Patient Consent & Medical Records
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions.
UAE Federal Law
What is this right?
UAE law protects your right to control your medical decisions and access your health records:
- Informed consent: Before any medical procedure, your doctor must explain the diagnosis, proposed treatment, risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes in language you understand. You must give written consent.
- Right to refuse: You can refuse any treatment, even if your doctor recommends it. Your refusal must be documented.
- Emergency exception: In life-threatening emergencies where you cannot consent (unconscious or incapacitated), doctors can proceed with necessary treatment to save your life.
- Medical records access: You have the right to access your complete medical records and obtain copies. Hospitals cannot refuse this request.
- Confidentiality: Your medical information is strictly confidential. Healthcare providers cannot share it without your consent, except when required by law (e.g., reporting communicable diseases).
When does it apply?
- You are receiving any medical treatment in the UAE — from a routine check-up to surgery.
- You want to access or transfer your medical records.
- This applies at all licensed healthcare facilities — hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and specialist centres.
What should you do?
- Ask questions — do not sign consent forms until you understand what you are agreeing to.
- Request a translator if the doctor cannot explain the procedure in your language.
- To get your medical records, submit a written request to the hospital's medical records department.
- If a provider refuses to release your records, file a complaint with the health authority (DHA, DOH, or MOH).
What should you NOT do?
- Do not sign blank consent forms — all details of the procedure should be filled in before you sign.
- Do not assume a family member can consent on your behalf — only a legal guardian or court-appointed representative can, unless you are incapacitated.
- Do not share your medical records with third parties without understanding why they need them.
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