The Official Journal for College of Law and Political Science, Alnoor University

The impact of technological development on patients’ rights and medical civil liability in contemporary legislation

Volume 3, 2.S
Special Issue from Conference Proceedings 2026
Spring 2026
Pages 55-64

Document Type : Conference Article

Author

College of Law / Knowledge University – Erbil

Abstract
In recent decades, the healthcare sector has witnessed tremendous technological advancements that have fundamentally altered the nature of the patient-physician relationship and directly impacted patients' rights and the liability of healthcare providers. This research aims to explore the effect of technological development on essential patient rights, such as the right to privacy, informed consent, and the confidentiality of medical information. It also examines whether contemporary legislation is sufficient to address these changes. The study further analyzes the concept of medical civil liability in light of the growing use of smart devices, artificial intelligence, and electronic health records. It investigates the legal challenges arising from technical errors or cybersecurity breaches. Using a comparative analytical approach, the research reviews selected Arab and international legal systems and relevant judicial precedents to assess the effectiveness of current legal frameworks in protecting patient rights and defining liability in cases of malpractice. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing legislative frameworks to align with the new technological landscape. It proposes legal safeguards and regulatory mechanisms to ensure a balanced relationship between technological advancement and human rights in healthcare.

Keywords

  • Receive Date 01 March 2026
  • Revise Date 20 March 2026
  • Accept Date 19 April 2026
  • Publish Date 20 June 2026