The Consumer Protection Act: Implications for medical practice

Abstract

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 68 of 2008, and the Regulations in terms thereof, became effective on 31 March 2011, and 1 April 2011, respectively. Potentially, the CPA has far-reaching implications for medical practice. Under the CPA, patients could be regarded as consumers, and medical practitioners as suppliers or service providers, depending on the context. Medical practitioners could also be regarded as consumers. However, when they practise in partnerships or incorporated companies, i.e. as juristic persons, and their turnover equals or exceeds R2 million, the CPA would not apply. This article briefly reviews some of the provisions of the CPA that could impact on medical practice.