Doctor of Medicine

area of activity

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

The medical practice includes:

• The clarification and treatment of diseases, injuries and other physical and mental health disorders;
• The examination and counseling of pregnant women and obstetrics;
• The examination and consultation for the exclusion and prevention of diseases;
• The application and prescription of remedies, the ordering of treatment by other health professionals in accordance with the Health Act, as well as the issuance of medical certificates and the provision of medical expert opinions;

Self-responsible professional practice

• Subject to paragraph 3 The medical profession is exercised in autonomous execution of the activities circumscribed in Art. 4.
• The medical profession is not exercised on one's own responsibility if it is carried out within the framework of an employment relationship for training purposes under the supervision and guidance of a doctor of medicineworking on one's own responsibility in teaching practices or health care institutions recognized by the government. The Medical Association must be consulted prior to recognition. The Medical Association shall compile a list of teaching practices and recognized health care institutions
• The medical profession may be practiced independently as follows:
  (a) on a self-employed basis, that is, in one's own name and on one's own account;
  b) as a partner of a doctor's company and at the same time an employee of the same; or
  c) within the framework of an employment relationship for a freelance doctor of medicine, for a doctor's company or for a health care institution.

The independent practice of the medical profession requires a permit from the Office of Public Health, subject to Articles 45 to 49 of the Medical Act.

In the context of the licensing procedure, the Medical Association must be consulted.

The authorization circumscribes the approved scope of practice. It is limited to the practice of the medical profession in that field of activity which corresponds to the completed training and continuing education of the the doctor of medicine.

Professional qualification/further training

A doctor of medicinemay call himself a general practitioner or a specialist if he can prove that he has undergone appropriate further specialist training in accordance with the provisions of the Medical Act (Art. 7, para. 2) and the Medical Ordinance.

In order to prove professional qualification, the following must be submitted in accordance with the Medical Ordinance:

• A certificate of successful completion of specific education and training (diplomas, examination certificates and other evidence of qualification), and
• If required, a certificate of employment or an employment reference with a detailed account of the variety and duration of the practical activity.

Special features

Minimum sum of the professional indemnity insurance:

CHF 3 million for non-surgically active doctors of medicine
CHF 5 million for surgically active doctors of medicine

The medical practice may only be started after the confirmed of registration on the list of doctors of medicine.

Those doctors of medicine on the list are members of the Liechtenstein Medical Association. This is a corporation under public law, see www.aerztekammer.li

A permit does not automatically require admission to the compulsory health insurance scheme. Information is available from the Liechtenstein Health Insurance Association, see www.lkv.li

The operation of a retail pharmacy for dispensing drugs to patients requires a permit from the Medical Products Control Agency. The Agency periodically conducts operational inspections. The measures are based on the provisions of the Therapeutic Products Legislation.