Kuwait issues new bylaw to regulate private mental health facilities
In its announcement, the Ministry of Health stated that the bylaw aligns with ongoing efforts to raise the quality of psychological care services within the private healthcare sector, while also enhancing safety standards and promoting sound professional practices.
Facility requirements: Facilities providing psychological treatment and consultation services are required to meet a comprehensive set of technical and professional standards. The location of these units and complexes must be suitable and easily accessible to ensure convenience for patients. Additionally, each facility must be equipped with treatment rooms that adhere to approved technical specifications. Secure storage areas must also be allocated for patient records to guarantee the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Professional qualifications: All healthcare practitioners working in these facilities must hold valid professional licenses issued by the appropriate regulatory authorities. Moreover, each facility must employ at least one psychotherapist who holds a doctoral degree. In addition to this, certified specialists must be available in fields such as psychotherapy, applied behavioral analysis, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other related specialties to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Ethical and legal compliance: Practitioners are required to comply with the ethical standards stipulated in Law No. 70 of 2020. The bylaw also enforces existing technical regulations governing both health facilities and their practitioners. Together, these elements establish a clear and structured legal framework for the proper oversight and governance of psychological care units.
Electronic data management: To enhance the security and management of patient information, all facilities must implement an approved electronic system for documenting patient data. This system is designed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of patient records, while also allowing effective oversight and follow-up by the relevant regulatory authorities within the established legal framework.
This regulatory move represents a substantial step toward reinforcing governance and professional oversight in the field of mental health. It is designed to ensure a safe and integrated therapeutic environment, safeguard patient rights, and elevate the standards of mental health care in the private sector to internationally recognized scientific and professional benchmarks.
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