Utilization of Medical Records as Legal Evidence in Medical Disputes : Effectiveness, Challenges, and Solutions at Sari Mutiara Lubuk Pakam Hospital

Abstract

Medical record have a strategic role not only as administrative and clinical instruments in health services, but also as legal evidence in the settlement of medical disputes between patients, helat workers, and hospitals. The enactment of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health introduces a new paradigm in medical record management, particularly related to strengthening the health information system, digitalization of medical record, protection of patien personal data, and legal certainty in proving medical disputes. However in practice, the use of medical records as legal evidence still faces various obstacles, including incomplete documentation, differences between manual and electronic record systems, weak data authentication mechanisms, and limited understanding of health workers regarding the legal aspects of medical records. This study aims to analyze th effectiveness of medical records as evidence in medical disputes at Sari Mutiara Lubuk Pakam Hospital, to identify juridica and technical obstacles in their implementation, and to formulate relevant normative solutions within the framework of the latest health law, particularly Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health. The research method used is a normative juridical approach supported by an empirical juridical approach through literature study and supporting data obtained from Sari Mutiara Lubuk Pakam Hospital. The results of this study are expected to provide theoretical and practical contributions in strengthening the position of medical records as valid, authentic, and effective legal evidence in resolving medical disputes in the era of national health system transformation.