The Israeli law of freedom of information 1998 - Implications with respect to the healthcare system.

The right of the Israeli public to get information from state authorities has been based until recently only on Israeli Supreme Court rulings. In 1998, a Law of Freedom of Information was enacted. The new Law tries to follow the rulings of the Israeli Supreme Court regarding freedom of information, in establishing substantive statutory arrangements. However, in the context of the healthcare system, many major issues have never been dealt with by the Supreme Court. The general provisions of the Law also do not regard the special character of the Israeli healthcare system. These factors, as well as the fact that the Law creates a new procedural mechanism for dealing with requests for information may lead to some major changes in the legal situation and the health authorities' behavior. This article tries to assess the most significant implications of the new Law in relation to the Israeli healthcare system.