Romania’s Chamber of Deputies approved legislation on Wednesday granting citizens the right to a second medical opinion, fully covered by the state health insurance system. The bill, initiated by Ovidiu Cîmpean of the National Liberal Party (PNL) and Levente Vass of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), passed with 284 votes in favor, one against and one abstention, according to reports from Romania.europalibera.org and Mediafax.
The legislation mandates that primary care physicians direct and schedule patients for necessary follow-up consultations or investigations to establish a diagnosis, utilizing a system organized within the medical facility. The core provision ensures that all insured individuals can access a second medical opinion at no cost, aiming to provide confirmation or alternative perspectives based on existing or newly requested medical investigations, as detailed in the bill’s justification.
“Any patient, facing a serious diagnosis or major surgery, feels vulnerable,” stated Cîmpean during the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies, as reported by Libertatea. “A second medical opinion will no longer be a privilege of those who can afford private clinics, but a right covered by the health insurance system.”
Cîmpean further elaborated to Libertatea that the law stipulates the “second opinion” will be free of charge through the state system, covered by public health insurance. He anticipates the law will fundamentally shift attitudes towards medical care in Romania.
The bill requires physicians to refer patients for necessary follow-up care and guarantees the right to a second opinion for insured patients. According to a report from G4Media, the initiative was launched alongside UDMR deputy Dr. Vass Levente, who believes it will reduce the risk of diagnostic errors and prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.
The legislation now proceeds to President Nicolae Dan for promulgation, following its prior adoption by the Senate. The passage of this law marks a significant step towards improving access to healthcare and ensuring patients have confidence in their diagnoses and treatment plans.
