Q COSTARICA — If the patient’s life or health is not at risk, hospitalized patients may be temporarily discharged from public healthcare facilities to vote.
This was established by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) through a mechanism that allows for the temporary discharge of hospitalized patients so they can exercise their right to vote this Sunday, February 1st.
The measure was formalized through a directive sent to the medical directors of hospitals, which emphasizes that voting is a constitutional right and that it is the responsibility of the public administration to create the necessary conditions for it to be exercised, even in hospital settings.
The CCSS Medical Manager, Alexander Sánchez Cabo, indicated that temporary discharge will only be possible when the attending physician determines that the discharge does not compromise the patient’s clinical condition or jeopardize their recovery process.
As part of the procedure, each hospital must keep a written record of the decision. The document will include the patient’s explicit statement of intent to vote, the corresponding medical authorization, and a commitment to return to the health center to continue treatment. This documentation must be added to the patient’s medical record.
The guidelines also address exceptional situations.
In cases where there is no medical authorization due to the risk involved in leaving the hospital, but the patient insists on going out to vote, the request must be analyzed individually, according to their health status, and could be classified as a required leave.
Regarding transportation logistics, the CCSS clarifies that travel from the hospital to the polling place and back must be coordinated with family members or people close to the patient, as the CCSS will not assume this responsibility.