Poland's Senate backs controversial ‘lex szarlatan’ law targeting pseudomedical practices

The Polish parliament approved a bill, dubbed “lex szarlatan,” that seeks to criminalise pseudomedical practices. The Senate passed the measure with amendments, sending it back to the Sejm for a final vote before it can reach the president’s desk. If signed, the law could take effect within three months.

The legislation expands the authority of the Patient Rights Ombudsman, allowing public warnings, temporary orders to halt dangerous activities, and participation in civil proceedings. It also introduces fines of up to 1 million zł for violations and up to 100 000 zł for non‑cooperation with the ombudsman. The law defines prohibited practices as health services performed by non‑medical professionals that risk injury or death, or that mislead patients about diagnostic or therapeutic value.

Critics, including the Coalition for Natural, Traditional and Complementary Medicine, have called the bill a “Lex Big Pharma,” arguing it threatens millions of Poles who use alternative therapies and thousands of related businesses.