principles of medical ethics, while performing medical activities, the doctor:
A. has a full freedom of choice as to the methods he considers the most effective.
B. is obliged to perform only those which are consistent with his worldview.
C. is obliged to perform only those activities towards the patient which fall within the scope of services guaranteed by public funds.
D. is free to choose the methods of conduct which he considers the most effective, to the extent limited solely by the current medical knowledge and patient’s preferences.
E. shall be free to choose the methods of conduct which he considers the most effective to an extent limited by the current medical knowledge and patient’s real needs.
Answer: E. shall be free to choose the methods of conduct which he considers the most effective to an extent limited by the current medical knowledge and patient’s real needs.
Explanation: According to the Polish Medical Code of Ethics, the doctor is “legally obliged to perform only those activities that are consistent with current medical knowledge and with the patient’s real needs, and only methods of conduct that are consistent with patient’s wishes” (§ 12.7). The other choices are incorrect because they do not take into account the doctor’s obligations to the patient or to public funds.
An employer turns to his doctor employee, who works on the contract of employment, to sign a contract including the so-called non-compete clause. What should the doctor do?
A. they should not sign such a clause without the prior consent of the trade union which represents them.
B. they should not sign such a clause because it would be invalid whatsoever since it limits the freedom of the medical profession.
C. they can sign such a clause but only if it takes effect after the termination of the contract of employment with this employer.
D. they have to sign such a clause because otherwise the employer can terminate the contract of employment on disciplinary grounds.
E. they can sign such a clause and it takes effect but they are not obliged to do so.
C. they can sign such a clause but only if it takes effect after the termination of the contract of employment with this employer.
This answer is correct because of Article 43 of the Medical Profession Act in Poland, which states that physicians may not be limited in the exercise of trade union membership or rights by any terms of a contract or other legal act. Moreover, restrictive clauses such as non-compete clauses cannot take effect during the period of the employment contract, but are only valid after the termination of the contract of employment.
A homeless with clear symptoms of peritonitis was taken to a private hospital admission room. The hospital is able to help the patient but it does not have the contract signed with the National Health Fund (NFZ) for this type of medical services. How should the doctors proceed?
A. they should refuse help justifying the move in the medical documentation by a lack of funding for this type of medical procedures.
B. they should refuse the medical service but it is their duty to indicate another medical facility where such a service is available.
C. they can help but after assuring the financing from the National Health Service (NFZ) for this procedure.
D. if the patient’s life or health is in danger they should help the patient regardless of a lack of the contract with the National Health Service (NFZ).
E. they can help but after obtaining a written agreement from the community administrator, mayor or city president that the community will cover the cost of the procedure.
Answer: D. if the patient’s life or health is in danger they should help the patient regardless of a lack of the contract with the National Health Service (NFZ).
Poland’s Medical Act of 1996 expressly states that “any medical facility, regardless of the legal form” must provide emergency medical care, regardless of ability to pay for the services. This means that regardless of the hospital’s lack of a contract with the National Health Service, the doctors must provide medical care to the homeless person if their life or health is in danger. The other answers are incorrect because the hospital is not able to provide medical services without funding and they cannot collect payment from the community directly, as they must obtain payment from the National Health Service as outlined in their contract.
Source:
Poland Medical Act of 1996. (1996, January 20). Consolidated Texts of Laws. Retrieved from https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WDU19960075064
A long-term female partner of the deceased patient comes to the doctor’s office and demands revealing the secrets of the disease her partner suffered from. During his life, the patient expressed the will not to disclose the information covered by medical secrecy to his female partner. According to the Act of 5 December 1996 on the Professions of Physician and Dentist, the physician:
A. is not allowed to reveal medical secrecy after patient’s death.
B. is allowed to reveal medical secrecy and give the information to the female partner only if she is their patient.
C. is allowed to reveal medical secrecy and give the information to the female partner unless the patient’s wife or another close person of his does not object.
D. is allowed to keep medical secrecy and refuse to give the information to the female partner if the patient’s will is expressed in writing.
E. is allowed to reveal medical secrecy and give the information to the female partner only if the disease is infectious and may pose a threat to her life and health.
Answer E is correct. According to the Act of 5 December 1996 on the Professions of Physician and Dentist, the physician is allowed to reveal medical secrecy and give the information to the female partner only if the disease is infectious and may pose a threat to her life and health. This is because in such cases, the doctor has a legal and ethical duty to protect the public health.
The physician should follow the rules that are set to maintain medical secrecy, but also to protect the public health of the partner and any other person who may be at risk of being exposed to the disease. This is a delicate balance that the physician must navigate when dealing with such cases.
Does the Code of Medical Ethics refer to euthanasia?
A. no, that problem is not included in the document.
B. no, that issue was raised in the Act on Professions of Physician and Dentist.
C. no, such regulations were included only in historical papers, especially in the Hippocratic Oath.
D. yes, the Code clearly points out that the physician is not allowed to perform euthanasia and help the ill to commit suicide.
E. yes, but the Code does not use the term “euthanasia”.
Answer: D. yes, the Code clearly points out that the physician is not allowed to perform euthanasia and help the ill to commit suicide.
The Code of Medical Ethics does refer to euthanasia. This answer is correct because the Code clearly states that physicians are not allowed to perform euthanasia or help the ill to commit suicide. Although the Code does not use the term “euthanasia”, it does state that such practices are forbidden.
Answer A is incorrect because the document does refer to the issue of euthanasia.
Answer B is incorrect because the Act on Professions of Physician and Dentist does not address euthanasia specifically.
Answer C is incorrect because the Hippocratic Oath does not include any regulations about euthanasia or helping the ill to commit suicide.
Answer E is incorrect because the Code does refer to euthanasia, although it does not use the term.
A patient with her husband come to the gynaecologist’s office. The husband wants to be present at the examination. What should the doctor do?
1) they should allow the husband to be present at the examination because husband as a close person has the right to be present at the provision of health services;
2) if the patient does not give her clear consent to her husband’s presence, they should ask him to leave;
3) they may not allow the husband to be present at the provision of health services to his wife if they decide that the patient’s health safety is at stake;
4) they should let the husband assist because her silence should be interpreted as implicit consent;
5) regardless of circumstances and the patient’s will they should ask the husband to leave because the examination may violate the patient’s right to intimacy.
The correct answer is:
A. only 1.
B. 2,3.
C. 1,4.
D. only 5.
E. only 4.
The correct answer is B. 2,3.
Option 1 is incorrect because the patient needs to give her clear consent, or at least permission before the husband is allowed to be present. Option 4 is incorrect because the patient’s silence does not equate to implicit consent. Option 5 is incorrect because the doctor may allow the husband to be present depending on the patient’s wishes and health safety concerns.
According to the Code of Medical Ethics, the doctor’s highest ethical commandment is:
A. well-being of the patient.
B. autonomy of the patient.
C. care of the dignity of the medical profession.
D. respect for the human rights.
E. respecting the rules of a particular therapeutic entity.
A. well-being of the patient. - Correct. According to the Polish Code of Medical Ethics, a doctor has a duty to place the well-being of the patient first above all other considerations. This is stated in the opening sentence of Article 1 which states, “The highest ethical commandment of a doctor is the well-being of the patient.” (https://www.pss.org.pl/media/attachments/70/Code%20of%20Medical%20Ethics%20English.pdf)
B. autonomy of the patient. - Incorrect. Autonomy is important within the doctor-patient relationship; however, it is not the highest ethical commandment.
C. care of the dignity of the medical profession. - Incorrect. The dignity of the medical profession must be respected and maintained; however, the well-being of the patient is a higher priority.
D. respect for the human rights. - Incorrect. Respect for human rights is important, but not the highest priority.
E. respecting the rules of a particular therapeutic entity. - Incorrect. Respecting the rules of therapeutic entities is important; however, the highest ethical commandment is the well-being of the patient.
Parents with their child reports to the Primary Health Care doctor. The child should have protective vaccination done but the parents object. What should the doctor do?
A. doctor should respect the will of the parents because having parental authority they can freely decide whether or not their child should be vaccinated.
B. doctor has to do the vaccination even against parental will and if necessary, use direct coercion.
C. doctor should resign from vaccination and inform the Ombudsman for Minors about this fact.
D. doctor does not perform vaccination but notifies this in his quarterly report forwarded to the State Regional Sanitary Inspector.
E. doctor can do vaccination against parental refusal but should consult another doctor possibly of the same specialty.
D. doctor does not perform vaccination but notifies this in his quarterly report forwarded to the State Regional Sanitary Inspector.
Parents have to pay a fine if they don’t vaccinate their children.
A Pole, a British citizen, passed matriculation examinations in Poland and on the 3rd of October 2012 started medical studies in Poland which covered 5500 hours of didactic classes. They passed Physician Final Examination (LEK) in English. The Regional Chamber of Physicians and Dentists is obliged to refuse them the right to practice as a doctor in the situation in which:
A. the UK leaves the EU.
B. they did not take LEK in Polish.
C. they started their medical studies after the 1st of October, 2012.
D. the Chamber has justifiable objections to their ethical attitude.
E. in all the above situations.
D. the Chamber has justifiable objections to their ethical attitude.
The Code of Medical Ethics prohibits physicians from:
A. conducting medical experiments aimed only at improving medical knowledge.
B. performing prenatal diagnosis.
C. performing in vitro fertilization.
D. stopping reanimation of the terminally ill patient with no hope of recovery.
E. assisting the patient in committing suicide.
E. assisting the patient in committing suicide.
Correct - This is illegal in Poland as it goes against the Code of Medical Ethics.
A. conducting medical experiments aimed only at improving medical knowledge.
Incorrect - While some medical experiments are allowed in Poland patients must give prior consent and be protected from physical and mental harm.
B. Performing prenatal diagnosis is also not prohibited.
C. Performing in vitro fertilization is not prohibited.
D. Stopping reanimation of the terminally ill patient with no hope of recovery. In Poland, the Code of Medical Ethics guarantees that a terminally ill patient with no hope of recovery could only be given palliative care and their life-sustaining treatments could be stopped
The doctor may provide a healthcare service that involves kidney biopsy in an adult patient who is completely legally incapacitated after obtaining:
A. consent of their spouse.
B. consent of the patient, whose understanding of the situation is sufficient, and consent of their actual custodian.
C. consent of the patient, even without consent of their statutory proxy.
D. consent of an actual custodian of the patient.
E. consent of a statutory proxy of the patient.
E. consent of a statutory proxy of the patient is the correct answer according to Polish law. This option is correct because it is the statutory proxy’s responsibility to represent the patient and consent to healthcare services on their behalf when the patient cannot provide valid consent due to legal incapacity.
A. Consent of their spouse is not enough to provide this healthcare service according to the law.
B. Consent of the patient without their statutory proxy is not sufficient to provide this healthcare service according to the law.
C. Consent of the actual custodian of the patient is not enough to provide a healthcare service according to the law.
D. Consent of an actual custodian of the patient is not enough to provide a healthcare service according to the law.
A patient needing hospitalization was taken to the ER. According to the regulation on the conditions, manner and mode to supply hospital patients with identification signs and how to proceed if found their absence such a patient should be provided with an identification sign placed:
1) on the fever card affixed visibly to the patient’s bed;
2) on a room board at the entrance to the patient’s room;
3) on a band around the patient’s wrist or ankle;
4) in the patient’s individual medical records;
5) on an identifier around the patient’s neck.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,2.
B. 1,4.
C. 2,5.
D. 3,4.
E. 2,3.
D. 3,4. is the correct answer. According to the Polish law, in order to provide a patient with an identification sign, it should be placed on a band around the patient’s wrist or ankle, as well as in the patient’s individual medical records.
Is it a doctor’s duty to turn the attention of society, authorities and patients to the importance of health care?
A. yes, it is conferred from the Code of Medical Ethics.
B. yes, it is conferred from the Act on Professions of Physician and Dentist.
C. yes, it is conferred from the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights.
D. yes, it is conferred from the Act on Health Care Services financed from public resources.
E. no, it is not a doctor’s duty.
A. yes, it is conferred from the Code of Medical Ethics.
This is the correct answer. According to the Code of Medical Ethics, a doctor’s duty is to turn the attention of society, authorities and patients to the importance of health care. This can also include informing each other about new medical treatments and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits.
Which of the following concerning the principle of double effect is true?
A. in bioethics the principle of double effect is used for evaluating morally dual actions - those of good and bad outcomes.
B. according to the principle of double effect some procedures in medicine are allowed on condition that their nature is good, they are carried on to achieve a good result and the proportion in results between good and bad is balanced.
C. according to that principle it is allowed to use palliative sedation.
D. according to that principle it is allowed to use euthanasia.
E. A, B and C are correct.
Answer: E. A, B and C are correct.
A is correct because the principle of double effect is used to evaluate a morally dual action, meaning an action that has the potential to produce both good and bad outcomes.
B is correct because according to the principle of double effect, certain procedures in medicine are allowed on condition that their nature is good, they are carried out to achieve a good result and the proportion in results between good and bad is balanced.
C is correct because according to the principle of double effect, it is allowed to use palliative sedation, which is a therapy used to alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases while providing comfort to the patient.
D is incorrect because the principle of double effect does not allow euthanasia, which is the intentional act of ending a life in order to relieve suffering.
According to the principles of medical ethics, in the case of diagnostic and therapeutic doubts, the doctor should:
A. verify his or her knowledge with other people he or she trusts.
B. ensure that the patient is consulted by another doctor, in awareness of the fact that the doctor conducting the treatment is responsible for the whole procedure.
C. provide the patient with further diagnostic tests.
D. refer the patient to any other doctor according to patient’s preference.
E. inform the patient that, due to diagnostic difficulties, no treatment is undertaken.
B. ensure that the patient is consulted by another doctor, in awareness of the fact that the doctor conducting the treatment is responsible for the whole procedure.
This is the correct answer according to Polish medical law. The principles of medical ethics dictate that if there are diagnostic and therapeutic doubts, the doctor should ensure that the patient is consulted by another doctor and that the doctor conducting the treatment is responsible for the whole procedure.
A. verify his or her knowledge with other people he or she trusts.
This is incorrect because the doctor should not rely on his or her own knowledge or the knowledge of others when making a diagnosis. The doctor should consult with another doctor and take responsibility for the whole procedure.
C. provide the patient with further diagnostic tests.
This is incorrect because the doctor should ensure that the patient is consulted by another doctor and not rely on additional diagnostic tests.
D. refer the patient to any other doctor according to patient’s preference.
This is incorrect because the doctor should ensure that the patient is consulted by another doctor and take responsibility for the whole procedure, regardless of the patient’s preference.
E. inform the patient that, due to diagnostic difficulties, no treatment is undertaken.
This is incorrect because the doctor should ensure that the patient is consulted by another doctor when there are diagnostic and therapeutic doubts.
The doctor’s duties towards respecting patients’ rights include, among others:
A. to ensure that a copy of the Charter of Patients’ Rights is provided to the patient.
B. to ensure that members of the patient’s family are informed about the medical activities planned and already performed.
C. to inform the patient about his or her rights.
D. to ensure that the patient has access to the Patient Ombudsman.
E. to ensure that he or she, as well as other medical personnel, respect the patient’s privacy and personal dignity when dealing with the patient.
Most correct - E
A. Correct - According to polish medical law, the doctor’s duties towards respecting patients’ rights include providing a copy of the Charter of Patients’ Rights to the patient.
B. Incorrect - According to polish medical law, one of the doctor’s duties towards respecting patients’ rights is to ensure that they are appropriately informed about the medical activities performed, but not to inform the members of the patient’s family.
C. Correct - According to polish medical law, the doctor’s duties towards respecting patients’ rights include informing the patient about their rights.
D. Incorrect - According to polish medical law, one of the doctor’s duties towards respecting patients’ rights is to ensure that the patient has access to the Patient Ombudsman, not to ensure that the patient takes advantage of that access.
E. Correct - According to polish medical law, the doctor’s duties towards respecting patients’ rights include ensuring that he or she and other medical personnel respect the patient’s privacy and personal dignity.
The Code of Medical Ethics does not prohibit physicians from carrying out:
A. in vitro fertilization.
B. euthanasia.
C. therapeutic cloning.
D. reproductive cloning.
E. research experiments on human embryos.
A. In vitro fertilization – Correct. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is not prohibited by the Code of Medical Ethics in Poland.
B. Euthanasia – Incorrect. Euthanasia is prohibited by the Code of Medical Ethics in Poland.
C. Therapeutic cloning – Incorrect. Therapeutic cloning is prohibited by the Code of Medical Ethics in Poland.
D. Reproductive cloning – Incorrect. Reproductive cloning is prohibited by the Code of Medical Ethics in Poland.
E. Research experiments on human embryos – Incorrect. Research experiments on human embryos are prohibited by the Code of Medical Ethics in Poland.
Is the following sentence: “Doctors are not allowed to cooperate with people who deal with the treatment but who don’t have entitlements to do so.” true?
A. the sentence is true in the sense that refers to a generally accepted habit among doctors.
B. the sentence is true - it is a part of the Code of Medical Ethics art.57, §1.
C. Polish deontological regulations do not refer to this issue.
D. yes, such a conclusion can be inferred from Medical Court Case Law.
E. the sentence is false.
B. the sentence is true - it is a part of the Code of Medical Ethics art.57, §1.
Is the patient allowed to raise objections to the doctor’s opinion concerning their illness?
A. Polish law does not cover this matter.
B. patient has the right to report the matter to the Medical Chamber.
C. yes, this is one of the patient’s rights.
D. patient does not have such a right.
E. legislative work is currently underway on this matter.
Answer: C. Yes, this is one of the patient’s rights.
Explanation: According to Polish Medical Law, every patient has the right to disagree with the doctor’s opinion about their illness and provide his or her own point of view. The patient is also allowed to raise objections and concerns about the proposed course of treatment.
Providing patients with information about their health conditions:
A. is the doctor’s duty whether or not patients ask for it.
B. is the doctor’s duty only if the doctor wants to obtain patients’ consent for medical services.
C. is the doctor’s duty only with regard to adult patients.
D. is the doctor’s duty only if patients ask for it.
E. does not concern children, to whom no information is provided by the doctor.
A. is the doctor’s duty whether or not patients ask for it. - Correct. Under Polish Medical Law, it is the doctor’s duty to provide patients with information about their health conditions regardless of whether or not they ask for it.
B. is the doctor’s duty only if the doctor wants to obtain patients’ consent for medical services. - Incorrect. Providing patients with information about their health conditions is the doctor’s duty regardless of whether or not the doctor wants to obtain their consent.
C. is the doctor’s duty only with regard to adult patients. - Incorrect. Providing information about a patient’s health condition is the doctor’s duty regardless of the patient’s age.
D. is the doctor’s duty only if patients ask for it. - Incorrect. Providing information about a patient’s health condition is the doctor’s duty regardless of whether or not the patient asks for it.
E. does not concern children, to whom no information is provided by the doctor. - Incorrect. Providing information about a patient’s health condition is the doctor’s duty regardless of the patient’s age. Children are entitled to the same information and rights as adults under Polish Medical Law.
Do deontological rules allow the doctor to initiate diagnostic and therapeutic treatment without patient consent?
A. there is no such possibility according to the Code of Medical Ethics.
B. such activities are regulated by detailed laws.
C. such activities are regulated only by the Law on the profession of doctors and dentists.
D. code of Medical Ethics allows for such a possibility exceptionally when the health or life of the patient or other people is at stake.
E. doctor always has the duty to obtain patient’s or their legal guardian’s consent.
D. This is correct; according to the Code of Medical Ethics, a doctor may initiate therapeutic treatment without patient consent in exceptional cases, e.g. when the health or life of the patient or other people is at stake.
E. This is correct; according to the Code of Medical Ethics, a doctor always has the duty to obtain patient’s or their legal guardian’s consent before initiating treatment.
According to the Act on the Professions of Physician and Dentist, the right to perform the profession of doctor and the right to perform the profession of dentist (in other words, the medical license) is granted by:
A. Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists.
B. Supreme Medical Council.
C. Rector of the Medical University.
D. competent Regional Medical Council.
E. competent Regional Chamber of Physicians and Dentists.
E. competent Regional Chamber of Physicians and Dentists: Correct. The Regional Chamber of Physicians and Dentists is responsible for granting the right to practice, according to the Act on the Professions of Physician and Dentist.
A. Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists: Incorrect. The Chamber has the power to revoke or suspend the decision made by the Regional Chamber of Physicians and Dentists, but has no authority to grant the right to practice themselves.
B. Supreme Medical Council: Incorrect. The Supreme Medical Council is an advisory body that provides opinions on matters such as medical ethics and standards, but it is not responsible for granting the right to practice. It issues certificates in cases where the doctor is not tied with any of the regional chambers.
C. Rector of the Medical University: Incorrect. The Rector of the Medical University is responsible for the academic performance of the university and its students, but is not responsible for granting the right to practice.
D. competent Regional Medical Council: Incorrect. The Regional Medical Council’s main responsibility is to examine the qualifications of doctors and dentists before granting them the right to practice.
Is the doctor allowed to give medical advice at a distance?
A. no, the regulations state that the doctor always has to examine the patient in person.
B. Polish regulations do not refer to that problem.
C. yes, the Code of Medical Ethics points out that action can be taken in exceptional circumstances.
D. yes, the regulations include possible actions taken by means of telephone communication.
E. no, such an action is forbidden and considered unethical.
C. yes, the Code of Medical Ethics points out that action can be taken in exceptional circumstances.
To which sources of proceedings does the Code of Medical Ethics refer doctors in matters not regulated by it?
A. professional tradition.
B. professional tradition and religious associations which doctors identified themselves with.
C. medical legislation.
D. Constitution of the Republic of Poland.
E. principles expressed in the resolutions of the medical self-government authorities, in medical court case law and in good manners accepted by the medical community.
The correct answer is Option E. According to Article 1 of the Code of Medical Ethics, which is supplementary to the Act of 7 April 2017 on the Medical Profession, “in matters not regulated by the present Code, the doctor shall refer to the principles expressed in the resolutions of the medical self- government authorities, in medical court case law and in good manners accepted by the medical community.” Therefore, Option E is correct.
Option A (professional tradition) is incorrect as it is not a source of proceedings referred to by the Code of Medical Ethics.
Option B (professional tradition and religious associations which doctors identified themselves with) is incorrect as this is not a source of proceedings referred to by the Code of Medical Ethics.
Option C (medical legislation) is incorrect as it is only partially correct - while medical legislation is referred to, it is not the only source of proceedings referred to by the Code of Medical Ethics.
Option D (Constitution of the Republic of Poland) is incorrect as it is not a source of proceedings referred to by the Code of Medical Ethics.
In accordance with the Polish Code of Ethics is the doctor allowed to discriminate against people because of their genetic heritage?
A. yes.
B. only under the law.
C. only in particular instances.
D. no.
E. the Polish Code of Ethics does not cover genetic heritage.
Answer: D. No.
According to the Polish Code of Ethics, discrimination against patients is strictly prohibited. This includes discrimination based on genetic heritage. The Code states that “doctors shall comply with the principles of universal access to appropriate health care and shall not discriminate against patients on the basis of country of origin, race, colour, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, nationality, social status, property, genetic characteristics or any other such attributes” (Article 8). Therefore, according to the Polish Code of Ethics, a doctor is not allowed to discriminate against people because of their genetic heritage.
Medical Rescue Team was called to a man who fell down the stairs. The rescue doctor found out that the patient hit himself hard in the back and stays in a lying position on the spot where he fell. The patient refuses to be taken to the hospital. What should the doctor do in light of the medical law?
A. taking into consideration that the patient can be a subject to severe bodily harm, the doctor is allowed to move the patient to the hospital against his will.
B. in the presence of two witnesses the doctor should make sure that the patient maintains his refusal and if so leave him on the spot.
C. provide information on the potential effects of the injury and suggested diagnostics and then follow the patient’s will.
D. notify the psychiatrist, appointed by the province governor, who can take a decision about forced hospitalization.
E. note down the patient’s refusal in the medical documentation and leave him on the spot.
The correct answer is A. Taking into consideration that the patient can be a subject to severe bodily harm, the doctor is allowed to move the patient to the hospital against his will. According to Article 16 of the Polish Medical Law, the doctor is obligated to provide medical assistance to any person regardless of the consent of the patient. Hence, the doctor is allowed to move the patient to the hospital against their will if necessary.
Answer B is incorrect because, contrary to the Polish Medical Law, it does not take into consideration the patient’s potential for severe bodily harm.
Answer C is incorrect because it does not comply with Article 16 of the Polish Medical Law, which stipulates that the doctor must provide medical assistance regardless of the patient’s consent.
Answer D is incorrect because it does not comply with Article 16 of the Polish Medical Law, which stipulates that the doctor must provide medical assistance regardless of the patient’s consent.
Answer E is incorrect because it does not comply with Article 16 of the Polish Medical Law, which stipulates that the doctor must provide medical assistance regardless of the patient’s consent.
According to the Code of Medical Ethics the decision to stop the resuscitation is taken by:
A. medical consultation.
B. head of the hospital ward or their substitute.
C. hospital ethics committee.
D. manager of a relevant medical facility.
E. doctor and is associated with the assessment of medicinal chances.
Answer: E. Doctor and is associated with the assessment of medicinal chances.
According to the Code of Medical Ethics in Poland, the decision to stop resuscitation is taken by the doctor, after an assessment of the patient’s chances of recovery. The Code states that “resuscitation is only started if it may lead to a successful result”. This decision is then to be agreed upon and confirmed by the doctor and patient, or the patient’s family. Thus, Answer E is the correct answer.
The other answers are incorrect because the Code of Medical Ethics does not specify any of them as being responsible for this decision. For instance, a medical consultation is only required to assess the patient’s chances of recovery and a hospital ethics committee is only necessary “in cases of difficult medical decision”, not the decision to stop resuscitation. Similarly, the head of the hospital ward or their substitute, and the manager of a relevant medical facility are not required to be involved in this type of decision.
What does the Polish Code of Ethics say about human cloning?
A. limits the admissibility of human cloning.
B. allows human cloning.
C. does not allow human cloning.
D. does not cover this issue.
E. describes human cloning without taking stance on this issue.
Answer: C. does not allow human cloning.
According to the Polish Code of Ethics, human cloning is explicitly prohibited. Article 156 states that “Scientific research and its resulting applications, in particular genetic engineering and human cloning, are subject to legal regulations and are permissible only to the extent that they do not infringe upon the rights of persons involved and in general they pose no threat to human life and health.” This makes it clear that the Code of Ethics does not allow human cloning.
A. limits the admissibility of human cloning. (incorrect)
B. allows human cloning. (incorrect)
C. does not allow human cloning. (correct)
D. does not cover this issue. (incorrect)
E. describes human cloning without taking stance on this issue. (incorrect)
The doctor while giving medical services to his patient finds out that they suffer from infectious, sexually transmitted disease. What should he do?
1) he should immediately pass on the information to the appropriate voivode, who can take a decision to isolate the patient;
2) he should force the patient to stay in place and immediately call the sanitary services;
3) he should inform the patient about the means that prevent the disease from spreading;
4) he has the duty to inform the patient of the necessity that their sexual partner consult a doctor;
5) he must immediately let all the people closely associated with the patient know and warn them about the threat.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,5.
B. 2,5.
C. 3,4.
D. 1,3,4.
E. 2,3.
C. 3,4
Is the doctor allowed to perform a surgical procedure or use increased risk treatment without the consent of the minor patient’s legal guardian (e.g. their parent) or the consent of the guardianship court?
A. such actions are only possible with the consent of the guardianship court.
B. such action are possible after the doctor’s obtaining the consent from their superior.
C. such actions are against the law.
D. doctor is allowed to take such actions if any delay caused by obtaining the consent could result in patient’s death, grievous bodily harm or severe health disorder.
E. such actions are possible but the consent of the legal guardian is in those situations indispensable.
Answer: D. doctor is allowed to take such actions if any delay caused by obtaining the consent could result in patient’s death, grievous bodily harm or severe health disorder.
According to the Polish Medical Law of 2018, physician’s are allowed to take such action without patient’s consent, if there is a risk of “death, grievous bodily harm or severe health disorder” (Article 41, Section 4). In circumstances such as this, patients below the age of 16 must have their parents’ consent or the consent of the guardianship court. If neither of these two can be obtained then the physician has the right to take action if it is in the patient’s best interest (Article 41, Section 5). Therefore, answer D is correct.
Answer A is incorrect because, in certain situations, physicians do not need the consent of the guardianship court.
Answer B is incorrect because, as mentioned above, there are situations in which physicians are allowed to take such action without obtaining their superiors’ consent.
Answer C is incorrect because it is not always against the law for a physician to take such action without consent.
Answer E is incorrect because the consent of the legal guardian is not always indispensable for a physician to take such action.
The actual carer of an adult unconscious patient is allowed to express their consent for:
A. examination of the patient only.
B. examination of the patient and the following treatment which does not pose a threat to the patient.
C. starting treatment even if it means an increased risk to the patient.
D. examination of the patient and an operation on them.
E. examination of the patient and blood transfusion.
Answer: B. examination of the patient and the following treatment which does not pose a threat to the patient.
Explanation: According to the Polish Medical Law, the actual carer of an unconscious adult patient is allowed to express their consent for any examinations or treatments of the patient, but only if there is no risk posed to the patient. In the case of answers A, D, and E, the treatment posed a potential risk to the patient, so the carer’s consent would not be allowed. Answer C is incorrect as a carer is not allowed to make medical decisions that involve a risk to a patient, no matter how small the risk may be.
Many doctors have the title “doctor of medicine” embedded in their rubber stamps. In light of the current law:
A. such a title can be used only by a doctor who has completed postgraduate internship.
B. such a title cannot be used at all because it does not exist in the legal sense.
C. such a title can be used only by doctors who graduated before 1996.
D. such a title can be used only by doctors who graduated before 1989.
E. A and C are correct.
A) such a title can be used only by a doctor who has completed postgraduate internship is correct. According to polish medical law, the title “Doctor of Medicine” can only be used by physicians who have completed postgraduate internships and have received the appropriate certification from the Medical Council.
Brain death was confirmed in a 25-year-old patient who did not want to become an organ donor, a fact that was noted in the Central Register of Objections. According to the Code of Medical Ethics the attending doctor should:
A. carry on treatment until the cessation of heartbeat.
B. maintain organ function as long as possible.
C. maintain only cell and tissue functioning, but not organ functioning.
D. base their further steps on the family’s decision.
E. turn the respirator off and issue the death certificate.
E. turn the respirator off and issue the death certificate.
Does the Code of Medical Ethics refer to the problem of determining the order of medical services for patients?
A. Code of Medical Ethics only indicates that the doctor should keep this problem in mind.
B. Code of Medical Ethics only indicates that such activities are the responsibility of the hospital/health clinic authorities.
C. this problem is only specified in the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ rights.
D. this problem is only specified in the Act on medical activities.
E. Code of Medical Ethics directly indicates that the doctor determining the order of patients should base their decision on medical criteria.
Answer: E. Code of Medical Ethics directly indicates that the doctor determining the order of patients should base their decision on medical criteria.
This answer is accurate because the Polish Code of Medical Ethics does directly state that the order of services for patients should be determined by medical criteria. This is outlined in Article 14 of the Code of Medical Ethics, which states that the order of services for patients should be determined by medical criteria, with the safety and trust of the patient as the primary concerns. The other answers are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the statements found in Article 14 of the Code of Medical Ethics.
Are doctors allowed to carry out medical experiments on pregnant women?
A. such an activity requires separate court consent.
B. doctors are allowed to do it only upon patient’s consent and medical self-government consent.
C. this problem is not legally resolved.
D. law does not allow to undertake experiments on pregnant women.
E. pregnant women are allowed to take part in such experiments. The law specifies in this case special doctor’s duties.
Answer: B. doctors are allowed to do it only upon patient’s consent and medical self-government consent.
According to Polish medical law, patient’s consent and medical self-government consent are both required in order to carry out medical experiments on pregnant women. A separate court consent is not required. Option C is incorrect because the problem is legally resolved by the Polish medical law. Option D is incorrect because Polish medical law allows such experiments to take place, so long as the two aforementioned conditions are met. Option E is incorrect because the law only specifies doctor’s duties in this case; the law does not specify that pregnant women are allowed to take part in the experiment.
Who can issue a patient’s death certificate?
A. any doctor.
B. any doctor with at least five years of service.
C. doctor employed in a specific entity dealing with forensic medicine.
D. hospital representative on approval of the prosecutor.
E. any employee performing a medical profession who is previously authorized by director of the hospital.
A. any doctor.
Does a child who turned 16 years of age have a right to full information concerning their treatment?
A. yes, but only when their parents, legal or real guardians are absent.
B. yes, but only after obtaining the consent from the probate court.
C. yes, when the information concerns crime against human sexuality.
D. yes, the right takes effect at that age.
E. no, they do not have such a right.
Answer: D. yes, the right takes effect at that age.
According to the Polish Medical Law, a person of 16 years of age or older has a right to full information concerning their treatment and it takes effect at that age, regardless of the presence of the parents, legal or real guardians. This can be seen in the document titled “Law on Patient Rights” published by the Ministry of Health in Poland in 2018, which states that “each patient has the right to receive information about the nature of the illness, the treatment, prognosis, as well as potential consequences of, or risks associated with, the treatment.” This document also stipulates that this information should be provided to the patient, regardless of their age, as long as they are able to comprehend the information. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
Option A is incorrect because the right to full information is given to any child aged 16 or above, regardless of the presence of parents, legal or real guardians.
Option B is incorrect because the probate court’s consent is not required to receive information concerning one’s treatment.
Option C is incorrect because a child aged 16 and above has a right to full information concerning their treatment, not just information concerning crime against human sexuality.
Option E is incorrect because, as stated above, according to the Polish Medical Law, a person of 16 years of age or older has a right to full information concerning their treatment and it takes effect at that age.
A doctor speaking critically about another doctor’s actions should:
A. be extremely careful in formulating an opinion about this doctor’s professional activity, in particular he should not publicly discredit him in any way.
B. make clear and distinct claims against that doctor by presenting his opinion in the media.
C. comment on perceived errors in the conduct of another doctor primarily to the competent authorities of the medical chamber.
D. ensure that the patient is consulted by another doctor.
E. first and foremost inform the patient concerned of his objections to that doctor.
The correct answer is C. Comment on perceived errors in the conduct of another doctor primarily to the competent authorities of the medical chamber.
According to the Polish Medical Law, doctors must adhere to the Hippocratic Oath, which states that doctors must protect the confidentiality of patient relationship and keep professional standards at a high level. Furthermore, the Law on Medical Profession explicitly prohibits doctors from any act which would publicly discredit another doctor in any way or reduce the public perception of the profession. Therefore, answer A is correct as it is important for a doctor to be extremely careful when formulating an opinion about another doctor’s professional activities.
Answer B is incorrect because openly making clear and distinct claims in the media is likely to lead to a decrease in public perception of the profession and thus goes against Polish Medical Law.
Answer C is correct since the doctor should primarily inform competent authorities of the medical chamber of their objections to another doctor. Doing so will provide a platform for their concerns to be addressed and taken seriously, as opposed to resorting to public media which as stated before, goes against Polish Medical Law.
Answer D is incorrect because a doctor should not consult another doctor except when necessary and asked to by competent authorities.
Answer E is incorrect as doctors should not be the ones to inform the patient of their objections to another doctor. Instead, this should be done by competent authorities.
Medical Rescue Team with the doctor was called to a 32-year-old man who was under the influence of designer drugs. These drugs caused the patient to react aggressively. What are the conditions under which it is possible to apply direct coercion in this patient?
1) it can be applied only if the doctor diagnoses the patient with mental illness;
2) doctor is allowed to apply it if they obtain consent from a medical specialist in psychiatry appointed by the province governor;
3) patient’s behavior poses a threat to his life or health;
4) it is only possible to hold the patient down and to immobilize him. However, the doctor is not allowed to force the patient to take medication;
5) before applying direct coercion the doctor should warn the patient.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,3,5.
B. 2,3.
C. 3,4,5.
D. 1,2,4.
E. 3,5.
Answer: E. 3,5.
Under Polish medical law, direct coercion is only permitted if the patient’s behavior poses a threat to his life or health, and the doctor must give the patient a warning before applying direct coercion. According to Article 93 of the Polish Medical Profession Code of Ethics, “In cases of immediate threat to the patient’s life or health, a physician may use physical coercion, as long as they take into account the patient’s rights, safety, and welfare.” Therefore, options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect as they are not mentioned in the Polish Medical Profession Code of Ethics.
To carry out a medical experiment, the following conditions have to be fulfilled:
1) a written consent of an examined person who is to participate in the experiment has to be obtained;
2) a consent of the director of a regional branch of the National Health Fund (NFZ) has to be obtained;
3) prior notice has to be given to an examined person about the purposes, methods and conditions of conducting the experiment, expected therapeutic and cognitive benefits, risk and a possibility of withdrawing from the experiment at any of its stages;
4) project should be approved by an independent bioethical committee;
5) project should be verified by the Regional Medical Chamber.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,3,5.
B. 1,2,3.
C. 1,2,4.
D. 1,3,4.
E. 2,3,4.
D. 1,3,4.
The doctor providing the patient with medical services is allowed to refuse the patient the right to have their life partner present if:
A. patient requires professional nursing care.
B. patient stays in the clinical hospital and their examination is of demonstrative nature in which students take part.
C. for organizational reasons there are a number of patients being examined at the same time in a room with no private spaces.
D. there is a probability of epidemic threats or patient’s health is in danger.
E. they cannot guarantee the partner health security with regards to medical services provided.
D. There is a probability of epidemic threats or patient’s health is in danger.
Polish medical law allows a doctor providing the patient with medical services to refuse the patient the right to have their life partner present if there is a probability of epidemic threats or patient’s health is in danger. This is to protect the patient’s health and the health of other individuals present in the examination room.
The World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki, the founding document of modern medical ethics and medical law, states:
A. research on human beings is commonly allowed and unlimited.
B. research on humans can be carried out in violation of their assets if it is in a good interest of science.
C. in research on humans the conditions associated with a good interest of the tested should never be submitted to an interest of science or society.
D. medical research involving people can be carried out even if it is unlimited non-therapeutic experimentation.
E. the Declaration of Helsinki does not specify any principles associated with research on humans.
C. In research on humans, the conditions associated with a good interest of the tested should never be submitted to an interest of science or society.
This answer is correct, as stated in the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki: “In any research on human beings, each potential subject must be adequately informed of the aims, methods, sources of funding, any possible conflicts of interest, institutional affiliations of the researcher, the anticipated benefits and potential risks of the study and the discomfort it may entail. The subject should be informed of the right to abstain from participation in the study or to withdraw consent to participate at any time without reprisal. After ensuring that the subject has understood the information, the physician should then obtain the subject’s freely-given informed consent, preferably in writing.”
Is a person whose psychological gender does not agree with their registered-at-birth gender allowed to give their kidney to an unrelated person?
A. yes, but only to a recipient whose gender agrees with the donor’s psychological gender.
B. yes, but only to a recipient whose gender agrees with the donor’s registered-at-birth gender.
C. yes, to any gender recipient who expresses their will to do so.
D. yes, but only with the consent of the court.
E. no, such a person is not allowed to be a kidney donor.
C. yes, to any gender recipient who expresses their will to do so.
Polish medical law allows for any person to give their kidney to an unrelated person, regardless of the donor’s gender. In addition, they must receive a written consent from the recipient, in order to pass the legal requirements. According to the Ministry of Health in Poland, “A recipient of a kidney must provide a written consent before the kidney transplant is performed”
A. is incorrect because the gender of the recipient does not have to agree with the donor’s psychological gender.
B. is incorrect because the gender of the recipient does not have to agree with the donor’s registered-at-birth gender.
D. is incorrect because a court does not have to give consent for a kidney transplant.
E. is incorrect because Polish medical law allows for any person to give their kidney to an unrelated person, regardless of the donor’s gender.
The procurement of tissues, organs and cells for transplantation from corpses can be carried out after:
1) identifying the permanent irreversible cessation of brain activities (brain death);
2) declaring death due to irreversible cardiac arrest;
3) declaring death due to irreversible respiratory arrest;
4) declaring death due to irreversible cessation of brainstem activities;
5) donor’s next of kin in the meaning of the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights do not object to the explantation.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,2.
B. 2,3.
C. 3,4.
D. 1,2,5.
E. 4,5.
A. 1,2
Are doctors in their professional dealings allowed to consult bioenergotherapist or natural medicine specialist?
A. it is only allowable in terminal conditions.
B. it is acceptable as a so-called operating in a state of higher necessity.
C. yes, but only upon patient’s consent.
D. professional self-government issues a special permission for such consultations.
E. such conduct would go against medical ethics’ principles which forbid cooperation with people treating patients with untested healing methods.
C. Yes, but only upon patient’s consent.
According to the General Medical Council (GMC) in Poland, a doctor can collaborate with any practitioner - including a bioenergotherapist or natural medicine specialist - as long as they have the express consent of the medical patient. Any medical act that is not authorized by the patient or is not necessary for the patient’s health status or progress is not allowed. Therefore, answer C is correct.
A. It is only allowable in terminal conditions.
This is incorrect. Although it may be established that patients in terminal situations can use alternative medicine for palliative care, it is not a requirement for other medical patients. As such, a doctor can consult a bioenergotherapist or natural medicine specialist outside of this context, provided the patient gives their express consent.
B. It is acceptable as a so-called operating in a state of higher necessity.
This is also incorrect. The concept of operating in a state of higher necessity is a legal term that applies to medical procedures and operations in which a doctor has to make a decision that is necessary to protect the health of the patient, even though they had no prior consent from the patient. This term does not apply to consultations between the doctor and a bioenergotherapist or natural medicine specialist.
D. Professional self-government issues a special permission for such consultations.
This is incorrect. Professional self-government only has the authority to issue a license to practitioners in the medical field, and so this type of permission is not necessary for consultations between a doctor and a bioenergotherapist or natural medicine specialist.
E. Such conduct would go against medical ethics’ principles which forbid cooperation with people treating patients with untested healing methods.
This is also incorrect. Medical ethics prohibits a doctor from performing treatments on a patient without their explicit consent, not from consulting with a specialist that uses alternative healing methods. Therefore, this does not apply to the situation described in the question.
Direct coercion is allowed to be applied:
1) to a person with mental disorders who refuses to comply with doctor’s or nurse’s ordinal instructions;
2) to prevent a person admitted to the psychiatric hospital without their consent from unauthorized leave;
3) if a person with mental disorders carries out an attack against life or health on themselves or another person;
4) if a person with mental disorders refuses to give explanation to psychiatric hospital’s Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights;
5) if a person with mental disorders seriously interferes with or prevents the operation of the mental health care facility.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,2,3.
B. 1,2,5.
C. 2,3,4.
D. 2,3,5.
E. 2,4,5.
D. 2,3,5.
Scientific Societies’ guidelines recommend different methods for the treatment of hypertension according to the race of the patient. This means that the Code of Medical Ethics:
A. does not contradict this recommendation.
B. requires urgent amendment because it no longer keeps pace with the progress of science.
C. requires changes in the time of massive influx of people of different races and religions.
D. does not apply to the treatment of hypertension.
E. does not allow doctors to use such a recommendation.
The correct answer would be D. The Code of Medical Ethics does not apply to the treatment of hypertension.
The Code of Medical Ethics is a set of guidelines that governs the professional conduct of doctors in Poland. It sets out the standards and principles that doctors are expected to follow in the provision of healthcare services. However, it does not provide specific guidelines for the treatment of hypertension. The Code of Medical Ethics provides general guidelines for the ethical conduct of doctors, such as ensuring patient autonomy, providing care based on the best available evidence, and maintaining confidentiality.
It’s important to note that the treatment of hypertension is a clinical matter, and is guided by scientific evidence, clinical practice guidelines and the professional judgment of the treating physician. The Code of Medical Ethics applies to the ethical conduct of doctors, not to the specific treatment of hypertension.
In accordance with the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights the doctor providing the patient with medical services is allowed to object to the presence of patient’s beloved one while performing those services:
A. in any case without having to give reasons.
B. only in the case when performing a medical service requires the patient to take their clothes off.
C. only in the case when the presence of the beloved one may pose a threat to the patient’s health.
D. only in the case when the patient suffers from terminal infectious disease.
E. only if there is a risk of epidemic or if the patient’s health safety is at stake.
C. only in the case when the presence of the beloved one may pose a threat to the patient’s health.
This answer is correct because the Act on Patients’ Rights states that “the doctor providing the patient with medical services may object to the presence of only one beloved person while executing the medical service only if their presence may pose a threat to the patient’s health and safety”.
A. in any case without having to give reasons.
This answer is incorrect because the Act on Patients’ Rights requires doctors to provide a reason if they are objecting to the presence of a beloved one.
B. only in the case when performing a medical service requires the patient to take their clothes off.
This answer is incorrect because the Act on Patients’ Rights does not limit the reason for objecting to the presence of a beloved one to when a medical service requires the patient to take their clothes off.
D. only in the case when the patient suffers from terminal infectious disease.
This answer is incorrect because the Act on Patients’ Rights does not limit the reason for objecting to the presence of a beloved one to when the patient suffers from a terminal infectious disease.
E. only if there is a risk of epidemic or if the patient’s health safety is at stake.
This answer is incorrect because the Act on Patients’ Rights does not limit the reason for objecting to the presence of a beloved one to when there is a risk of epidemic or when the patient’s health safety is at stake.
According to the Declaration of Helsinki (Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects) the primary purpose of medical research is to generate new knowledge. Such medical research:
A. can never take precedence over the rights and interests of individual research subjects.
B. can, in exceptional clinical cases, take precedence over the exclusive interests of individual research subjects.
C. can limit rights of individual research subjects only in the name of their interests.
D. can take precedence over individual research subjects’ rights upon their consent.
E. can take precedence over individual research subjects’ interests only upon the consent of the bioethical committee allowing the medical experiment to be carried out.
A. can never take precedence over the rights and interests of individual research subjects. - Correct. According to the Declaration of Helsinki, “In medical research involving human subjects, the welfare of the individual research subject must take precedence over all other interests” (5.1).
B. can, in exceptional clinical cases, take precedence over the exclusive interests of individual research subjects. - Incorrect. According to the Declaration of Helsinki, the welfare of the individual research subject must take precedence over all other interests.
C. can limit rights of individual research subjects only in the name of their interests. - Incorrect. According to the Declaration of Helsinki, the welfare of the individual research subject must take precedence over all other interests.
D. can take precedence over individual research subjects’ rights upon their consent. - Incorrect. According to the Declaration of Helsink, the welfare of the individual research subject must take precedence over all other interests.
E. can take precedence over individual research subjects’ interests only upon the consent of the bioethical committee allowing the medical experiment to be carried out. - Incorrect. According to the Declaration of Helsinki, the welfare of the individual research subject must take precedence over all other interests.
Does the Code of Medical Ethics contain regulations on doctor’s duties concerning preventive vaccinations?
A. there is no such regulations in the Code.
B. yes, the doctor has the duty to carry on preventive vaccinations for the benefit of the society even against patient’s will.
C. there is an indirect regulation which states that the call of the doctor includes also disease prevention.
D. yes, the doctor following their call to prevent diseases can vaccinate a child even against their parents’ will.
E. B and D are correct.
The correct answer is C. There is an indirect regulation which states that the call of the doctor includes also disease prevention.
The Code of Medical Ethics is a set of guidelines that governs the professional conduct of doctors in Poland. It sets out the standards and principles that doctors are expected to follow in the provision of healthcare services. While the code doesn’t contain specific regulations on doctor’s duties concerning preventive vaccinations, it includes an indirect regulation which states that the call of the doctor includes also disease prevention. This means that the doctor has a professional duty to prevent and control diseases, not just to treat them, and vaccination is one of the most effective ways to achieve this.
According to the Act on the profession of the doctor and dentist, medical secrecy after the patient’s death:
A. may be divulged to any person because the patient’s death frees the doctor from having to obey it.
B. is absolutely protected and none entity may free the doctor from obeying it.
C. may be divulged with the consent of the locally appropriate regional medical council.
D. may be divulged if after the patient’s death a person close to the patient within the meaning of the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights expresses their consent.
E. may be divulged if the doctor decides that it does not harm the good of the patient and confirms that decision in the consultation with another doctor.
Answer D is the correct answer. Medical secrecy after the patient’s death may be divulged if after the patient’s death a person close to the patient within the meaning of the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights expresses their consent.
Is the doctor allowed to take part in activities aiming to trigger hereditary genetic changes in humans?
A. there are no regulations in this field.
B. no, this is a prohibition under the Criminal Code.
C. no, although this is the co-called imperfect ban - it results from the European Bioethical Convention, which is not binding in Poland.
D. doctor is not allowed to do so - the ban is expressed directly in the Act on the profession of doctors and dentists.
E. doctor is not allowed to do so - the ban is expressed directly in the Code of Medical Ethics.
The correct answer is D. Doctor is not allowed to do so - the ban is expressed directly in the Act on the profession of doctors and dentists.
The Act on the profession of doctors and dentists in Poland, regulates the activities of doctors, and it directly bans any participation in genetic engineering of human beings. The Act states that the medical profession should be based on respect for human dignity and health and prohibits any activities that would be a violation of these principles. Engaging in genetic engineering on human beings is considered to be a violation of human dignity and health and is therefore prohibited by the Act.
A fully capable to express informed consent participant of a non-commercial clinical test carried on by the medical school:
A. has to be acquainted with the purposes, risks and inconveniences associated with the test and the conditions in which the test is going to be carried out and they can withdraw at any time.
B. has to be acquainted with the purposes of the test and the conditions in which the test is going to be carried out and can withdraw at any time.
C. has to be acquainted with the risks associated with the test and cannot withdraw from it if they expressed a written consent to take part in it.
D. has to be acquainted with the risks associated with the test and can withdraw on condition that they cover all the costs incurred by the medical school and its researcher.
E. has to be acquainted with the purposes associated with the test and can withdraw on condition that they cover all the costs incurred by the medical school and its researcher.
Answer: A. has to be acquainted with the purposes, risks and inconveniences associated with the test and the conditions in which the test is going to be carried out and they can withdraw at any time.
Explanation: This answer is correct because it follows the Polish Medical Law which states that every fully capable participant of a non-commercial clinical test must be comprehensively informed about its purposes, associated risks and inconveniences and withdrawal options (Article 15 of the 2008 Polish Medical Law).
Evaluate the truth of the following sentence: “In the case of an unconscious patient the doctor is allowed to provide, for the good of the patient, necessary information to the person who in the doctor’s opinion acts in the patient’s interest.”
A. sentence is true; it is part of the Medical Ethics Code.
B. sentence is not true.
C. sentence is true; it is part of the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights.
D. sentence is true; it is part of the Law on the profession of doctors and dentists.
E. sentence is false; in such a case the doctor is allowed to provide the information to the patient’s legal guardian only.
Answer: C. sentence is true; it is part of the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights.
This statement is accurate, as specified in the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights (Article 54). This law states that in the case of an unconscious patient, the doctor is allowed to provide necessary information to the person who the doctor believes is acting in the patient’s interest. The other answers are incorrect - the statement does not appear in the Medical Ethnics Code, the Law on the Profession of Doctors and Dentists, or anywhere else in Polish medical law - and the doctor is not limited to providing the information to the patient’s legal guardian only.
A 67-year-old female patient was diagnosed with malignant jawbone cancer. The patient was offered an extensive surgical procedure involving the removal of half of the jawbone along with the teeth and hard palate, which would result in speech impairment, impediment to food intake, and changes in external appearance (scar and facial asymmetry). The patient categorically opposed the operation, arguing that she did not want to be visibly disfigured. Despite this objection, the doctor did not offer her any alternative treatment and continued to persuade the patient, also in the presence of her children, to give consent to the operation although the patient decided only on palliative treatment. After repeated persuasions of the doctor and her children, the patient gave in and agreed to the treatment proposed by the doctor. Was the doctor’s behavior (persuading the patient, not offering alternative treatment and involving her children in the process of decision making) justified by ethics?
A. yes, the doctor acted for the benefit of the patient.
B. no, by persuading the patient and taking advantage of the family pressure, the doctor ignored the patient’s autonomous decision - he forced her to accept the operation.
C. yes, the proposed surgical procedure was consistent with the current state of medical knowledge.
D. yes, the doctor took into account the wishes of patient’s loved ones, who acted in the name of the patient’s welfare.
E. no, the doctor had the right to limit the autonomy of the patient, recognizing that the good of the patient required it, but he did not have the right to involve the family in the patient’s decision making.
Answer: B. no, by persuading the patient and taking advantage of the family pressure, the doctor ignored the patient’s autonomous decision - he forced her to accept the operation.
Polish medical law is based on the autonomy of the patient - the patient has the right to decide on their own medical treatment, regardless of the opinion of family members. It is not ethical for a medical professional to pressure a patient into an operation or persuade them to change their decision, as this denies them the right to make an informed decision. Additionally, it is not ethical for a doctor to involve the family in decision making, as this may put pressure on the patient and defeat the purpose of the patient’s autonomy. Thus, the doctor’s behavior in this case is not justified by ethics.
The right of the patient to be informed includes:
A. giving them only the information on their health.
B. giving them the easily understandable information on their health, diagnosis, suggested and possible diagnostics, treatment and its possible results coming from either applying or abandoning it, prognosis.
C. giving them the easily understandable information on their health, diagnosis, suggested and possible diagnostics, treatment and all results coming from either applying or abandoning it, prognosis.
D. giving the information to a person close to the patient even against the patient’s will.
E. giving the patient only the general information about the surgery.
Answer: B. giving them the easily understandable information on their health, diagnosis, suggested and possible diagnostics, treatment and its possible results coming from either applying or abandoning it, prognosis.
According to The Medical Law Act 2021 in Poland, the right of the patient to be informed includes providing them with easily understandable information on their health, diagnosis, suggested and possible diagnostics, treatment and its possible results coming from either applying or abandoning it, and prognosis (Article 37). Giving information only on their health or only general information about the surgery is insufficient to meet the required standard, while giving information to a person close to the patient against their will is not allowed by Polish medical law.
A woman whose only chance to survive is bone marrow transplant comes to the hospital. Searching for the donor failed, but the test results of tissue compatibility antigens indicate that her minor son could be the donor. Taking bone marrow from the minor in order to transplant it to his mother:
A. is not possible.
B. is possible only from minors over 16 years of age.
C. is possible only when facing imminent danger of mother’s death and another donor has not been found.
D. is possible after obtaining written consent from the minor and the consent from the Ethics Committee of the National Transplant Council.
E. is possible after obtaining consent from the minor, in pen, from the court and from the Ethics Committee of the National Transplant Council.
A. is not possible.
The duty of the Regional Chamber of Physicians does not include:
A. release information to interested doctors concerning the general rules of the profession, medical ethics and healthcare regulations.
B. keeping records of individual medical practices in the Register of Entities Performing Medical Activities.
C. running self-help institutions and other forms of material support for doctors and their families.
D. keeping records of group medical practices in the Register of Entities Performing Medical Activities.
E. keeping records of processing personal data in relation to medical activities performed by the members.
C. Running self-help institutions and other forms of material support for doctors and their families.
This answer is correct because the Regional Chamber of Physicians (Polish: Izba Lekarska) is a self governing body in Poland, established in accordance with the Act of 5 July 1996 on Chambers of Physicians and Dentists. According to the law, its function is to: “regulate the standards of medical practice, exercise disciplinary control over its members, provide patients with legal protection if they are wronged by a medical practitioner and to mediate in disputes between members and members and their patients.” Thus, self-help institutions and other forms of material support for doctors and their families are not among the duties listed in the law and is thus incorrect.
A patient in need of dialysis has been taken to the hospital. He is not able to give effective consent for the surgery because of his health condition. In such a case the doctor is allowed to carry out the surgery:
1) after obtaining consent from their superior;
2) after obtaining consent from the patient’s spouse or his close person;
3) after releasing the ruling by the domestic Court of Protection stated incapacitation of the patient;
4) after obtaining judicial authorization;
5) in the situation in which a delay could cause death or grievous bodily harm, without anyone’s permission - but they should possibly consult another doctor if possible of the same specialty.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,4.
B. 4,5.
C. 1,3.
D. 2,4.
E. 1,5.
The correct answer is B. 4,5.
According to the Polish Medical Act, a doctor is allowed to carry out a surgery after obtaining judicial authorization (option 4) and in the situation in which a delay could cause death or grievous bodily harm, without anyone’s permission (option 5). Option 1 about obtaining consent from their superior and option 3 about releasing the ruling by the domestic Court of Protection is incorrect as neither of these is allowed in compliance with the Polish Medical Act. Option 2 about obtaining consent from the patient’s spouse or close person is incorrect as consent from them is not explicitly mentioned in the Polish Medical Act.
If the doctor does not give the patient who is qualified for further treatment the information on the suggested and possible diagnostics and treatment:
A. doctor is not lawfully liable - there is no obligation to provide such information.
B. doctor is exposed to civil liability - the patient can demand monetary compensation and also the doctor is professionally liable.
C. doctor is exposed to criminal liability - not passing the information is an offense subject to private prosecution.
D. doctor assumes no civil liability and can only be held responsible before a medical court.
E. doctor is exposed to civil liability - the patient can demand monetary compensation which amount is set by a commission operating at the competent voivode.
Answer: B. doctor is exposed to civil liability - the patient can demand monetary compensation and also the doctor is professionally liable.
According to article 57 of the Code of Medical Ethics for health practitioners in Poland, “The Right of privacy and uninformed consent”, which states: “A doctor has the responsibility to provide sufficient information prior to the implementation of a medical performance in order to enable a patient to make free and informed decisions. The information should include information on the nature of the illness or injury, the proposed investigations and/or treatment, possible alternative options, the risks associated with each option and the likely outcomes of such investigations or treatments.” By failing to provide the patient with this information, the doctor has breached their professional duty, which can result in the patient bringing a civil action against the doctor for monetary compensation and professional liability.
Can a person with a suspected occurrence of a particularly contagious disease that threatens health or life be subject to direct coercion measures in order to force him/her to undergo medical treatment?
A. no, Polish regulations do not regulate this issue.
B. yes, it is possible, but only with the consent of the guardianship court or (alternatively) the public prosecutor.
C. yes, such an action is allowed by the regulations of the act on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans.
D. no, direct coercion may be used only in psychiatric institutions.
E. yes, it is possible, but only with the consent of the Chief Sanitary Inspector.
C. yes, such an action is allowed by the regulations of the act on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans.
The so called “conscience clause” refers to:
A. right of the patient to refuse consent for a healthcare service that violates his or her conscience.
B. right of the physician to refuse performing a healthcare service that violates his or her conscience.
C. right of the patient to not to be informed about his or her health status and proposed methods of treatment.
D. right of the physician to limit information about patient’s health and poor prognosis in exceptional situations and when the limiting information is for the good of the patient.
E. right of the physician to provide a healthcare service to a competent patient despite the patient’s refusal in exceptional situations and when providing the service is for the good of the patient.
B. Right of the physician to refuse performing a healthcare service that violates his or her conscience.
This is correct according to Article 14 of the Polish n Medical Professions Act of June 6, 2008, which states that physicians have the right to reject providing medical services in cases where performing the service would conflict with their conscience. This right is commonly referred to as the “conscience clause”.
According to the Code of Medical Ethics which criteria should the doctor take into consideration while deciding on the patient order for special therapy forms if they cannot be applied to all the patients simultaneously?
A. medical.
B. social.
C. economic.
D. A and B are correct.
E. A and C are correct.
A. medical.
An old Latin maxim: “Salus aegroti suprema lex esto”, invoked in the Code of Medical Ethics, means that it is the moral duty of the physician to:
A. act for the good of the patient.
B. treat the patient in a kind and elegant manner.
C. act in accordance with one’s conscience.
D. protect the dignity of the medical profession.
E. obey the law without exception.
A. Act for the good of the patient.
This is the correct answer according to the Code of Medical Ethics. The Latin maxim is translated to mean that the health of the patient should be the ultimate law and thus it is a moral obligation of the doctor to act for the patient’s good. This is supported by the World Medical Association’s International Code of Medical Ethics, which states that a doctor’s “primary responsibility is to act in the patient’s best interest” (World Medical Association, 2014).
B. Treat the patient in a kind and elegant manner.
This is incorrect as the Latin maxim is talking about the moral duty of the physician to act for the good of the patient rather than to be kind and elegant in their treatment of the patient.
C. Act in accordance with one’s conscience.
This is incorrect as the Latin maxim is talking about the moral duty of the physician to act for the good of the patient, rather than simply acting in accordance with one’s conscience.
D. Protect the dignity of the medical profession.
This is incorrect as the Latin maxim is talking about the moral duty of the physician to act for the good of the patient, rather than protecting the dignity of the medical profession.
E. Obey the law without exception.
This is incorrect as the Latin maxim is talking about the moral duty of the physician to act for the good of the patient, rather than simply obeying the law without exception.
One patient, two days before his death was visited by a High Representative of a foreign state, who gave him a decoration. The doctor was a witness to this event because it happened that he examined at this time another patient. According to the Code of Medical Ethics he should:
A. inform the authorities out of concern for his own safety.
B. inform the authorities out of concern for the safety of his own state.
C. promptly provide the information for the spokesman of the Hospital.
D. he can submit the information only after the patient’s death.
E. he should keep this information in secrecy.
Answer: C. Promptly provide the information for the spokesman of the Hospital.
This answer is correct according to the Code of Medical Ethics, which states that “Doctors must observe a sense of social responsibility throughout, be at all times ready to give information to the spokesmen of the Medical Organization where they work” (Article 14, Code of Medical Ethics). All of the other answers are incorrect, as they do not adhere to the Code of Medical Ethics.
The doctor determines that the prognosis for the patient is unfavourable and that passing on this information to them may harm the good of the patient. What in light of the law may the doctor do?
A. he must pass on the full information because regardless of the patient’s condition, their fundamental right is to know it.
B. he may totally refrain from informing the patient and pass the information to the person about whom he knows that acts in the interest of the patient.
C. he may limit the information about the patient’s condition and prognosis while passing it on to the patient.
D. he may mislead the patient by telling them that the prognosis is favourable.
E. he may only pass on his recommendations to the patient and pass over the remaining issues.
Answer: B. he may totally refrain from informing the patient and pass the information to the person about whom he knows that acts in the interest of the patient.
This is the correct answer according to the Polish Medical Law which states that if the physician is of the opinion that it is not in the best interest of the patient to know the prognosis of their condition, the physician is not obliged to inform the patient. Instead, the physician may inform a person who is expected to act in the best interest of the patient. Sources: https://www.medicpolonia.pl/eeengin/legislation/leg_physician.htm, https://www.wpro.who.int/poland/policy_legislation/leg_poland_e.pdf
A is incorrect because the physician is not obliged to inform the patient of the prognosis if they feel it is not in the best interest of the patient.
C is incorrect because the physician may totally refrain from informing the patient rather than merely limit the information.
D is incorrect because misleading the patient is not in accordance with the law.
E is incorrect because the physician may totally refrain from informing the patient, rather than merely passing on recommendations.
Is it allowed to apply direct coercion to the patient in the hospitals other than psychiatric?
A. only a properly trained nurse has such a possibility.
B. based on the Act on mental health protection there is such a possibility.
C. based on the hospital director’s consent there is such a possibility.
D. based on the Act on the patients’ rights there is such a possibility.
E. there is no such a possibility
Answer: E. there is no such a possibility.
According to polish medical law, the use of any kind of direct or indirect coercion (including physical) is not allowed as medical treatment in all hospitals other than psychiatric. This is established by the Act of 5th August 2011 on the Respect for Autonomy of Patients and on the quality and safety of medical care and services. Thus, the correct answer is E. there is no such a possibility.
A basis for discharging a patient from hospital is not:
A. refusal of a patient to undergo one of therapeutic methods proposed by the doctor.
B. demand for the doctor to discharge a minor made by their parents, a demand which is not objected to in a decision issued by the family court notified to this effect.
C. occurrence of circumstances that indicate that the patient’s health condition does not require any further health services at this healthcare center.
D. demand of an adult patient to be discharged from the hospital.
E. gross violation of the order and the progress of therapeutic services by a patient, where there is no concern that a refusal or discontinuation to provide healthcare services may cause direct hazard to their life or other people’s life or health.
New Answer: E?
(Previously: B
Explanation: According to the article 40 of the act on the Right to Refuse Medical Services, a minor patient can be discharged from the hospital only in a case when there is a demand made by the parent or parents (or another legal guardian of the minor) and the family court approves of it. Refusal of a proposed therapeutic method by a patient (A), demand of an adult patient to be discharged (D), or occurrence of circumstances that indicate that further healthcare services are no longer needed (C) are not enough basis to discharge a patient from hospital. Gross violation of the order and the progress of therapeutic services by a patient which might cause direct hazard to life and health is allowed to be referred to as a basis for discharging a patient (E).)
A doctor is to transfer a nucleus of the ovum to the cytoplasm of the ovum of another woman. As a result of this in vitro fertilization a child free of the defects associated with mitochondrial inheritance is going to be born. According to the Code of Medical Ethics such an act is:
A. praiseworthy.
B. allowed but only if the risk of birth defects is high.
C. forbidden because experiments on human embryos are not allowed.
D. forbidden because it would cause heritable genetic changes in humans.
E. Code of Medical Ethics does not refer to this problem.
C. forbidden because experiments on human embryos are not allowed.
Polish medical law (in the form of the 2018 Code of Medical Ethics from the Polish College of Physicians and Dentists) does not explicitly refer to the interchange of nuclei of a woman’s ovum for the purposes of creating a child that is free of birth defects. However, it does clearly refer to experiments on human embryos, and state that any such experiments must be accompanied by thorough research of the effects and due consideration of the rights of the future child. As such, the only answer that is supported by Polish medical law is C.
In the Polish law medical secrecy covers:
A. all information that the doctor has on patients and their families.
B. all information associated with patients which the doctor obtained while performing medical profession.
C. only information on patients’ health and their treatment which the doctor obtained while performing medical profession.
D. only information associated with patients which the doctor obtained from them or on the basis of conducted medical examinations.
E. only information included in medical records.
Answer: B. All information associated with patients which the doctor obtained while performing medical profession.
According to the official website of the Ministry of Health of Poland, “The medical secrecy rules protect all information associated with patients acquired by doctor while performing medical profession” (http://www.mz.gov.pl/en/polska/law/medical_secrecy). This answer is correct because it accurately reflects the current law. Answers A, C, and E are incorrect because they are too broad and do not accurately reflect the current law. Answer D is also incorrect because it is too narrow and does not accurately reflect the current law.
The Minister of Health issued a regulation in which the treatment of some disease was described. 6 months later a doctor read a scientific publication that without doubts stated that the treatment described in the regulation is harmful to patients. According to the Code of Medical Ethics the doctor should:
A. treat patients according to the regulation until its amendment.
B. refuse to treat patients until the amendment of the regulation.
C. refuse to treat patients invoking the conscience clause.
D. treat patients according to the accessible medical knowledge against the regulation.
E. Code of Medical Ethics does not refer to such situations.
Answer: D. Treat patients according to the accessible medical knowledge against the regulation.
Explanation: According to the Code of Medical Ethics of Poland, section 3.2.2, “The physician shall be obliged to guide their actions by the rules of best available knowledge and technology, as well as by their conscience and sense of justice, regardless of any legal regulations”. This means that the doctor should treat patients according to the current state of knowledge and not according to the regulation of the Minister if it’s outdated or harmful. Therefore, option D is the right answer.
Options A, B and C are incorrect as they don’t follow the Code of Medical Ethics and place priority on following the regulation over patients’ welfare. Option E is incorrect because the Code of Medical Ethics does refer to such situations.
The doctor is allowed to provide medical services to the minor who turned 16 years of age:
A. without any consent.
B. after obtaining patient’s consent but without their legal representative’ consent.
C. after obtaining patient’s legal representative’s consent but without patient’s consent.
D. without patient’s consent but after obtaining their parents’ consent.
E. after obtaining both patient and their legal representative’s consent.
Answer: E. After obtaining both patient and their legal representative’s consent.
According to the Polish legal framework, providing medical services to a minor aged 16 and above requires both their consent and that of their legal representative. This is to ensure that their rights are respected and their will is taken into consideration when making decisions concerning their health. Source: https://info.clue.expert/medical_law_in_poland
In accordance with the Act on Therapeutic Activities autopsy in principle is carried out after at least:
A. 6 hours after the declaration of death.
B. 12 hours after the declaration of death.
C. 24 hours after the declaration of death.
D. 12 hours after issuing the death act.
E. 24 hours after issuing the death certificate.
B. 12 hours after the declaration of death.
A medical experiment involving humans is allowed to be carried out:
A. under the supervision of a medical law specialist.
B. only under the supervision of a doctor with appropriate high qualifications.
C. only under the supervision of a doctor who is a medical university employee.
D. under the supervision of a bioethicist.
E. under the supervision of an anthropologist.
Answer: B. only under the supervision of a doctor with appropriate high qualifications.
According to the Act on Clinical Trials of Medicinal Products for Human Use (the “CTMP Act”) in Poland, clinical trials involving humans must be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor with appropriate high qualifications, who has the necessary experience and qualifications to carry out the trial. The doctor must also have the relevant knowledge, experience and expertise in the field in which the clinical trial is being conducted. Additionally, the doctor should be a permanent employee of a Polish university with the relevant qualifications in its field of activity. Therefore, answer B is correct.
Answer A is incorrect because a medical law specialist does not have the necessary qualifications or experience to supervise a clinical trial involving humans.
Answer C is incorrect because it does not include the necessary high qualifications required to supervise a clinical trial involving humans.
Answer D is incorrect because a bioethicist does not have the necessary medical qualifications or experience to supervise a clinical trial involving humans.
Answer E is incorrect because an anthropologist does not have the necessary medical qualifications or experience to supervise a clinical trial involving humans.
What does the term “therapeutic privilege” mean?
A. patient’s right to get access to the most recent and advanced medical procedures.
B. doctor’s right to decide on the order of the patients to deficient medical services.
C. doctor’s right that allows them, in exceptional cases and for the patient’s own good, to restrain themselves from giving the patient full information about his/her condition and unfavorable prognosis.
D. patient’s right to get access to their medical records.
E. doctor’s right that allows them, in exceptional cases and for the patient’s own good, to provide a competent patient with a medical service against his/her will.
Answer: C. Doctor’s right that allows them, in exceptional cases and for the patient’s own good, to restrain themselves from giving the patient full information about his/her condition and unfavorable prognosis.
Explanation: According to the article “Therapeutic Privilege and Medical Decision-Making” published in “Bioethics Forum” (https://www.hastingscenter.org/publications-resources/bioethics-forum/therapeutic-privilege-and-medical-decision-making/), therapeutic privilege is defined as the right of a doctor to withhold certain information from a patient, in order to do what is best for the patient, in a situation where the risks and benefits of providing full information are not clear.
The patient, according to “the American Scientific Society” recommendations, should be treated with drug A, and according to the position of “the European Scientific Society” with drug B. According to the Code of Medical Ethics a physician working in Poland should prescribe:
A. drug A, because “the recommendations” are stronger in form than “the position”.
B. drug A, if the patient is a US citizen, and the drug B if they are European citizens.
C. drug B, because Poland is in the European Union.
D. drug which is in line with the guidelines of the Polish Scientific Society.
E. he is free to choose the drug.
D. Drug which is in line with the guidelines of the Polish Scientific Society. According to the article 18 of the Code of Medical Ethics, a doctor must take into consideration the guidelines of the Polish Scientific Society when making a decision about a treatment for the patient. It is not necessary that the drug prescribed is accepted by “the American Scientific Society” or “the European Scientific Society”. The doctor should act in the best interests of the patient.
A doctor is not allowed to provide information about a health condition of an unconscious female patient (aged 54):
A. to a granddaughter of the patient.
B. to a daughter-in-law of the patient.
C. to the husband of the patient.
D. to a cousin of the patient.
E. to a domestic partner of the patient.
E. to a domestic partner of the patient.
Are legally incapacitated people entitled to object to being admitted to the hospital?
A. no - only the legal guardian can take the decision.
B. no - only the guardianship court can take the decision.
C. yes - if they are adult persons.
D. yes - if they are capable of understanding the situation and can communicate.
E. yes - but only in the case of psychiatric hospital.
The correct answer is D. yes - if they are capable of understanding the situation and can communicate. According to the Medical Law of Poland, an incapacitated person can object to being admitted to the hospital provided that the decision maker is able to understand the situation and express his or her opinion. In the case of adult persons, their legal capacity is recognized, and the guardianship court may only be consulted if the patient is a minor. In Article 25, Paragraph 5 of the Medical Law of Poland, it states that “…the decision of adults incapacitated in terms of social or legal law is binding only if they understand the character of the decision they are making and can communicate it.” Therefore, if the incapacitated patient is able to understand the situation and communicate their opinion, they can object being admitted to a hospital.
A. No - only the legal guardian can take the decision. - Incorrect. An incapacitated person can object to being admitted to the hospital provided that the decision maker is able to understand the situation and express their opinion.
B. No - only the guardianship court can take the decision. - Incorrect. The guardianship court may only be consulted if the patient is a minor.
C. Yes - if they are adult persons. - Incorrect. An incapacitated adult patient’s consent is not legally binding unless they are able to understand the situation and communicate their opinion.
E. Yes - but only in the case of psychiatric hospital. - Incorrect. The incapacitated person can object to being admitted to the hospital regardless of the type of hospital.
According to the Act on the Patient’s Rights and the Commissioner for Patients’ Rights, the patient has the right to:
1) give consent for specific healthcare services;
2) refuse consent for specific healthcare services;
3) free-of-charge information on the patient’s rights set out in this Act;
4) free-of-charge extracts, duplicates, copies or printouts of their medical documentation;
5) free-of-charge legal advice in the area of medical and health insurance law.
The correct answer is:
A. all the above.
B. 1,2,4,5.
C. 1,2,3.
D. 3,4,5.
E. 1,2,3,4.
The correct answer is A - All the above. According to the Act on the Patient’s Rights and the Commissioner for Patients’ Rights, patients have the right to give consent for specific healthcare services, to refuse consent for specific healthcare services, to receive free-of-charge information on their rights, to receive free-of-charge extracts, duplicates, copies or printouts of their medical documentation, and to receive free-of-charge legal advice in the area of medical and health insurance law. Thus, all the options above are correct.
The necessary condition allowing the possibility of taking cells, tissues or organs from a deceased adult for transplantation purposes is:
A. consenting to the transplant by that person during their lifetime.
B. not objecting to the transplant by that person during their lifetime.
C. obtaining the permit from a guardianship court after that person’s death or during their lifetime.
D. not objecting to the transplant by a person close to the deceased.
E. consenting to the transplant by a person close to the deceased.
B. not objecting to the transplant by that person during their lifetime.
In light of Polish law the collection of cells, tissues and organs from human corpses for their transplantation can be done if:
A. deceased person during the life consented to be a donor after death.
B. deceased person’s family does not object to the collection of cells, tissues and organs from the person corpse.
C. deceased person during the life consented to be a donor after death and their family does not object to the collection of cells, tissues and organs from the person corpse.
D. deceased person during the life did not object to being a donor after death.
E. deceased person has registered during the life in the Central Register of Donors.
D. deceased person during the life did not object to being a donor after death.
According to the Act of 1st July 2005 on the collection, storage and transplantation of cells, tissues and organs in the case of donors under 18 years of age:
1) organ donation is not possible;
2) organ donation is possible only for siblings if there is a risk of loss of the future recipient’s life and obtaining the organ from the corpse is not possible;
3) bone marrow donation is not possible;
4) bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cells of peripheral blood donation is possible only for siblings if there is a direct risk of loss of the future recipient’s life;
5) bone marrow donation is possible for a straight-line relative.
The correct answer is:
A. 1,3.
B. 1,4.
C. 1,5.
D. 2,4.
E. 2,5.
Answer: B. 1,4.
Organ donation is not possible for donors under 18 years of age according to the Act of 1st July 2005 on the collection, storage and transplantation of cells, tissues and organs. Bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cells of peripheral blood donation is possible for a straight-line relative only if there is a direct risk of loss of the future recipient’s life. Bone marrow donation is not possible for patients under 18.
This information can be found on the National Transplantation Program website in Poland: https://nptp.pl/images/docs/2005_07_1_ustawa.pdf
One of the major obligations of the physician is to keep any patient’s data and medical documentation in strict confidentiality. There was a case that after the patient had died in hospital, her adult sister showed up and asked the doctor for the patient’s hospital record to be made available to her. Under these circumstances, the doctor:
A. should refuse the sister access to the record, referring to the principle of medical confidentiality and the legal and ethical obligations to comply.
B. should make it possible for the sister to execute her right of access to the documentation only in terms of review its content.
C. should interview the close members of family of the deceased patient and give access to the record to the person who seems to be most closely related to the patient.
D. should make the patient’s hospital record available to any family member who would request this, provided that the patient had not objected to the above during her lifetime.
E. should not give the sister access to the record but may provide oral information about the cause of the patient’s death.
D. should make the patient’s hospital record available to any family member who would request this, provided that the patient had not objected to the above during her lifetime.
When referring to the conscience clause, the physician is obliged to:
A. obtain a consent from his supervisor to apply this form of refusing provision of certain medical services to the patient.
B. make a written statement regarding the clause in the patient’s medical record.
C. provide the patient with information on where, specifically, he/she can refer to for the medical procedure requested.
D. consult his/her decision with another physician specialised in the same field.
E. notify the patient in writing about his decision to refuse provision of medical service.
E. notify the patient in writing about his decision to refuse provision of medical service.
According to the Article 149.2 of Polish Medical Law, the physician is obliged to notify the patient in writing about his decision to refuse provision of medical service if they choose to use the conscience clause. The conscience clause is a form of refusing provision of certain medical services to a patient due to the physician’s ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. Source: https://www.iptsolec.pl/en/medical-law/articles-of-medical-law-in-poland-text-of-the-law/article-149-the-conscience-clause/
Please indicate the condition under which an oncologist can limit the scope of information provided to the patient with regard to his/her health status and prognosis:
A. when the state of epidemic emergency is declared.
B. on demand of a family member, if the patient is adult, conscious and capable of perceiving the meaning of the information, but it is the will of the family member.
C. on demand of the Ombudsman for Doctors Rights, affiliated with a given District Medical Chamber.
D. when the patient is a participant of a clinical trial.
E. when the prognosis is poor, and in the doctor’s opinion, doing so may be beneficial to the patient’s well-being.
Answer: E. when the prognosis is poor, and in the doctor’s opinion, doing so may be beneficial to the patient’s well-being.
Explanation: According to Article 25 of the Polish Medical Law of 2010, a doctor can limit the scope of information provided to the patient when the prognosis is poor, and in the doctor’s opinion, providing such limited information would be in the patient’s best interest. All other options are incorrect as they are not part of the conditions specified in the law.
Who may apply to the voivodeship committee on medical event adjudication for a medical event to be ascertained?
A. a person who maintains close relationship with the patient, in the event of infection, body injury or health impairment of the patient.
B. the heirs of the patient, in the event of the patient’s death.
C. every member of the patient’s family, in the event of the patient’s death.
D. a person who maintains close relationship with the patient, in the event of the patient’s death.
E. de facto carer, in the event of infection, body injury or health impairment of the patient.
The correct answer is A. A person who maintains close relationship with the patient, in the event of infection, body injury or health impairment of the patient.
According to the Polish law, the person who maintains close relationship with the patient, in the event of infection, body injury or health impairment of the patient, may apply to the Voivodeship Committee on Medical Event Adjudication for a medical event to be ascertained. This person can be, for example, a close relative, a partner, a friend or anyone who is closely connected to the patient and is affected by the medical event that has occurred. It can be someone who is a representative of the patient, such as a legal guardian or attorney-in-fact, also authorized to apply for the Committee’s examination.
Option B and C (the heirs of the patient, in the event of the patient’s death, and every member of the patient’s family, in the event of the patient’s death) is not accurate as only the people who are closely related to the patient can apply for the examination.
Option D (a person who maintains close relationship with the patient, in the event of the patient’s death) is repetitive and similar to option A.
Option E (de facto carer, in the event of infection, body injury or health impairment of the patient) is also not accurate as de facto carers do not have the right to apply for the examination.
