LEGAL PROTECTION FOR INDEPENDENT DOCTORS: ANALYZING LAW NO. 17 OF 2023 IN CONJUNCTION WITH LAW NO. 29 OF 2004 ON MEDICAL PRACTICE IN INDONESIA

Abstract

In Indonesia, the enactment of Law No. 17 of 2023, in conjunction with Law No. 29 of 2004, has significantly reshaped the regulatory landscape for independently practicing physicians. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of these legislative changes and evaluates their impact on the legal protections afforded to medical professionals. By introducing stricter licensing requirements, continuing professional education mandates, and enhanced patient privacy protections, these laws aim to elevate the standard of medical practice and ensure greater accountability. The reform emphasizes the importance of informed consent, detailing the necessity for doctors to communicate treatment risks and options transparently, thus fostering a trust-based doctor-patient relationship. Additionally, the implementation of severe penalties for ethical violations and malpractice serves as a robust deterrent, ensuring compliance and safeguarding patient welfare. This paper employs a comparative document analysis method to dissect the legal texts and highlight the significant improvements in healthcare governance. The findings suggest that these legal enhancements not only bolster the quality of healthcare but also strengthen the legal framework supporting medical ethics and patient rights in Indonesia. The reform's comprehensive approach illustrates a progressive shift towards a more disciplined and ethically aligned healthcare system, promoting both professional integrity and public trust in medical services.