Bundestag resolves reform of intensive care

Hanna Helder studied German language and literature at the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg. In addition to her studies, she has gained a lot of experience in radio and print journalism through internships and freelance work. She has been at the Burda School of Journalism since October 2018 and writes, among other things, as a trainee for

More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.

Better special care for thousands of patients and the question: Where are they best looked after? The Bundestag has passed new regulations for intensive care.

For the intensive care of seriously ill people - for example with artificial ventilation - there are new quality specifications to ensure a high standard of care. A law by Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU), which the Bundestag passed on Thursday evening, aims at this.

“Those in need of intensive care should be able to be cared for where it is best for them. That mustn't be a question of the wallet, ”said Spahn. Therefore, binding quality standards for intensive care at home are now being laid down. In addition, intensive care in inpatient facilities is "finally affordable".

Intensive care at home too

It is envisaged that out-of-hospital intensive care can generally be provided in nursing homes and homes for the disabled, residential units and also “in one's own home”. "The legitimate wishes of the insured must be met," says the law. SPD parliamentary group vice-president Bärbel Bas emphasized: "If a person is well cared for at home, then that will also be possible in the future."

Regular review of the supply

According to the law, on behalf of the health insurance companies, the medical services should carry out direct assessments on site to check annually whether the medical and nursing care is ensured. Only specially qualified doctors are allowed to prescribe out-of-hospital intensive care. They are only allowed to take on quality-checked care services.

In order not to let a placement in an inpatient facility fail because of money, those in need of intensive care should be relieved of their own contributions to a large extent. Spahn also emphasized: "We oblige hospitals and nursing homes to wean their patients from artificial ventilation, if possible." For example, an attempt to wean them should be made before discharge from the hospital - for this, hospitals should receive additional remuneration as an incentive.

Criticism: Too little protection for the rights of those affected

The German Foundation for Patient Protection criticized that the law still deeply encroaches on the rights of those affected. "Furthermore, the medical service has too much leeway in the question of whether the quality of care is good or bad," said board member Eugen Brysch. In order to prevent criminal structures and abuse in intensive care, a uniform patient number and focus public prosecutor's offices are also necessary. (hh / dpa)

Tags:  prevention smoking menshealth