Criminal liability for improper delegation of medical duties from an ethical and legal perspective.

Keywords: Delegation of authority, right to health, care, preventive medicine, responsibility, (UNESCO Thesaurus)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the legal and ethical implications of this practice, highlighting the need to strengthen the legal awareness of medical personnel. Methodologically, the study was conducted using a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory, and documentary approach. The results and legal analysis warn that Ecuadorian law punishes doctors for improper delegation, but equally unfairly subjects interns who do not have a medical degree to criminal punishment, in many cases due to circumstances beyond their control that lead them to make mistakes. In conclusion, the legal training of healthcare professionals is essential to prevent the normalization of behaviors that constitute crimes and violate basic human rights. Similarly, bioethics tells us that healthcare is a matter of trust and care. Finally, there is a need to promote a model that includes prevention and shared responsibility.

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Published
2025-10-01
How to Cite
Manzano-Merchán, L., & Álvarez-Pacheco, J. (2025). Criminal liability for improper delegation of medical duties from an ethical and legal perspective. CIENCIAMATRIA, 11(3), 682-702. https://doi.org/10.35381/cm.v11i3.1851
Section
De Investigación