SCFHS Affirms That Adherence to Healthcare Professional Ethics Is a Professional and Regulatory Obligation
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) affirmed that adherence to healthcare professional ethics is neither merely advisory guidance nor a professional choice, but rather an inherent professional and regulatory obligation. Such adherence is closely linked to professional registration, classification, and membership, as well as to healthcare practitioners’ duty to uphold public trust and protect beneficiaries from practices that may involve misleading information or scientifically or professionally unsubstantiated claims.
The Commission emphasized that all healthcare practitioners are required to comply with the provisions of the Health Professions Practice Law and its Implementing Regulations, the Code of Ethics for Healthcare Practitioners, the Foundations of Healthcare Professional Ethics, and other professional and ethical guidelines and documents issued or approved by the Commission. It noted that the Implementing Regulations of the Health Professions Practice Law provide for the application of the Code of Ethics for Healthcare Practice and other Commission-approved guidelines to healthcare practitioners. The Commission’s Membership Regulations also require active members to adhere to the Healthcare Practitioner Code of Ethics.
The Commission further stressed that presenting medical and healthcare experiences, claims, or developments to the public must be grounded in established scientific principles and comply with approved professional and regulatory standards. Such matters should be discussed and scientifically evaluated through appropriate channels, including scientific conferences and seminars, academic and training settings, and specialized professional platforms. This is essential to prevent misleading beneficiaries, influencing their healthcare decisions, or undermining public trust in healthcare practitioners and the healthcare professions.
The Commission explained that breaches of professional ethics may subject healthcare practitioners to the applicable regulatory and disciplinary measures, including those falling within the jurisdiction of the Committee for Considering Violations by Active Members, in accordance with the Commission’s Membership Regulations. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation and the circumstances surrounding it, such measures may include referral for professional assessment, suspension of active membership, or revocation of active membership.
The Commission affirmed that it will take the necessary regulatory measures against any professional practices or conduct that contravene applicable laws, regulations, professional codes, and ethical standards. These efforts aim to enhance the safety of healthcare practice, uphold the dignity of the profession, and safeguard public trust in healthcare practitioners.