Khaleej Times, Thursday, Mar 16, 2023 | Sha'ban 24, 1444
UAE passes draft law banning personal advertising for medical professionals
Emirates:
Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) approved a draft law that
prohibits medical professionals in the country (except doctors and pharmacists)
from publishing any personal advertising materials, or direct or indirect
advertisements promoting themselves on any media platform.
The new law, which was issued unanimously by the members during their recent
meeting, aims to regulate the practice of the health profession, protect society
from illegal practices, and lay the standards necessary for practising the
health profession, in order to achieve the best health services for the UAE
community.
Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) approved a draft law that
prohibits medical professionals in the country (except doctors and pharmacists)
from publishing any personal advertising materials, or direct or indirect
advertisements promoting themselves on any media platform.
The new law, which was issued unanimously by the members during their recent
meeting, aims to regulate the practice of the health profession, protect society
from illegal practices, and lay the standards necessary for practising the
health profession, in order to achieve the best health services for the UAE
community.
Other requirements includes performing their duties as required by the health
profession accurately, honestly, and according to recognised scientific and
technical principles, in a way that guarantees the necessary care for the
patient. They must not exploit the patient’s need to obtain unlawful benefits
for themselves or others, and must preserve the dignity and honour of their
profession. They must also communicate and cooperate with other workers in the
field of their profession.
According to the law, a medical practitioner must also adhere to the Ministry of
Health and Prevention’s Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct, record patient
information accurately, informs the attending physician of information related
to the patient within the limits of his competence, maintains the tools and
devices he or she uses or entrusts to them and must report any malfunction.
The healthcare professional must also deal with all patients with respect and
without discrimination.
The federal draft law on the practice of some health professions for non-doctors
and pharmacists warned health professionals of four cases that may expose them
to the cancelling of licenses authorizing them to practice the profession.
These include failure to abide by any of the licensing conditions, the issuance
of a final disciplinary decision to revoke the license, the issuance of a final
judgement prohibiting a healthcare professional from practising their
profession, and finally not practising the health profession for the period
specified by the executive regulations of this law.