Legal News (Healthcare Law)

In what has been described as a historic moment, the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins on 30 December 2015. The newly-enacted legislation brings about the long-awaited repeal of the Victorian-era Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871 and the Marriage of Lunatics Act 1811. By Aoife Nally.

Living wills came one step closer to becoming law in June 2015 when the Department of Health’s statutory provisions on Advance Healthcare Directives (AHDs) were incorporated into the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill 2013. Aoife Nally provides an update.

Aoife Nally outlines a recent case that highlights the key factors that need to be in place for mediation to play its proper role in the dispute resolution process.

On the 24th September 2015, Mr Justice Michael White delivered judgment in favour of the the Health Service Executive in the matter of Sophie Everard (a minor suing by her mother and next friend, Lisa Everard) -v- the HSE. Yvonne Joyce outlines the case.

Aisling Malone answers nine key questions on the 'whistle-blowers' legislation.

Since 31 March 2015, it is obligatory for all health professionals providing cross-border healthcare in the State under the Cross-Border Directive to have professional liability insurance (Regulation 15, European Union (Application of Patients’ Rights in Cross-Border Healthcare) (Amendment) Regulations 2015, SI No. 65/2015).