Palliative care in legal regulations on health in Argentina

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The integration of palliative care (PC) into health laws, programs and budgets is one of the facilitators of effective access to such care. The objective was to identify the legal norms in force in Argentina at national and provincial levels related to PC to determine how such integration is fulfilled. METHODS: The norms were surveyed through the legal search engines of the country and the information in relation to health regulations, programs and budgets was systematized. RESULTS: A total of 125 regulations related to PC were found (26 at the national level and 89 at the provincial level). At the national level, from 2002 PCs were included in health coverage, in 2012 they were recognized as a right, and in 2022 law 27678 was enacted, which considers PCs as a model of care, promotes access to medicines and the professional training. At the provincial level, there has been legislation since 1999 for the creation of PC programs and from 2022 the adherence to the national law began. As of May 31, 2023, six provinces had adhered to law 27678. DISCUSSION: There was a growing incorporation of PC in Argentine regulations, recognized as a right and as a model of care. Law 27678 means a turning point, although it requires provincial adherence. The existence of regulations does not mean the implementation of services or access to medicines, but it is a relevant facilitating element.