Doctor

Scope of activity

The holder of a license should contribute to the promotion of public health, in particular to the promotion of preventive healthcare among the population and to the observance of the principle of economic efficiency in healthcare, as well as to raising awareness of this principle among patients.

The practice of medicine includes

• The clarification and treatment of diseases injuries and other physical and mental health disorders;
• The examination and counseling of pregnant women and obstetrics;
• Examination and counseling to exclude and prevent illnesses;
• The use and prescription of remedies, the ordering of treatment by other healthcare professions in accordance with the Health Act as well as the issuing of medical certificates and the provision of medical reports.

Independent practice of the profession

• Subject to para. 3, the medical profession is exercised in the independent performance of the activities described in Art. 4.
• The medical profession is not practised independently if it is carried out within the framework of an employment relationship for training purposes under the supervision and guidance of a doctor working independently in teaching practices or healthcare facilities recognized by the government. The Medical Association must be consulted prior to recognition. The Medical Association draws up a list of teaching practices and recognized healthcare facilities
• The medical profession can be practiced independently as follows:
  (a) on a self-employed basis, i.e. in one's own name and for one's own account;
  b) as a partner in a medical association and at the same time an employee of the same; or
  c) in the context of an employment relationship for a self-employed doctor, for a medical association or for a healthcare institution.6

The independent practice of the medical profession requires authorization from the Office of Public Health, subject to Art. 45 to 49 of the Medical Practitioners Act.

The Medical Association must be consulted as part of the licensing procedure.

The license defines the authorized scope of activity. It is limited to the practice of the medical profession in the area of activity that corresponds to the doctor's training and further education.

Specialist aptitude/further training

The doctor may call himself a general practitioner or specialist if he can provide evidence of appropriate specialist training in accordance with the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act (Art. 7 para. 2) and the Medical Practitioners Ordinance.

Proof of professional qualification must be submitted in accordance with the Ordinance:

• A certificate of successful completion of specific training and further training (diplomas, examination certificates and other certificates of competence), and
• where necessary, a confirmation of employment or a reference with a detailed description of the nature and duration of the practical activity.

Special features

Minimum sum insured for liability:

CHF 3 million for non-surgical doctors
CHF 5 million for doctors practicing surgery

The practice of medicine may only commence after receipt of confirmation of entry in the list of doctors.

The doctors entered in the list are members of the Liechtenstein Medical Association. This is a corporation under public law, see www.aerztekammer.li

The granting of a license does not automatically require admission to compulsory health insurance. Information can be obtained from the Liechtenstein Health Insurance Association, see www.lkv.li

The operation of a practice pharmacy for the dispensing of medicines to patients requires a license from the Office of Public Health. The Office carries out periodic inspections. The measures are based on the provisions of the legislation on therapeutic products.