Poland's 'Lex Szarlatan' medical misinformation bill faces Senate debate

Poland is reviving the draft law known as "Lex Szarlatan", aimed at curbing pseudomedical practices and protecting patients from unproven therapies. The Senate's Health Committee will resume work on the amendment to the Patients' Rights Act, with a full plenary vote expected later in the week.

Opponents, including some coalition MPs, naturopaths, herbalists, farmers and a number of scientists, warn that the bill's language is vague and could penalise legitimate alternative‑medicine providers. Critics point to proposed fines of up to 1 million zloty and expanded powers for the Patient Ombudsman. Over 3,000 signatures have been gathered in a petition urging President Karol Nawrocki to veto the legislation, while anti‑vaccine and homeopathic groups intensify their protests.