In this Law, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned thereto, unless the context requires otherwise:

• Healthcare Professional: Any person licensed to practice a healthcare profession, including the following categories: physicians, dentists, pharmacists, healthcare technicians (in radiology, nursing, anesthesia, laboratories, pharmacy, optics, epidemiology, artificial limbs, physiotherapy, dental care and prosthodontics, tomography, nuclear medicine, laser equipment, and surgery), psychologists and social workers, dieticians and public health specialists, midwifery, paramedics, speech therapists and audiologists, occupational rehabilitation and therapy, mediocre physics, and other health professions to be agreed upon by the Minister of Health, the Minister of Civil Service, and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

• Minister: Minister of Health.

• Ministry: Ministry of Health.

• Commission: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

A. It is prohibited to practice any healthcare profession without a license from the Ministry.

B. Licensing for the practice of a healthcare profession shall be subject to the following conditions:

• 1. Obtaining the qualification required for the profession from any college of medicine, pharmacy, applied medical sciences, or health, or from a health institute, or any other qualifications required for the practice of healthcare professions recognized by the Commission, or obtaining a degree from abroad recognized by the Commission.

• 2. Completing the mandatory internship period required for the profession in question and being medically fit.

• 3. Registering with the Commission in accordance with its registration requirements.

• 4. Not being previously convicted of an offense impinging upon honor or integrity, unless rehabilitated.

C. Employment in healthcare professions at government agencies shall be deemed a license to practice the profession in said agencies; subject to the prior registration with the Commission.

1. The license term for practicing a healthcare profession shall be determined by the Implementing Regulations of this Law. Any person who ceases to practice for two consecutive years – for purposes other than studying or training in the profession – may resume practice only after renewal of the relevant license.

2. Rules for the recruitment, registration, and licensing of foreign visiting physicians shall be set forth in the Implementing Regulations.

Based on dictates of public interest, the Minister may restrict licensing to practice any of the professions set forth in this Law to Saudi nationals only.

Healthcare professionals shall serve to the best interest of individuals and the society within the framework of respecting the right of humans to life, safety, and dignity, and shall observe the customs and traditions prevailing in the Kingdom, and eschew exploitation.

A healthcare professional shall cooperate with the competent authorities in performing his duties towards safeguarding and preventing hazards to public health in times of war and peace.

A. A healthcare professional shall improve his knowledge and keep abreast of scientific advances and new discoveries in his field. Managements of healthcare facilities shall facilitate his attendance of seminars and courses in accordance with the conditions specified by the Commission.

B. A healthcare professional may not use methods of diagnosis and treatment that are unestablished scientifically or prohibited in the Kingdom.