Ärztegesetz

Ärztegesetz is a term used for laws that regulate the medical profession and the practice of medicine in German-speaking countries. The exact content and scope vary by jurisdiction, but such laws generally govern who may practise as a physician, the standards for medical education and licensure, and the professional duties and ethics that doctors must follow. In many countries these statutes also establish mechanisms for oversight, discipline, and patient protection.

In Austria, the Ärztegesetz (ArztG) is a federal law that governs the training, licensure and professional conduct of physicians. It sets the prerequisites for medical education, the process of obtaining a license to practise (Approbation), and the attributes of professional title. The law also addresses professional liability, patient safety, and the framework for the organization and regulation of the medical profession through the Austrian Medical Chamber (Österreichische Ärztekammer), which represents physicians and helps enforce professional standards.

In Germany, there is no single nationwide Ärztegesetz. Instead, medical practice is regulated by a combination of federal and state laws, including the licensing procedures (Approbation) and the professional codes (Berufsordnung) issued by state medical associations (Ärztekammer). The German framework emphasizes professional ethics, continuing medical education, advertising rules, and the safeguarding of patient rights, with disciplinary procedures carried out by the relevant medical authorities and chambers.

Common features across Ärztegesetze typically include licensure requirements, duties to maintain patient confidentiality, informed consent, proper documentation, ongoing education, and sanctions for professional misconduct. Historical laws, such as the Reichsärzteordnung, illustrate the evolution of physician regulation in the region.