In Romania, throughout the Middle Ages and up until the end of the 18th century, the main location of caring for the mentally ill were the churches (at first, the infirmary, the asylums). The infirmaries adopted the Vasiliada model of organizing, inspired by the principles of Christian charity and Byzantine legislation. As late as 1892, a law was passed that stipulated the establishing of two psychiatric hospitals, one in Moldavia and the other one in Walachia. The efforts made by Romania for establishing a modern legal framework, matching European standards, were considerable, and were carried out throughout roughly half a century. The first law regarding the insane in Romania was passed in 1894, legislation that comprised the most important elements of medical bioethics, that still remain valid to this day: the respect for the person and life, protecting the vulnerable or those of limited autonomy, and a concern for justice and equity.