Article 33 of the Saudi Private Health Institutions Law

This article settles the relationship between this Law and the law that existed before it, providing that the Law of Private Health Institutions replaces the Law of Private Medical Institutions issued by Royal Decree No. M/58 dated 3/11/1407 AH.

"Replaces" means that the new Law is the reference for regulating private health institutions in place of the previous Law. Note that the name changed from "medical institutions" to "health institutions", and the new Law defines in Article 1 the private health institution in a way that includes the hospital, medical complexes, the clinic, radiology center, laboratory, day-surgery center, supporting health service centers and the ambulance transport service center.

This article is linked to other transitional provisions:

• Article 32 charges the Minister of Health with issuing the Implementing Regulations within 90 days of the Law's publication.
• Article 34 provides for the continuation of licenses issued under the laws and instructions in force when the Law was issued, with institutions required to adjust their positions within five years of the Implementing Regulations taking effect, and the period may be extended with the approval of the Prime Minister on the proposal of the Minister of Health.

So the new Law replacing the old one does not mean existing licenses are cancelled at once; their position is dealt with in Article 34. Anyone with a question about his institution's position may consult a lawyer who specializes in health regulations and administrative cases.