The Legal Status of Family Medicine: an Evaluation in the Context of Türkiye

Abstract

The family medicine system was officially implemented in 2004 with the enactment of Law No. 5258. The legal framework of the model has since been shaped by subsequent amendments and regulations. On the one hand, family physicians are considered public servants, subject to the rights and duties associated with public service. On the other hand, their responsibilities extend beyond medical practice, including obligations such as hiring staff, renting family health centers, and procurement of service- related resources, which positions them as employers. Family physicians are fully responsible for the expenses of family health centers, including building maintenance, cleaning, secretarial, and nursing services. In sum, the personal rights of family physicians, and their legal status regarding their obligations to employees are still unclear. Thus, the present study examines the legal framework of the family medicine system, the related legal uncertainties, and the resulting practical challenges. © 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.