Health Care Law at Palau
Ministry of Health & Human Services ... Palau’s healthcare system is governed by a combination of constitutional mandates, national laws, and regulations aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality health services for its citizens. Here's an overview of the key components:
🇵🇼 Constitutional Mandate
In 2005, Palau amended its Constitution to include healthcare as a fundamental right. Article IV, Section 16 now mandates that: (Free Preventive Health Care a Fundamental Right - Island Times)
“The national government shall provide free preventive health care for every citizen as prescribed by law.” (Free Preventive Health Care a Fundamental Right - Island Times)
While this establishes the right to preventive care, specific laws and programs have been developed to implement this mandate.
🏥 Palau Healthcare Fund (HCF)
Established in 2011 under the Healthcare Financing Act (RPPL 8-14), the Palau Healthcare Fund is a national health insurance program that covers a significant portion of the population. Key features include: (Palau’s Healthcare Financing Act - Island Times)
Coverage: As of 2021, approximately 90% of Palau’s population is insured under the National Health Insurance (NHI), and 100% under Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs). (Palau Health Care Fund marks its 10th Anniversary - Island Times)
Funding: The program is funded through premiums collected from employees and employers, each contributing 2.5% of the employee's salary. The government also pays premiums for citizens aged 65 and above. (Palau Health Care Fund marks its 10th Anniversary - Island Times)
Services: The HCF covers inpatient and outpatient services, including off-island medical referrals. Since its inception, over 1,900 individuals have been referred overseas for medical treatment. (Palau Health Care Fund marks its 10th Anniversary - Island Times)
📜 Public Health Legislation
Palau's public health framework is outlined in Title 34 of the Palau National Code, known as the Public Health, Safety and Welfare Act. Key provisions include: (Workplace Health and Safety in Palau | Rivermate)
Infectious Disease Control: Sections 102 and 701 provide authority for quarantine and isolation measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. (Title 34 Public Health, Safety and Welfare | AMP EID)
Vaccination Requirements: Article 603 mandates childhood vaccinations, with enforcement mechanisms outlined in Article 608. Emergency vaccination authority is provided under Article 102. (Title 34 Public Health, Safety and Welfare | AMP EID)
Food and Drug Safety: The Food and Drug Safety Act of 2009 (RPPL No. 8-13) empowers the Bureau of Health Services to inspect and regulate the importation and sale of food and medicines, ensuring they meet safety standards. (Food and Drug Safety Act of 2009 (RPPL No. 8-13). | UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform)
🧑⚕️ Health Professions Licensing
The Palau Board of Health Professions, established under the Palau Health Professionals Licensing Act (RPPL 5-42), is responsible for: (Republic of Palau Policies and Regulations - Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center)
Licensing: Enforcing qualifications for licensing health professionals and ensuring compliance with educational and practice standards.
Disciplinary Actions: Implementing disciplinary processes for violations of health profession standards. (Republic of Palau Policies and Regulations - Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center)
Continuing Education: Developing standards for continued competency and requiring certain health professionals to obtain malpractice insurance prior to obtaining a license. (Republic of Palau Policies and Regulations - Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center)
🏥 Ministry of Health & Human Services (MHHS)
The MHHS is the primary government agency responsible for: (Palau MHHS Podcast)
Policy Development: Formulating and implementing national health policies and programs.
Regulation and Oversight: Overseeing healthcare facilities and ensuring compliance with health standards.
Public Health Initiatives: Promoting health education, disease prevention, and health promotion activities.
The Bureau of Public Health Services operates under the MHHS, focusing on areas such as disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring quality standards in healthcare delivery. (Understanding Public Health Compliance Standards in Palau)
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