What does the DOH Patient Consent Standard ask of a clinic?

Every DOH-licensed facility and its workforce must take consent properly and record it, under the Patient Consent Standard, version 1, in effect since February 2025. Record what was explained, in which language, and when the patient agreed.

Who it applies to

The standard applies to all DOH licensed healthcare facilities and workforce.¹ It sits with DOH's other standards and policies, including its AI policy, which is listed on the same policies page.²

1. Explain in the patient's language. Arabic, English or the language they speak.
2. Record the discussion. What was explained, the risks and the alternatives.
3. Record the agreement. When, and who took it.
4. Keep it with the visit. On the same record as the note.

1. Procedure or treatment ______
2. Language used ______
3. Explained by ______ on ______
4. Risks and alternatives discussed ______
5. Patient agreed on ______

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Questions

When did the standard take effect?

February 2025.

Does it apply to every facility?

To all DOH licensed healthcare facilities and their workforce.

Can consent be in Arabic?

Consent should be explained in a language the patient understands, and recorded.

Sources

1. 1Department of Health Abu Dhabi, 2024Patient Consent Standard, version 1Read source
2. 2Department of Health Abu Dhabi, 2026PoliciesRead source

Written by the wai team from Department of Health Abu Dhabi guidance, checked on 15 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. DOH does not endorse wai or any software.