Patient rights and medical liability in Italy

In Italy, legal and practical frameworks exist to protect patients regarding medical errors and the necessity of informed consent. Jurisprudence establishes that a physician's failure to obtain proper informed consent constitutes an unlawful act, even if the medical procedure is clinically successful and causes no physical harm. This principle prioritizes human dignity and the right to self-determination over technical execution.

Additionally, patients facing medical errors—such as incorrect diagnoses, wrong prescriptions, or improper dosages—are advised to preserve all documentation to protect their rights. Regarding medication issues, a distinction is made between official shortages reported by AIFA and temporary unavailability in distribution networks. In cases of missing drugs, patients should consult official shortage lists and seek assistance from pharmacists and physicians to ensure therapeutic continuity.