Transport of Patients with Multi-Drug Resistent Pathogens -An Unclear Legal Situation

摘要

An unclear legal position and indiscriminately used terms and definitions often cause confusion with regard to the admissibility of transporting people with multi-drug resistant pathogens in taxis or hired cars. Although in many administrative directives the transport of patients with multi-drug resistant pathogens in such vehicles is regarded as unproblematic, German courts and a large number of municipal authorities believe that the transportation of patients with multi-drug resistant pathogens must be left with the rescue services. Though harmless for a healthy person contact with multi-drug resistant pathogens represent a serious threat to ill and infirm people which can be reduced by suitable preventive measures carried out by specialist staff in specially equipped transporters. Hence, a critical examination of the current decree by the regulatory authorities would be desirable taking into account the relevant case law and epidemic aspects.