title: [Legal aspects of prevention. The constitutional principle of optimal health protection].
abstract: With respect to the health services, a State founded upon the rule of law is in duty bound to act with restraint. Its aim should be to guarantee that public health is maintained in optimal fashion. For this purpose it must endeavour to exert an effective influence on environmental factors. The three main categories of activity with which the health services are concerned, i.e. protection of health, promotion of health, and health care should be governed by the principles inherent in a State based upon the rule of law. As regards preventive measures, this means that the State has to shape the environment and society in such a way as to meet the requirements of a modern system for the protection of public health, its objective in this context being to eliminate or minimise health risks. A rational government programme for the promotion of public health must also be designed to promote a more health-conscious pattern of behaviour in the population at large and to encourage those citizens requiring treatment to invoke the aid of the health care services without delay.
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004782:Environmental Health; D006076:Government; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012926:Social Control, Formal
vernacular_title: Rechtliche Aspekte der Prävention. Das rechtsstaatliche Prinzip optimaler Gesundheitssicherung.