HEALTHCARE LAW AND THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN BELGIUM

This article describes the Belgian response to the Covid-19 crisis (1) Several decisions were taken by the Federal government with far-reaching consequences and restrictions on liberties These restrictions, such as the requirement for people to stay at home and the closure of shops, derogate from existing legislation and fundamental liberties (private life, freedom of association and free movement) Hospitals had to cancel all consultations, tests and non-urgent medical procedures and had to prohibit visits This article focuses on the consequences of these measures on healthcare quality Telemedicine and triage via telemedicine are protective measures but can also lead to diagnostic errors Triage undertaken in hospitals and nursing homes could affect the right of equal access to healthcare Lack of personal protective equipment and defective mouth masks could also trigger the liability of the hospital or the government It is critically important and reassuring for healthcare providers that insurance companies have confirmed coverage for healthcare providers' liability in these unusual circumstances