Regulation on Obtaining Informed Consent in Electronic Environment Published

Prepared within the scope of digitalization in healthcare, the "Regulation on Obtaining Informed Consent in Electronic Environment" has been published in the Official Gazette. With the new regulation, consent procedures previously conducted on paper before major surgical operations, interventional procedures, anesthesia, and sedation applications have been moved to the electronic environment.

Citizens will be able to review forms through their e-Pulse accounts and declare consent electronically prior to medical interventions. The identities of the patient and the healthcare professional will be verified during the process. Additionally, consent can be given via a one-time password sent to verified mobile phones. Citizens who have difficulty using digital systems or need support will be able to complete the transaction by conveying the verification code sent to their phones to authorized personnel at the healthcare facility.

Informed consent forms obtained electronically will be transferred to the Ministry of Health central data recording system and made accessible via e-Pulse. The regulation will protect the principles of ensuring that the patient is informed adequately, clearly, and in a timely manner prior to medical intervention, and that they make decisions of their own free will.