Romania has taken a significant step towards bolstering patient rights and aligning its healthcare system with European standards, with the recent adoption of a law guaranteeing insured patients the right to a second medical opinion, fully covered by the national health insurance system. The legislation, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on , passed with overwhelming support – 284 votes in favor, one against, one abstention, and three deputies not voting – and now awaits promulgation by President Nicușor Dan.
The initiative, co-initiated by parliamentarian Ovidiu Cîmpean, addresses a critical vulnerability experienced by patients facing serious diagnoses or major surgical interventions. As Cîmpean stated during the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies, “Any patient, facing a serious diagnosis or major surgery, feels vulnerable. 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.”
Currently, seeking a second opinion often requires patients to bear the financial burden of private consultations. This new law aims to dismantle that barrier, ensuring equitable access to confirmation or alternative perspectives on medical diagnoses and treatment plans. Liberal Ovidiu Cîmpean further detailed to Libertatea that the law stipulates the “second opinion” will be free of charge within the state system, fully reimbursed by public health insurance. He anticipates the legislation will fundamentally shift mindsets within the Romanian healthcare landscape.
The practical implications of the law are straightforward. The legislation mandates that attending physicians are responsible for directing and scheduling patients for necessary consultations or investigations to establish a diagnosis. Crucially, it explicitly guarantees insured patients the right to request a second medical opinion. The justification accompanying the legislative initiative states, “The patient has the right to be directed and scheduled for the next consultation or investigation necessary to establish the diagnosis, through a mechanism created at the level of the medical unit where the consultation took place. All insured persons have the right to a second medical consultation, paid for by the health insurance system, in order to obtain a second medical opinion based on existing or additionally requested medical investigations, if Here’s justified.”
The law’s journey began in the Senate, where it was initially adopted before progressing to the Chamber of Deputies, which holds the final decision-making authority. The swift and broad support across all parliamentary parties underscores a widespread recognition of the need to enhance patient confidence and improve the quality of healthcare in Romania.
This move positions Romania alongside other European nations that prioritize second opinions as a standard component of patient care. While the specifics of implementation – including the mechanisms for directing patients to specialists and managing the logistical aspects of second opinions – will be detailed in upcoming regulations issued by the Ministry of Health, the core principle is now firmly established in law.
The adoption of this law also arrives at a time when access to quality healthcare and patient empowerment are increasingly prominent topics globally. Companies like AXA Global Healthcare already offer second medical opinion services, providing access to a network of over 700 doctors worldwide, highlighting the growing demand for this type of service. AXA’s offerings, however, are typically part of private health insurance packages, making the Romanian government’s decision to integrate it into the public system particularly noteworthy.
The potential impact extends beyond individual patient outcomes. By reducing diagnostic errors and potentially unnecessary surgeries, as emphasized by Cîmpean, the law could contribute to greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the Romanian healthcare system. It also reflects a broader trend towards greater transparency and accountability in medical decision-making, empowering patients to actively participate in their own care.
While the law’s immediate effect will be felt by Romanian citizens with health insurance, its long-term consequences could reshape the relationship between patients and healthcare providers, fostering a more collaborative and informed approach to medical treatment. The focus now shifts to the Ministry of Health to establish the detailed regulations that will bring this landmark legislation to life, ensuring that the promise of accessible, second opinions becomes a reality for all insured Romanians.
