Rayan FaroukPatient consent is not just paperwork. For clinic owners and doctors in the UAE, it is a legal requirement and a daily responsibility that directly affects patient trust, clinical safety, and business risk. When consent is handled properly, it protects your patients and your practice. When it is missed or poorly documented, it can create serious legal and operational problems.
In simple terms, informed consent means that the patient agrees to a treatment or procedure after clearly understanding what will be done, why it is needed, what the risks are, what other options exist, and how much it may cost. It is not enough for a patient to simply say “okay.” They must understand and agree willingly.
Any adult patient aged 18 or above is generally allowed to give their own consent. If the patient is a minor, consent must come from a parent or legal guardian. If the patient is not mentally or physically able to make decisions, consent must be taken from the next of kin or legal guardian. In emergency situations where delaying treatment could risk the patient’s life, doctors are allowed to proceed without consent, but the reason must be clearly documented in the medical record.
As a clinic owner or treating doctor, you should assume that consent is required for most procedures that carry risk. This includes surgeries, invasive procedures, treatments involving anesthesia or sedation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, blood transfusions, endoscopy, and many dental procedures. Telehealth services also require patient consent. In addition, if you plan to use patient photos, videos, or testimonials for marketing or social media, a separate written consent is mandatory and must not be mixed with clinical consent.
Consent can take different forms depending on the situation. Written consent is required for higher-risk procedures and offers the strongest legal protection. Verbal consent may be acceptable for low-risk treatments, while implied consent is understood when a patient cooperates with routine care. What matters most is that your clinic has clear rules on when each type is allowed and that your team follows them consistently.
For consent to be valid, it must be given freely, without pressure, and after the patient has received information in clear, simple language. Patients should be given enough time to read the consent form, ask questions, and think before signing. For elective procedures, consent is usually valid for up to 30 days as long as the patient’s condition does not change. If the diagnosis, treatment plan, or risks change, a new consent must be taken. Patients also have the right to refuse treatment or withdraw consent at any time, and this decision must be documented.
Documentation is where many clinics make mistakes. DHA requires consent forms to be available in both Arabic and English and stored in the patient’s medical record. Forms must be filled out clearly, without abbreviations, and signed by the patient, the treating doctor, and a witness when required. Electronic consent and electronic signatures are allowed, as long as the system is secure and traceable.
As a doctor, it is your responsibility to explain the treatment, risks, and alternatives and to make sure the patient truly understands. As a clinic owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your facility has clear consent policies, trained staff, and systems that support proper documentation. Using digital medical records helps reduce missed consents, lost forms, and compliance gaps.
Consent should not feel like a barrier to care. When done correctly, it improves communication, reduces disputes, and builds patient confidence in your clinic. Clear consent processes also protect your business during inspections, audits, and complaints.
At Balsam Medico, we see patient consent as part of good clinic management, not just regulation. Simple workflows, clear explanations, and proper documentation allow doctors to focus on care while clinics stay compliant and protected.
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