Legal Implications Of Telemedicine In Saudi Arabia: Recommendations For Reform

Abstract

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a legislative revolution as part of its sweeping economic and social reform blueprint known as Vision 2030. The Ministry of Health aims to achieve its target of Vision 2030 by developing the health sector and establishing telemedicine to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. However, the gaps and lack of legal clarity relating to telemedicine threaten its advancement and hinder the practice from reaching its potential. Making legal changes and enacting robust regulations will protect patients’ rights and gain their trust when using telemedicine. This dissertation analyzes the current laws and regulations of traditional medical practice and discusses the application of these legal principles to telemedicine, focusing on the following areas: the treatment relationship, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, medical liability, physician licensure, and medical device regulations. The dissertation concludes with proposed legal reforms for the gaps identified in the current health legal system.