English abstract
Health is a recognized basic human right. Healthcare practice is a legally regulated activity in modern era. Both law and medicine share an interest in protecting the human body. Hence, Omani legislator has been paying careful attention over the last half a century to regulate healthcare practice. This article attempts to shed a light on the recently enacted Royal Decree 75/2019 promulgating the Law on the Governance of the Practice of Medicine and Allied Health Professions. The article starts with a brief overview of the development of primary legislation for the governance of medical activities in Oman. Thereafter, the discussion involves a descriptive and analytic assessment of the Royal Decree 75/2019 under nine headings. First, assessment starts with an outline of the legislative drafting structure characteristic of the new law. Second, a discussion on the general features characterizing the enacted law. Third, an analytical assessment of the definitions listed in the law. Fourth, the article discusses principles of governance of medical and allied healthcare practice in healthcare institutions. Fifth to seventh headings involve discussions on general, professional, and technical legal commitments of medical and allied health practitioners. Eighth, an overview of the rights of medical and allied healthcare practitioners as described in the law. Ninth, a discussion on the legal regulation of medical errors according to Royal Decree 75/2019. The article concludes with some recommendations to further strengthen the governance of medical and allied healthcare practice in Oman.
