Dominican Republic Penal Code shifts doctor-patient digital communication

The implementation of the new Penal Code in the Dominican Republic is altering how medical professionals communicate with patients via digital platforms like WhatsApp. While the law does not explicitly prohibit the use of instant messaging for sharing lab results or medical instructions, it has significantly increased the penalties for medical negligence.

Legal experts, including attorney Juan Medina, note that while messaging is not a crime, informal chats do not constitute a formal medical history and cannot protect a professional in court. This has led to a trend toward ‘defensive medicine,’ where doctors are increasingly documenting all interactions more rigorously to mitigate legal risks.

As a result, some specialists are limiting the guidance they provide through messaging apps, often redirecting patients to in-person consultations. For instance, some practitioners have implemented automated messages to establish strict professional hours and boundaries for digital communication.