Dubai Health Authority Mandates Separate Social Media Accounts for Doctors
Dubai Health Authority requires doctors to maintain distinct personal and professional social media accounts and follow strict advertising guidelines.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has issued new regulations requiring healthcare professionals licensed by the authority to maintain separate social media accounts for personal and professional use. The guidelines also advise doctors to avoid engaging with current or former patients through their personal social media profiles.
The directive, outlined in the DHA's "Standards for Medical Advertisement Content on Social Media," emphasizes that all healthcare providers must keep their professional and personal accounts distinct. It explicitly states that interactions with patients should not occur on personal accounts, reinforcing this rule under the section detailing healthcare professionals’ responsibilities.
In addition to account separation, healthcare professionals must clearly display their name, official title, qualifications, and specialty exactly as registered on their DHA license. The use of titles or specialties not listed on the license, such as 'Cosmetic Specialist,' 'Aesthetician,' or 'Diet Specialist,' is prohibited. Furthermore, the title "Dr." or "Doctor" is reserved exclusively for physicians, dentists, or professionals holding a recognized Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
The DHA mandates that all medical information shared on social media must be truthful, accurate, concise, current, and easy to understand. Such information should be supported by internationally recognized medical practices, peer-reviewed studies, and credible scientific sources. Professionals are also required to clarify whether the information is based on scientific evidence, expert consensus, professional experience, or personal opinion. Any financial, professional, or personal interests that could influence the content must be disclosed.
Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality is a key component of the new standards. Healthcare providers must ensure that patient data, including images, is safeguarded against unauthorized access and that any shared information is de-identified to prevent patient identification. Informed consent is mandatory before disclosing any health-related information, and for patients under 18, consent must be obtained from a parent or guardian.
The guidelines prohibit social media advertisements that contain misleading or deceptive content, or that generate fear or anxiety to promote products or services. Healthcare professionals must not create unnecessary demand or exploit patients' vulnerabilities or lack of medical knowledge. They are held accountable for the content and presentation of medical advertisements on their personal accounts.
Additionally, visiting healthcare professionals providing services within DHA facilities are required to maintain separate social media accounts specifically for those services.