Poland's Lex Szarlatan law awaits presidential decision

The proposed amendment to the Patient Rights and Patient Rights Ombudsman Act, colloquially known as ‘Lex Szarlatan’, is currently awaiting a decision from President Karol Nawrocki. The legislation aims to empower the Patient Rights Ombudsman to combat medical disinformation and pseudomedical practices through tools such as public warnings, temporary injunctions, and significant financial penalties reaching up to one million PLN.

Medical organizations, including the Polish Medical Chamber, support the bill as a necessary measure to address practitioners who use unverified methods. However, the legislation faces criticism from various sectors. The Polish Craft Association has expressed concerns regarding imprecise definitions of ‘pseudomedical practice’ and ‘medical disinformation,’ suggesting they could lead to legal uncertainty for legitimate herbalists and naturopaths.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Health is seeking to tighten oversight of the dietary supplement market. This proposal includes increasing maximum fines and streamlining procedures for the Main Sanitary Inspectorate. Industry groups, including the Confederation Lewiatan, have voiced opposition to these changes, citing concerns over disproportionate penalties, the exclusion of administrative procedure codes, and insufficient time for compliance.