Introduction and objective:
The aim of the article is to provide a systematic analysis of the legal framework and various forms of responsibility of the manager of a healthcare facility in Poland in the context of patient rights. It emphasises that effective management in this area is not only a matter of compliance with the law, but is also a fundamental factor determining the health outcomes of the population.

Material and methods:
The study is based on interdisciplinary methodology integrating legal analysis, public health, and healthcare management. Sources included legal acts, case law, and scholarly literature from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, selected through key word searches. Methods of analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction, and critical analysis of factual and legal contexts were employed. The study also includes participant observation from the authors’ experience, enabling comparison of legal norms with healthcare practice and international approaches.

Results:
The analysis reveals that healthcare facility managers bear diverse legal responsibilities (civil, criminal, and disciplinary) arising from key regulations, such as the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Patient Ombudsman and the Act on Medical Activity. Organizational culture, internal policy, and teamwork fundamentally influence patient rights, safety, and positive patient experiences, which are crucial for public health. The crucial supervisory role of the Patient Ombudsman is also emphasized.

Conclusions:
Effective management implemented by healthcare facility managers, based on a thorough understanding of patient rights and their systemic responsibilities, is crucial for creating a high-quality, safe and patient-centred healthcare environment. This directly contributes to improved public health and increased resilience of the healthcare system.