Review of the doctor-patient relationship: a perspective from the general rules of the Civil Law

The General Rules of the Civil Law of the People′s Republic of China(hereinafter the General Rules)shall officially come into effect as of July 1 of 2017.In this consideration, the paper probed into the legal attributes of the doctor-patient relationship in China in view of the relationship management in line with the General Rules.Also analyzed are the basic principles to be observed by both parties as regulated by the General Rules and patient rights protection.These efforts aim at elevating China′s medical service, protecting legitimate rights of both parties, and encourage a healthy and harmonious doctor-patient relationship. Key words: General Rules of the Civil Law; Doctor-patient relationship; Legal relationship; Civil capacity