Problematic issues of bringing disciplinary and criminal liability of medical workers

Abstract

Despite numerous in-depth scientific works, we believe that the issue of disciplinary and criminal prosecution of medical workers needs further study in the light of legislative changes and law-making activities of the European Court of Human Rights. The purpose of the article is to characterize the national legislation governing the disciplinary and criminal prosecution of medical workers. The article analyzes the national legislation governing criminal and disciplinary proceedings for medical offenses. It is established that the criminal legislation in the field of regulation of criminal liability for medical crimes needs to be improved, in particular Art. 140 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Based on the generalization of case law, it was concluded that there is no single approach to determining the objective side of this type of crime. This requirement is related to the need to avoid cases of unjustified criminal prosecution of medical workers, when criminal prosecution is carried out and only in court the truth in the case is established and an acquittal is passed. The study provided an opportunity to conclude that a disciplinary misdemeanor is an illegal culpable act or omission, which is expressed in non-performance or improper performance by the employee of duties and other requirements imposed on him under labor law, other special regulations, for which may be subject to disciplinary action. Like any offense, a disciplinary offense is characterized by a set of objective and subjective features, called the composition of the offense: the subject, the subjective side, the object, the objective side. Disciplinary liability of a medical worker is a separate type of legal liability that arises in the event of a disciplinary misconduct by a medical worker. Disciplinary liability of medical workers occurs not only for disciplinary misconduct, but also for violation of moral and ethical norms, as workers in this category must comply with the requirements of professional ethics, respect for honor and dignity of citizens (patients).