The Latvian Ministry of Health (VM) has reached an agreement with the Latvian Medical Association (LĀB) to explore financial options for establishing a Disciplinary Council under the association. This initiative, communicated to the media after a meeting, seeks to address the need for clear and fair procedures for dealing with breaches of ethics and professional conduct among healthcare workers, including but not limited to doctors. A representative from LĀB emphasized the importance of establishing a defined system of accountability in these matters.

The proposed Disciplinary Council would have the authority to impose appropriate penalties, which could include the suspension of a healthcare professional’s certification. Such a suspension would effectively halt the individual's right to practice their profession for a specified duration. This measure underscores the gravity of maintaining ethical standards within the medical community and ensuring that offenses are dealt with seriously and impartially.

LĀB has indicated that the professional conduct and errors of physicians cannot be equated with violations of traffic regulations, where a simple fine suffices. The complexities of medical ethics require a nuanced evaluation by professionals trained in such matters, highlighting the need for this proposed council to determine the appropriate levels of disciplinary responsibility depending on the severity of the breaches.