RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The medical profession is categorized as a liberal profession. But what does this mean specifically for members of the profession? OBJECTIVES: What rights and obligations apply to a physician as a member of a liberal profession-and does this apply to all physicians? Or is membership of the liberal professions influenced by employment status? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Legislative and normative texts that shape the concept of liberal professions and its consequences are examined. RESULTS: The rights and obligations are not laid down jointly, but result from an interplay of various regulations and may vary for different professional groups. They are reflected in particular in professional law. CONCLUSION: Characteristics, rights, and duties of a liberal profession cannot be considered separately, but are mutually dependent.
