1715 Act for the Administration of Guild Hospitals

The 1715 Act for the Administration of Guild Hospitals was proposed to the Chamber of Guilds and Corporations by the Unified Governorates delegation of the Nationalist and Humanist Party on 23.XV.1715 AN.

Article 1 - Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to establish a framework for the administration and regulation of Guild Hospitals in the Benacian Union, as established under the Act Relating to Public Health. A Guild Hospital shall be established in every bailiwick of the Benacian Union. These hospitals shall be accessible to all persons enrolled in the guilds of Benacia, as well as to public employees and their dependents.

Article 2 - Authority over Guild Hospitals

Ultimate authority over Guild Hospitals shall rest with the bailiff and the court of aldermen in each bailiwick of the Benacian Union. The bailiff and court of aldermen shall have the power to appoint the governing board of each Guild Hospital and to approve the hospital's budget.

Article 3 - Regulation of Guild Hospitals

Regulation of Guild Hospitals shall be the responsibility of the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and the Civil Executive in each realm of the Benacian Union. The Commissioner and Civil Executive shall have the power to inspect Guild Hospitals and to enforce compliance with the provisions of this Act and any other relevant laws and regulations.

Article 4 - Governance of Guild Hospitals

The governing board of each Guild Hospital shall be responsible for the management and operation of the hospital. The board shall consist of at least five members, including the hospital's chief physician, a representative of the guilds, and a representative of the bailiff and court of aldermen.

Article 5 - Financing

Guild Hospitals shall be financed through the membership fees and contributions of those enrolled in the guilds of Benacia, as well as through the contributions of the Civil Executives of the realms and the Benacian Union for public employees. In addition, Guild Hospitals may seek funding from other sources, including private donations and grants, subject to the approval of the bailiff and court of aldermen.

Article 6 - Services Provided

Guild Hospitals shall provide a range of medical services to their patients, including primary care, specialist care, and emergency care. Guild Hospitals shall also provide preventative healthcare services, such as vaccination programs and public health education initiatives.

Article 7 - Quality of Care

Guild Hospitals shall be required to maintain high standards of care for their patients. To ensure the quality of care provided, Guild Hospitals shall be subject to regular inspections by the relevant realm's Commissioner for Internal Affairs and the Civil Executive. Any deficiencies identified during inspections shall be addressed promptly by the hospital's governing board.

Article 8 - Patient Rights

Guild Hospitals shall respect the rights of their patients, including the right to informed consent, the right to privacy, and the right to access medical records. Guild Hospitals shall also provide interpretation services for patients who do not speak the dominant language of the bailiwick.

Article 9 - Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising between patients and Guild Hospitals shall be resolved through the court of aldermen in the relevant bailiwick. The decision of the court shall be final.

Article 10 - Penalties

Guild Hospitals that fail to comply with the provisions of this Act or any other relevant laws and regulations may be subject to penalties, including fines, revocation of their operating license, and criminal charges for those responsible for the non-compliance.

Article 11 - Amendment and Repeal

This Act may be amended or repealed by the Chamber of Guilds and Corporations of the Benacian Union, provided that any such amendment or repeal is in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the Benacian Union and the Union Covenant.

Article 12 - Effective Date

This Act shall come into effect on the date of its publication in the official gazette of the Benacian Union.