On 24.10.2017, a public discussion was held on the topic of 'The Myth of Freedom of Health Information',organised jointly by LIBRe Foundation and LexMedica Law Firm.
The discussion was attended by journalists, communication experts and representatives of patient organizations, business structures operating in the field of healthcare and medical institutions.
During the event, three specialised topics were presented:
The Myth of Freedom of Health Information - Atty. Dr. Maria Petrova, specialist in medical law, LexMedica;
Data Protection and its Impact on Health News - Alexandra Tsvetkova, Expert on the Legal Aspects of IT and Data Protection, LIBRe Foundation;
The Right to Be Left Alone - the Right to Respect for Private and Family Life against Media Freedom of Expression - Vyara Savova, Legal Assisstant, LIBRe Foundation.
The accompanying discussion focused on pressing topics, such as news coverage in the context of social media-driven information space, as well as free access to information through poorly regulated channels.
Discussion focus was also on topics such as:
Do we know the limitations of the health information we write and share about?
How do we legitimise our actions when talking about the health status of patients?
Where is the line between freedom of expression and the right to privacy of patients and doctors?
Why reforming the data protection sector will affect health news?
What is the liability of the doctor and the healthcare facility for sharing information about the health of the patients?
How do we understand the ethical dimensions of medical confidentiality?
Have the patients, whose health we are discussing given their consent?
