UAE Healthcare / Pharma LawCabinet’s Resolution No. (15) of 2020 On the Regulation of Medical Examination for Newborns

Article (1) Definitions For the purpose of this Resolution, the following words and expressions shall bear the meanings assigned thereto respectively, unless the context requires otherwise: The State : The United Arab Emirates. The Ministry : The Ministry of Health and Prevention. The Minister : The Minister of Health and Prevention. The Health Authority : The Ministry or any government authority in charge of health affairs in the State. The Health Facility : Any place equipped and licensed for conducting medical examination on patients, providing them with medical

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 on the Regulation of Medical Examination for Newborns 2 counselling, assisting in diag…

Article (2) Applicability 1. The Newborns who are born in the State shall undergo the Newborn Examination Process, as per the controls defined in this Resolution. 2. The provisions of above Item (1) shall apply to Newborns who are born outside the State, subject to the following: a. The Newborn shall not have undergone the Newborn examination. b. The medical examination shall be carried out within a period not exceeding (28) days from the date of delivery. c. If the Newborn is a Non-UAE National, his guardian is required to be residing in the State, pursuant to the provisions of Article (6) hereunder.

Article (3) Objectives of the Resolution The medical examination of Newborns aims at diagnosing Health Threats in Newborns and addressing such threats early to treat them or prevent the aggravation thereof.

Article (4) Newborn Examination Process Period The Newborn Examination Process shall be made during the period defined according to the protocols approved by the Ministry in coordination with all Health Authorities, including the special protocols, to ensure that the examination is carried out for Preterm Babies, underweight or sick babies who require blood transfusion.

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Article (5) Coverage of the Newborn Examination Regulation The Newborn Examination Regulation covers all diseases defined according to the protocols approved by the Ministry in coordination with all Health Authorities. The examination cost shall be included in the total cost of delivery.

Article (6) Persons Responsible for Ensuring that Newborns Undergo the Medical Examination The Newborn’s father shall ensure that his Newborn undergoes the medical examination, pursuant to the provisions of this Resolution. If the father is absent or cannot be present, such obligation shall be assumed by the Newborn’s mother or guardian pursuant to law.

Article (7) Obligations of the Health Facility in which Delivery is Carried out 1. The Health Facility in which the delivery is carried out shall deliver to one of the persons mentioned in above Article (6), as the case may be, a pamphlet including all information on the Newborn examination during the pregnancy follow-up or immediately after the delivery, as per the form designated by the Minister’s resolution in coordination with all Health Authorities. 2. The Health Facility referred to in Clause (1) above shall carry out the medical examination for each Newborn that is born therein, pursuant to the provisions of this Resolution, unless one of the Newborn’s relatives mentioned in Article (…

Article (8) Blood samples shall be taken from Newborns in all Health Facilities, which are required to provide all facilities necessary for taking such samples and sending the same to the Reference Laboratory to carry out the tests covered by the Newborn Examination Regulation. Such Facilities shall also provide facilities necessary for carrying out hearing and heart examination.

Article (9) The Reference Laboratory shall analyze blood samples taken from Newborns, prepare reports necessary therefor and refer the test result to the Health Facility from which the Blood Sample was sent. The Newborn’s relatives from among the persons mentioned in Article (6) above, as the case may be, shall be notified of blood testing results through the Health Facility from which the blood sample was taken, along with taking actions necessary for treating or referring positive cases, as per the relevant protocols. Furthermore, Health Authorities shall be provided with regular reports of Newborn examination results.

Article (10) Violations and Administrative Penalties 1. A fine of (AED 5000) five thousand dirhams shall be imposed on a private Health Facility per case if it is proved that it has not carried out the medical examination of Newborns or failed to take the procedures necessary for conducting such examination, unless it is proved that the examination is not made due to the abstention of Newborn’s relatives mentioned in Article (6) above.

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Cabinet Resolution of 2020 on the Regulation of Medical Examination for Newborns 6 2. A fine of (AED 2000) two thousand dirhams shall be imposed on any of the persons mentioned in Article (6) above who are proved to have abstained from having th…

Article (11) Appeal Against Administrative Penalties 1. A decision issued on the imposition of the penalties set forth in Article (10) above may be appealed to the Minister or head of the Health Facility. The appeal must be submitted within a period not exceeding (15) fifteenth days from the date of notifying the violator against whom the penalty is issued. The appeal must also be reasoned and accompanied by all supporting documents, as per the procedures defined by the Ministry or the Health Authority, as the case may be. 2. The Minister or the head of the Health Authority shall decide on the appeal within a period not exceeding (15) fifteenth days from the date of its submission. The decis…

Article (12) Issuance of Executive Resolutions The Minister shall issue, in coordination with Health Authorities, the resolutions and procedures necessary for implementing the provisions of this Resolution.

Article (13) Repeals Any provisions that contradict or are in conflict with the provisions of this Resolution shall be repealed.

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Article (14) Publication and Entry into Force of the Resolution This Resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force six months following the date of its publication. Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prime Minister Dated: 22nd Rajab 1441 AH, Corresponding to: 17th March 2020 A.D

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