News date: 24 January 2025
On 17 January 2025, Alla Tsymanovska, Ilyashev & Partners’ Attorney at Law, held a seminar on “Legal Aspects of Podologists’ Activities: Contractual Relations, Interaction with Patients & Liability” for the public organisation Association of Podologists of Ukraine.
During her lecture, Alla Tsymanovska discussed the proper maintenance of medical records and the development of medical service contracts.
Podologists are health care providers who are involved in cosmetology or preventative medicine, but they are not doctors. Client interaction should be based on this understanding. The preparation of a contract for the provision of services and informed consent are essential for podologists. These documents should contain a detailed description of the services, deadlines, potential risks and deliverables. This allows transparency in client relations and avoids misunderstandings.
Alla Tsymanovska noted that there can be civil, administrative, and criminal liability for said specialists. Liability may result from harming a client, failing to perform obligations under the contract, or operating a business without registering a business entity.
A special emphasis was placed on handling complaints from patients and preventing conflicts, including formal, written, and oral communication with patients to resolve conflicts, and mediation to resolve conflicts before trial.
“Descriptions of the services and their scope in the contract for the provision of services will help limit liability for circumstances beyond the podologist’s control. The parties’ rights and obligations, including contract termination terms, should be clearly stated. Mediation and negotiation can help resolve conflicts amicably, settle disputes, avoid public conflicts, and maintain patients’ trust. When situations become disputable, it is best to involve a legal adviser,” Alla Tsymanovska said.
The Association of Podologists of Ukraine is a professional organization of foot care specialists in Ukraine with over 200 members. The organization aims to include the title “Podologist” in the National Classifier of Occupations and standardize legislative approaches to the field.