ABSTRACT
The concept of 'accountability' is one which is familiar to all health professionals. It is a word that they all know and use and forms part of their working day vocabulary. Accountability has been put into its legal context. In a legal context, there is no distinction between responsibility and accountability. Responsibility can be defined as being accountable for, answerable for or liable to be called to account. Health professionals are accountable to society for issues that are in the public interest. When dealing with accountability to society the discharge of such accountability rests with the criminal courts. The criminal court acts in public interest; prosecutor derives no benefit. Criminal proceedings are brought against an individual. Any criminal conviction is automatically reported to the professional body of a health professional. Professional bodies regulate health professionals. Health professionals are accountable to the patient or client. Health professionals are answerable to their employer and this may result in disciplinary action with sanctions.
