In brief
Governs licensing to practise health professions, practitioners' duties, professional liability and medical error and compensation, the Sharia Health Panel, and penalties.
Summary of the law
Key points
- Any professional health error that harms a patient obliges the practitioner to compensate, as assessed by the Sharia Health Panel; examples include treatment errors and inadequate follow-up (Article 27).
- The public-right claim is not heard a year after the error became known (Article 37), so do not delay the complaint.
- Practising without a licence or using a health title falsely: up to six months and SAR 100,000, or either (Article 28).
An advisory summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm. It is not an official text and does not replace the law, its implementing regulations, or advice from a specialised lawyer. The official published text and its amendments prevail.
What it covers
- Licensing
- Practitioner's duties
- Malpractice and compensation
- Sharia Health Panel and penalties
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/59 · 4/11/1426H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .