Poland's 'Lex Szarlatan' Patient Rights Bill Faces Legal and Scientific Criticism

The Polish Sejm has approved an amendment known as “Lex Szarlatan” to the law governing patients' rights and the Patient Rights Ombudsman. The reform would give the Ombudsman broad powers to issue public warnings, temporary orders, block activities and impose fines on any practice judged to lie outside “current medical knowledge”, with the aim of curbing pseudomedicine and fraudulent therapies.

Lawyers such as Arkadiusz Tetela and scientists from Krosno have warned that the bill lacks a precise definition of “current medical knowledge”, places quasi‑judicial authority in an administrative office, and raises conflict‑of‑interest concerns because the Ombudsman is a legal professional rather than an independent scientific body. The scientists have signed a “Letter of Scientists” addressed to the Senate, urging rejection of the bill or, if it reaches the President, a referral to the Constitutional Tribunal or a veto.

The amendment now moves to the Senate for further debate before requiring the President’s signature. Critics are demanding full disclosure of the drafting process, the advisors involved, and safeguards to prevent arbitrary decisions.