On Medical Practice

Law of Georgia

On Medical Practice

Article 1. Purpose of the Law🔗

The purpose of this Law is to ensure appropriate professional education and practical training of the subject of independent medical practice, the establishment of proper state supervision over his/her professional activity, the protection of his/her rights, as well as, through the establishment in medical practice of medical standards and ethical norms recognized in the country, high-quality medical service for the population of Georgia.

Article 2. Scope of Regulation of the Law🔗

This Law regulates legal relations between the subject of independent medical practice, a paramedic and state authorities, natural persons and legal entities.

Law of Georgia No. 2794 of 2 May 2023 – website, 19.05.2023.

Article 3. Legislation of Georgia on Medical Practice🔗

The legislation of Georgia on medical practice consists of the Constitution of Georgia, international treaties and agreements of Georgia, the Law of Georgia “On Health Care”, this Law and other normative acts.

Article 4. List of Medical Specialties🔗

The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia (hereinafter – the Ministry) determines:

a) the list of medical specialties;

b) the list of related medical specialties;

c) the list of medical specialties in which a subject of independent medical practice with a particular disease is prohibited from working.

Law of Georgia No. 3110 of 5 July 2018 – website, 11.07.2018.

Article 5. Definition of Terms🔗

The terms used in this Law have the following meaning:

a) Medical practice – the professional activity of a person trained in medicine, possessing appropriate skills and practical experience, the purpose of which is, using medical standards and ethical norms recognized in the country, as well as taking into account medical traditions, to protect, maintain and restore human health, and to alleviate his/her suffering;

b) Independent medical practice – the professional activity of a person holding higher medical education and a state certificate confirming the right to independent medical practice, for the results of which he/she is liable in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia;

c) Residency – the postgraduate stage of higher medical education, a combination of study programs and practical medical practice, aimed at professional training in one of the medical specialties on the basis of a state order (private funding is permissible in dental specialties), within the established period of the residency program;

d) Resident – a person undergoing a residency course in one of the medical specialties;

e) Specialist physician – a person who has completed a residency course in one of the medical specialties and has received a state certificate confirming the right to independent medical practice in this field;

f) Subject of independent medical practice – a person who carries out independent medical practice in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia;

g) Telemedicine – the remote provision of medical services, which is carried out by a professional in the medical field by means of information and communication technologies and the purpose of which is the exchange of information for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases, as well as for the continuous education of medical personnel, medical research and evaluation of its results;

h) University clinic – a high-level multidisciplinary medical institution with an appropriate material and technical base, staffed with qualified doctors and pedagogues, participating in state medical programs, oriented towards the public health protection system, in which teaching of clinical disciplines, scientific research and acquisition of practical skills necessary for a junior doctor are carried out, and which belongs to a higher medical-educational institution with state accreditation or, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, has concluded a contract with it on conducting educational and scientific-research work;

i) continuous professional development – the period following higher medical education and postgraduate education (professional training), which continues throughout the entire professional activity of the subject of independent medical practice and is an integral part of medical practice. Its purpose is to ensure the compliance of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of the subject of independent medical practice with the achievements and technologies of modern medicine;

j) one-time medical service – medical service of a patient (patients), the duration of which does not exceed one month;

k) adjacent specialties – medical specialties falling within one field of medicine, the educational programme and the nature of professional activity of which are to a certain extent compatible with each other;

l) temporary medical practice – independent medical practice carried out by a foreign national in accordance with the procedure and duration established by the legislation of Georgia;

m) junior doctor – a position which a graduate of a higher medical educational institution with state accreditation is entitled to hold. A person appointed to this position performs the functions of a doctor under the instruction and responsibility of the subject of independent medical practice;

n) (removed);

o) (removed);

p) certification – the process of granting the right to independent medical practice, the purpose of which is to assess the ability to carry out independent medical practice.

q) continuous medical education – a component of continuous professional development, which includes both self-education and participation in formalised teaching/training programmes, as well as various activities that contribute to the strengthening and improvement of a doctor's professional knowledge and skills (participation in congresses and conferences, publication of works, teaching, and others);

r) continuous practical medical practice – a component of continuous professional development, which implies continuous practical clinical activity in a specific specialty and is assessed by appropriate characteristics (number of patients, number of manipulations to be performed, duration of practical activity, and others);

s) professional rehabilitation – a component of continuous professional development, which implies completion of a relatively long (1–5-month) teaching/training course and the purpose of which is the restoration of a doctor's professional competence in a specific medical specialty;

t) continuous improvement of the quality of medical service – a component of continuous professional development, which implies periodic assessment of the quality and outcome/results of a doctor's clinical activity and the gradual improvement of the relevant indicators;

u) postgraduate education (professional training) – professional training following pre-diploma medical education, which is based on practical medical practice and the purpose of which is the mastery of a medical specialty;

v) alternative postgraduate education of residency (professional training) – a form of postgraduate education (professional training) that is carried out outside the scope of the state order and implies completion of all modules of the residency programme within the timeframes determined by law;

w) applicant for a medical specialty – a person who is mastering a medical specialty in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, through alternative postgraduate education of residency (professional training);

x) module – an independent block of a postgraduate education (professional training) programme, which covers a specific field and which reflects the goal of the training, the list of issues and skills to be acquired, the forms, methods and duration of the training, the expected results and the assessment criteria;

y) unified postgraduate qualification examination – a procedure the successful completion of which entitles a graduate of a higher medical education institution to participate in postgraduate education (professional training) in order to master any medical specialty;

z) methodological recommendation for clinical practice – a scheme for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation of a specific clinical condition, developed using evidence-based medicine data;

aa) national methodological recommendation for clinical practice – country-wide officially recognized guidelines for the management of a specific clinical problem, based on internationally recognized scientific evidence of the current period;

bb) medical subspecialty – an additional competence of a specialist physician holding the right to independent medical practice, which implies mastery of a preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitation technology or method, or the management of a disease of any organ or organ system, and for the mastery of which it is necessary to complete an appropriate training course under the relevant programme approved in accordance with the procedure determined by the legislation of Georgia;

cc) postgraduate medical educational institution – a medical institution or higher medical education institution accredited in accordance with the established procedure within the framework of postgraduate education (professional training) programmes (hereinafter – institution and/or educational institution);

dd) paramedic − a person with the relevant higher medical education who, after completing a specialization course, independently provides emergency medical services at the pre-hospital stage within the framework of emergency medical assistance and is liable for its results in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 2 June 2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29 November 2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 4 April 2008, Art. 74

Law of Georgia of 8 June 2016 No. 5383 - website, 17 June 2016

Law of Georgia of 2 May 2023 No. 2794 – website, 19 May 2023

Article 6. Professional independence of a subject of independent medical practice🔗

A subject of independent medical practice is free and independent when making professional decisions. It is prohibited for a person to require a subject of independent medical practice to perform actions contrary to the principles specified in this Law and the ethical norms of medical practice, regardless of the position of the requesting person, national, ethnic and social belonging, as well as confession.

Article 7. Granting the right to independent medical practice to a person who has received higher medical education in Georgia🔗

1. The right to independent medical practice shall be held by a citizen of Georgia or of a foreign country or a stateless person who has graduated from a higher medical educational institution with state accreditation of Georgia and, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, has received a state certificate confirming the right to independent medical practice (hereinafter – state certificate).

1¹. The right to independent medical practice may not be held by a person who, on the basis of the Law of Georgia "On Combating Crimes Against Sexual Freedom and Inviolability", has been deprived by a court of the right to medical practice.

2. The right to independent medical practice shall be held by the person specified in paragraph 1 of this Article only in the specialty (specialties) indicated in the state certificate, except for the exceptions established by this Law.

Law of Georgia of 17 March 2020 No. 5767 – website, 23.03.2020.

Article 8. Granting the right to independent medical practice to a person who has received higher medical education in a foreign country🔗

1. A citizen of Georgia or of a foreign country or a stateless person who has received higher medical education in a higher medical educational institution of a foreign country, the diploma of which is recognized in Georgia, shall be granted the right to independent medical practice in accordance with the procedure established by this Law.

2. The list of foreign countries whose higher medical educational institutions' diplomas are recognized in Georgia shall be determined by the Ministry and the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia. Law of Georgia of 5 July 2018 No. 3110 – website, 11.07.2018.

Law of Georgia of 16 March 2021 No. 360 – website, 18.03.2021.

Law of Georgia of 30 November 2023 No. 3846 – website, 15.12.2023.

Article 9. Granting of the right to independent medical practice to a person who has obtained such right or has completed a course of postgraduate education (professional training) in a foreign country🔗

1. A citizen of Georgia or of a foreign country or a stateless person who has obtained a state certificate confirming the right to independent medical practice in a country provided for by the list indicated in subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 3 of this Article shall be granted a state certificate in Georgia in the same specialty (specialties) without passing the state certification examination, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law.

2. A citizen of Georgia or of a foreign country or a stateless person who has completed a course of postgraduate education (professional training) in a country provided for by the list indicated in subparagraph „b“ of paragraph 3 of this Article shall be granted a state certificate in Georgia in the same specialty (specialties) as a result of passing the state certification examination, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, after he/she satisfies the requirements provided for by the legislation of Georgia on immigration.

3. The Ministry shall determine:

a) the list of countries by whose issued state certificate confirming the right to independent medical practice its holder is entitled to carry out independent medical practice in Georgia in the relevant specialty (specialties) without passing the state certification examination;

b) the list of countries whose programme of a course of postgraduate education (professional training) complies with the criteria determined by the Ministry.

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 – LHG I, No. 25, 2 June 2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 2055 of 10 November 2005 – LHG I, No. 48, 29 November 2005, Art. 323

Article 10. Knowledge of the state language of Georgia🔗

Knowledge of the state language of Georgia shall be mandatory for independent medical practice in Georgia, except in cases where a specialist of a foreign country carries out temporary independent medical practice or provides one-time medical services.

Article 11. Granting a foreign country specialist the right to temporary independent medical practice or one-time medical service in Georgia🔗

1. A foreign country specialist may be invited to Georgia for temporary independent medical practice or one-time medical service in accordance with the procedure established by this Law.

2. The Ministry, together with medical professional associations, determines the list of medical specialties for the development of which or for meeting the demand of the population of Georgia for the corresponding medical service it is expedient to invite a foreign country specialist to Georgia and to grant him/her the right to temporary independent medical practice.

3. The invitation of a foreign country specialist for temporary independent medical practice is permissible:

a) from a country provided for by the list indicated in subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 3 of Article 9 of this Law;

b) in the medical specialties provided for by the list indicated in paragraph 2 of this Article.

4. It is permissible to invite a foreign country specialist of any medical specialty for one-time medical service only from a country provided for by the list indicated in subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 3 of Article 9 of this Law.

5. The professional development council (hereinafter – the Council) grants a foreign country specialist the right to temporary independent medical practice or one-time medical service in Georgia, upon the recommendation of medical professional associations, in accordance with the procedure established by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia.

6. (Removed – 04.04.2019, No. 4463).

7. The grounds for suspension and/or revocation of a foreign country specialist's right to temporary independent medical practice in Georgia are equated with the conditions provided for by this Law for suspension and/or revocation of the validity of a state certificate.

8. A foreign country specialist is granted the right to temporary independent medical practice in Georgia on a one-time basis for not more than 1 year. The Council has the right, in each specific case, to extend this term in accordance with the procedure established by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia.

9. The Ministry has the right to invite a foreign country specialist to Georgia for temporary independent medical practice or one-time medical service. Before inviting a foreign country specialist, the written consent of the medical institution in which the foreign country specialist is to carry out temporary independent medical practice or provide one-time medical service is required.

10. A medical institution has the right, on its own initiative and/or at the request of a patient, in accordance with the procedure established by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia, to invite a foreign country specialist for temporary independent medical practice or one-time medical service.

11. When inviting a specialist from a foreign country for one-time medical services, if the patient exhibits a life-threatening condition or requires emergency medical services, the documents referred to in paragraphs 5, 9 and 10 of this article may be drawn up after the provision of medical services.

12. (removed);

13. The period of work of a resident or of a person seeking a medical specialty under the supervision of a specialist from a foreign country shall be counted as a component part of postgraduate education (professional training) in the relevant specialty. For this purpose, it is necessary that the work performed under the supervision of the specialist from a foreign country correspond to the programme of postgraduate education (professional training), which must be confirmed by the Council.

14. In Georgia, the period of work of a person holding a state certificate under the supervision of a specialist from a foreign country shall be counted as participation in the system of continuous professional development in accordance with the conditions and criteria determined by the Council.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Law of Georgia of 4 April 2019 No. 4463 - website, 11.04.2019

Article 12. Right to independent medical activity in another medical specialty (specialties) in addition to that provided for by the state certificate🔗

1. A subject of independent medical activity holding a state certificate in any medical specialty (specialties) shall be entitled to receive a state certificate in another medical specialty (specialties) as well, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law.

2. If the new medical specialty chosen by the subject of independent medical activity is not adjacent to the medical specialty in which he/she already holds a state certificate, in order to receive a new state certificate the subject of independent medical activity shall complete the established course of postgraduate education (professional training) in the relevant medical specialty and, after passing the state certification examination, receive the relevant state certificate.

3. If the new medical specialty chosen by the subject of independent medical activity is adjacent to the specialty in which he/she already holds a state certificate, in order to receive a new state certificate the subject of independent medical activity shall complete part of the established course of postgraduate education (professional training) in the relevant medical specialty. Its scope and duration shall be determined by the Council together with physicians' professional associations.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 13. Compliance of a medical specialty with the educational course (faculty) of a higher medical educational institution🔗

The medical specialty in which a person is granted the right to independent medical activity must correspond to the qualification conferred on him/her by the document (diploma) certifying higher medical education. The compliance of professional education with the right to employment in a medical institution shall be determined by the Ministry.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 14. Performance of a doctor's function🔗

1. Performance of a doctor's function is the medical activity of a person who does not have the right to independent medical activity.

2. The right to perform a doctor's function has:

a) a student of a higher medical educational institution, only in a university clinic or in a medical institution where there is a corresponding department (chair) of a higher medical educational institution, within the framework of a clinical medicine study programme, under the guidance and supervision of a pedagogue specially designated for this purpose, who is responsible for the medical service provided to the patient;

b) a resident and a person seeking a medical specialty, only in a medical institution provided for by Article 15 of this Law, within the framework of a postgraduate education (professional training) study programme, under the guidance and supervision of a doctor-specialist specially designated for this purpose, who is responsible for the medical service provided to the patient, except for the cases provided for by paragraph 3 of this Article;

c) a junior doctor.

3. A person who, before the commencement of postgraduate education (professional training), received a state certificate, during the period of postgraduate education (professional training) has the right to carry out independent medical activity only in the medical specialty determined by the state certificate.

4. Within the framework of a postgraduate education (professional training) study programme, a resident and a person seeking a medical specialty do not have the right to independent medical activity, except for cases where the patient's condition is life-threatening or he/she requires emergency medical service and it is impossible to find a subject of independent medical activity in a timely manner.

5. A junior doctor does not have the right to independent medical activity, except for cases where the patient exhibits a life-threatening condition or requires emergency medical service and it is impossible to find a subject of independent medical activity in a timely manner.

6. A student of a higher medical educational institution does not have the right to independent medical activity, except for cases where the patient exhibits a life-threatening condition or requires emergency medical service and it is impossible to find a subject of independent medical activity in a timely manner.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Article 15. Postgraduate education (professional training)🔗

1. The forms of postgraduate education (professional training) are:

a) residency;

b) alternative to residency postgraduate education (professional training).

2. The right to postgraduate education (professional training) shall be enjoyed by a graduate with a diploma from a higher medical educational institution who has obtained the established number of points in the unified postgraduate qualification examination. The Council shall ensure the conduct of the unified postgraduate qualification examination. The rules and conditions for conducting the unified postgraduate qualification examination shall be determined by a normative act of the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia.

3. Training in residency shall be carried out under a residency program, which, on the basis of accreditation of the residency program by the Council, in agreement with the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, shall be approved by the Ministry. Training in residency shall, as necessary, be financed by the State.

3¹. The criteria and rules for accreditation of residency programs shall be developed by the Council and approved by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia and the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia by a joint normative act.

3². The rules for admission to residency shall be developed by the Council and approved by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia by a normative act.

3³. The right to training in residency shall be enjoyed by a citizen of Georgia who is admitted to residency in accordance with the procedure established by this Law.

4. Technical support and monitoring of the training of residents financed by the State shall be carried out by the relevant service of the Ministry's system in accordance with the legislation of Georgia.

5. A residency program shall consist of modules, which shall set out the aim of the training, the list of issues and skills to be mastered, the forms, methods and duration of the training, the expected outcomes and the assessment criteria. The program shall also reflect the issues of organizational and methodological support of the training. The Council shall coordinate the division of the residency program into modules.

6. The number of persons to be admitted to residency by medical specialties shall be determined annually by the Ministry, taking into account the needs of the country's health care system and the requirements of the labour market.

7. Alternative postgraduate education (professional training) of residency implies completion of all modules of the residency programme without precise determination of the duration of individual modules and of the programme as a whole. At the same time, the maximum total duration of alternative postgraduate education (professional training) of residency shall not be less than the duration of the residency programme in the respective specialty and shall not exceed it 2 times. The rules for participation in, conduct and assessment of alternative postgraduate education (professional training) of residency shall be determined by a normative act of the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia. Alternative postgraduate education (professional training) of residency shall be financed from funds raised by a private person.

8. A postgraduate education (professional training) course may be completed only at a postgraduate medical educational institution accredited in accordance with the procedure established by the Ministry. In order to grant the right to participate in postgraduate education (professional training), accreditation of postgraduate medical educational institutions shall be carried out by the Council. Postgraduate medical educational institutions may receive accreditation within the framework of one or several modules of individual medical specialties.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Law of Georgia of 8 June 2016 No. 5383 - website, 17.06.2016

Law of Georgia of 5 July 2018 No. 3110 - website, 11.07.2018

Law of Georgia of 16 March 2021 No. 360 – website, 18.03.2021

Law of Georgia of 30 November 2023 No. 3846 – website, 15.12.2023

Article 16. (Deleted)🔗

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Article 17. Rights of a newly graduated person holding a diploma of a higher medical educational institution🔗

A newly graduated person holding a diploma of a higher medical educational institution shall have the right to:

a) complete a postgraduate professional training course and, after passing the State certification examination, obtain the right to independent medical practice;

b) carry out research and pedagogical activities in theoretical fields of medicine or in another field of health care that does not imply independent medical practice;

c) work as a junior doctor;

d) work as a paramedic after completing a course of the respective specialisation.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 2 May 2023 No. 2794 – website, 19.05.2023

Law of Georgia of 21 February 2024 No. 4044 – website, 07.03.2024

Article 18. Certification🔗

1. Certification includes the assessment of the level of professional knowledge and practical skills of medical personnel.

2. In order to obtain the right to independent medical practice, certification is required in all those medical specialties which have been included by the Ministry among the medical specialties provided for by the list indicated in subparagraph „a“ of Article 4 of this Law, except for the cases indicated in paragraph 5 of Article 11 of this same Law.

Law of Georgia of 17 December 2010 No. 4122 – LHG I, No. 76, 29.12.2010, Art. 507

Article 19. State Certificate🔗

1. The state certificate:

a) is a state certificate confirming the right to independent medical practice;

b) determines the medical specialty.

2. The state certificate is mandatory only for independent medical practice.

3. The form of the state certificate shall be determined by the Ministry by a relevant subordinate normative act. It is prohibited by this same act to restrict the rights of a subject of independent medical practice, or to require the provision of information or costs other than those provided for by this Law.

4. The state certificate is a document of strict accountability which has a series, a number and other security features.

5. Transfer of the state certificate to another person is prohibited.

6. The state certificate shall be annulled by decision of the body that issued it:

a) in the event of the death of the holder of the state certificate or of his/her being declared dead by a court;

b) on the basis of a written request of the holder of the state certificate;

c) in the event of detection of the use of a forged document as the basis for the decision on the granting of the state certificate.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 – LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 – LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 20. Body issuing the state certificate🔗

1. The body issuing the state certificate is the Council.

2. The Council is established by order of the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia.

3. The Chairman of the Council is the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia.

4. The Council shall be composed of:

a) representatives of the Ministry;

b) representatives of higher medical educational institutions;

c) representatives of those state agencies which have a medical service;

d) representatives of professional associations of physicians;

e) representatives of the public;

f) representatives of medical institutions;

g) representatives of medical scientific institutions.

5. The work of the Council is regulated by this Law and the statute of the Council, which shall be developed by the Ministry together with the professional associations of physicians.

6. The statute of the Council shall be approved by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia.

7. The Council:

a) approves the programme of the state certification examination, the criteria for assessing the knowledge of the examinee, the procedure, schedule and place for holding the examination;

b) taking into account the recommendations of higher medical schools with state accreditation and of professional associations of physicians, creates examination commissions in the respective medical specialties;

c) reviews and approves the results of the state certification examination;

d) determines the mechanism for the implementation, in respect of an alien or a stateless person, of the requirements provided for by Article 10 of this Law.

e) ensures the organisation, management and monitoring of the processes of postgraduate education (professional training), certification, continuous medical education and professional development, as well as the study of the professional activity of medical personnel and the carrying out of the respective measures provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Law of Georgia of 5 July 2018 No. 3110 - website, 11.07.2018.

Article 21. Grounds for issuing a state certificate🔗

1. The grounds for issuing a state certificate of a physician-specialist are:

a) written application of the established form by the applicant for the state certificate;

b) copy of the document (diploma) confirming higher medical education;

c) state certificate confirming completion of a residency or an alternative residency postgraduate education (professional training) programme in the relevant medical specialty;

d) recommendation of the head of the postgraduate education (professional training) course, or a recommendation of the head of the medical institution where the applicant for the state certificate worked;

e) state certificate confirming passing the state certification examination in the relevant medical specialty;

f) (removed);

g) document confirming the employment relationship, if the applicant for the state certificate has such a document;

h) description of the work performed by the applicant for the state certificate in the relevant medical specialty over the last 2 years.

2. For a citizen of Georgia or of a foreign country or a stateless person who has completed a postgraduate education (professional training) course in a country listed in the list provided for by subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 3 of Article 9 of this Law and has received a state certificate confirming the right to independent medical practice, the grounds for receiving a state certificate confirming the right to permanent independent medical practice in Georgia in the same medical specialty (specialties) are:

a) written application of the applicant for the state certificate, stating the applicant's name, surname, place and date of birth, address of place of residence, citizenship, address of employment (if the applicant works), as well as an indication of which medical specialty the applicant intends to receive the state certificate in;

b) copy of the document (diploma) confirming higher medical education;

c) state certificate confirming the right to independent medical practice in the relevant medical specialty, issued in a country listed in the list provided for by subparagraph „a“ of paragraph 3 of Article 9 of this Law.

3. For a citizen of Georgia or of a foreign country or a stateless person who has completed a postgraduate education (professional training) course in a country listed in the list provided for by subparagraph „b“ of paragraph 3 of Article 9 of this Law, the grounds for receiving a state certificate in Georgia in the same medical specialty (specialties) are:

a) written application of the applicant for the state certificate, stating the applicant's name, surname, place and date of birth, address of place of residence, citizenship, address of employment (if the applicant works), as well as an indication of which medical specialty the applicant intends to receive the state certificate in;

b) a copy of the document (diploma) certifying higher medical education;

c) a state certificate certifying the completion of a course of postgraduate education (professional training) in the relevant medical specialty, issued in a country provided for by the list indicated in subparagraph „b“ of paragraph 3 of Article 9 of this Law;

d) a state certificate certifying the passing of the state certification examination in the relevant medical specialty.

Law of Georgia of 26 October 2001 No. 1135 - LHG I, No. 33, 10.11.2001, Art. 133

Law of Georgia of 11 November 2004 No. 593 - LHG I, No. 34, 16.11.2004, Art. 161

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 4 December 2009 No. 2224 - LHG I, No. 45, 21.12.2009, Art. 341

Law of Georgia of 17 December 2010 No. 4122 - LHG I, No. 76, 29.12.2010, Art. 507

Article 22. Consideration of the documents submitted for obtaining a state certificate🔗

1. Based on the results of the consideration of the submitted documents, the Council shall adopt a decision on the issuance of a state certificate or on refusal to issue a state certificate.

2. The Council shall adopt a decision no later than 2 months after the submission of the application by the applicant for the state certificate.

3. The Council shall be obliged to notify the applicant for the state certificate of the results of the consideration of the submitted documents within 10 days after the adoption of the decision.

4. If within 70 days the applicant for the state certificate has not been sent a notification on consent to or refusal of the issuance of the state certificate, he/she shall be entitled, upon the expiry of that period, to commence the activity indicated in the application.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 23. Refusal to issue a state certificate🔗

1. The Council shall be entitled to refuse the applicant for the state certificate the issuance of a state certificate if:

a) the documents submitted by the applicant for the state certificate do not comply with the requirements of this Law;

b) the applicant for the state certificate requests a state certificate for an activity the right to which he/she has been deprived of;

c) the applicant for the state certificate has a suspended state certificate and the ground for the suspension has not been eliminated.

2. In the case of refusal to issue a state certificate, the Council shall be obliged to notify the applicant for the state certificate in writing of the ground for this decision.

3. It shall be prohibited to refuse the issuance of a state certificate on the ground of limiting the number of subjects of independent medical activity.

4. In the case of refusal to issue a state certificate, the applicant for the state certificate shall be entitled to apply to a court in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 24. (Removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 25. Validity term of the state certificate🔗

1. The state certificate shall be valid for an indefinite term.

2. The medical practice determined by the state certificate shall be carried out by its holder from the day of the Council's adoption of a decision on the issuance of the state certificate.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 26. State Certification Register🔗

1. The maintenance of the State Certification Register is the basis for the creation of a complete and unified database of existing data on the issuance of the state certificate, the suspension, renewal and revocation of its validity, and the issuance of a copy thereof.

2. The State Certification Register shall be maintained by the Secretariat of the Council.

3. The following shall be entered into the State Certification Register:

a) data on the holder of the state certificate (name, surname, address of the place of residence, citizenship, work address (indicating combination in a state or private medical institution);

b) the type (types) of activity certified by the state;

c) the series, number, dates of conferral and issuance of the state certificate;

d) data on the suspension, renewal and revocation of the state certificate, and the issuance of a copy thereof;

e) the legal address of the Council and the identity of the person who signed the state certificate.

4. The data indicated in paragraph 3 of this Article shall be entered into the State Certification Register by the Secretariat of the Council no later than 2 weeks after the adoption of the decision.

5. Any person shall have the right, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, to review and to receive in writing the data entered into the State Certification Register.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 27. Copy of the state certificate🔗

1. If the state certificate is lost or damaged, its holder shall apply to the Ministry with an application for the issuance of a copy.

2. A copy of the state certificate shall be issued by the Council no later than 2 weeks after the adoption of the decision.

3. Upon the issuance of a copy of the state certificate, the Council shall enter the corresponding amendment into the State Certification Register.

4. A copy of the state certificate shall have the same legal force as the original.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 28. State certification examination🔗

1. The state certification examination is uniform and unified throughout the entire territory of the country.

2. In order to receive a state certificate, a person shall be admitted to the state certification examination if the person:

a) has completed in Georgia a course of postgraduate education (professional training) in the relevant medical specialty, which is confirmed by an appropriate certificate;

b) has completed in a country included in the list specified in subparagraph „b“ of paragraph 3 of Article 9 of this Law a course of postgraduate education (professional training) in the relevant medical specialty, which is confirmed by an appropriate certificate.

3. In the event of receiving a negative assessment at the state certification examination, the person has the right to retake the state certification examination within the following one year only twice, with a 6-month interval between the state certification examinations.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Article 29. (Removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 291. Continuous professional development🔗

1. A subject of independent medical activity may participate in the continuous professional development system, adapt his/her practical medical activity to the achievements of modern medicine and improve all aspects of this activity.

2. The components of continuous professional development are:

a) continuous medical education;

b) continuous practical medical activity;

c) professional rehabilitation;

d) continuous improvement of the quality of medical services.

3. The Council develops and the Ministry approves the rules for individual forms of continuous medical education and professional rehabilitation, as well as the rules and criteria of accreditation.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 30. (Removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 31. (Removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 32. (Removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 33. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 - LHG I, No. 25, 2 June 2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 - LHG I, No. 9, 4 April 2008, Art. 74

Article 34. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 - LHG I, No. 25, 2 June 2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 - LHG I, No. 9, 4 April 2008, Art. 74

Article 35. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 - LHG I, No. 25, 2 June 2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 - LHG I, No. 9, 4 April 2008, Art. 74

Article 36. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 - LHG I, No. 9, 4 April 2008, Art. 74

Article 37. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 - LHG I, No. 9, 4 April 2008, Art. 74

Article 37¹. Right to independent medical practice in a subspecialty🔗

1. An expert physician who has obtained the certificate of the relevant subspecialty in accordance with the procedure established by this Law shall have the right to independent medical practice in the subspecialty.

2. To obtain a subspecialty certificate, it is necessary to complete an appropriate training course, except for those expert physicians who, at the time of entry into force of this Law, have at least one year of work experience in the given subspecialty. At the same time, the work experience in the said subspecialty shall not be less than the duration of the training and professional development course.

3. Only those expert physicians whose specialty corresponds to the given subspecialty shall have the right to complete the training course in the subspecialty and to obtain the subspecialty certificate. The lists of specialties and of the subspecialties corresponding to these specialties shall be developed by the Council together with physicians' professional associations and approved by the Ministry.

4. The scope and duration of the training course in a subspecialty shall be determined by the Council together with physicians' professional associations and approved by the Ministry.

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 - LHG I, No. 25, 2 June 2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 - LHG I, No. 9, 4 April 2008, Art. 74

Article 37². Subspecialty certificate🔗

1. A subspecialty certificate is a document confirming the right to independent medical practice in a subspecialty.

2. The form of the subspecialty certificate shall be developed and approved by the Ministry.

3. A subspecialty certificate is a strict accounting document which has a series, a number and other security features.

4. Transfer of a subspecialty certificate to another person is prohibited.

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 - LHG I, No. 25, 2 June 2005, Art. 162

Article 37³. Issuance of a Subspecialty Certificate🔗

1. The grounds for issuing a subspecialty certificate shall be:

a) a written application of the applicant for a subspecialty certificate, which shall meet the requirements provided for by Article 78 of the General Administrative Code of Georgia; the application shall also contain an indication of which subspecialty the applicant intends to obtain;

b) a copy of the state certificate in the relevant specialty;

c) a document confirming the completion of a training course in the relevant subspecialty or work in the same subspecialty, including a description of the work performed.

2. The decision on issuing a subspecialty certificate shall be made by the Council.

3. A subspecialty certificate shall be issued for an indefinite term.

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 37⁴. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 37⁵. Suspension, renewal and revocation of a subspecialty certificate🔗

Suspension, renewal and revocation of a subspecialty certificate shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure established by Articles 77–79 of this Law.

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 38. Ethical Principles and Conflict of Interest of a Subject of Independent Medical Activity🔗

1. In the performance of professional duties, a subject of independent medical activity shall be guided by the following principles:

a) to establish a healthy lifestyle among patients and in society by personal example;

b) to be guided only by professional standards, the principles of humanism, and the legislation of Georgia, and to respect the patient's dignity, religion and traditions;

c) to take maximum account of the patient's health interests;

d) to be disinterested, and in making professional decisions — free and independent;

e) to fulfil the physician's oath faithfully.

2. A subject of independent medical activity shall observe the ethical and conflict-of-interest norms provided for by the Law of Georgia on Health Care, the violation of which entails the professional liability provided for by this Law and administrative liability in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia.

Law of Georgia No. 4133 of 17 December 2010 - LHG I, No. 76, 29.12.2010, Art. 509

Article 39. Provision of information to the patient🔗

1. An independent medical activity subject shall be obliged to provide the patient, in a form acceptable to him/her, with complete, objective, timely and comprehensible information:

a) about his/her state of health, including:

a.a) about intended prophylactic, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitation and palliative interventions and their alternative options, the associated risk and effectiveness;

a.b) about the results of medical examinations;

a.c) about the expected consequences of a declared refusal of an intended medical intervention;

a.d) about the diagnosis and the expected prognosis, as well as the course of treatment;

b) about factors contributing to the preservation of health or having a negative impact;

c) about the existing types of medical services needed by the patient and the possibilities of their use, as well as about the fee for rendered or intended medical services and the procedure for its reimbursement.

2. The information provided for by subparagraphs „a“-„c“ of paragraph 1 of this Article shall be provided by the independent medical activity subject to the patient only with his/her consent, except in cases where the failure to provide information may cause serious harm to the health and/or life of the patient and/or a third person.

3. The information provided for by subparagraphs „a“ and „b“ of paragraph 1 of this Article shall not be provided by the independent medical activity subject to the patient if there is a reasoned assumption that the provision of the information will cause serious harm to the patient's health. The decision on the failure to provide information shall be confirmed by the medical ethics commission, and in its absence — by a second independent medical activity subject. If the patient persistently demands to receive the information, the independent medical activity subject shall be obliged to provide him/her with this information.

4. In the event of failure to provide the patient with the information provided for by subparagraphs „a“-„c“ of paragraph 1 of this Article, the independent medical activity subject shall be obliged to enter a corresponding record in the patient's medical documentation, indicating the ground for the failure to provide the information.

Law of Georgia of 8 May 2007 No. 4721 - LHG I, No. 18, 22.05.2007, Art. 151

Article 40. Provision of information to a minor under 7 or a patient lacking the ability to make an informed decision🔗

If the patient is a minor under 7 or lacks the ability to make an informed decision, or if the patient has not stated otherwise in the past when he/she had the ability to make an informed decision, the information provided for by subparagraphs „a“−„c“ of paragraph 1 of Article 39 of this Law shall be provided by the independent medical activity subject to the patient's relative or legal representative.

Law of Georgia of 20 March 2015 No. 3378 - website, 31.03.2015.

Article 41. Familiarization of the patient, his/her relative or legal representative with information contained in medical documentation🔗

1. The subject of medical activity shall be obliged, at the patient's request, to familiarize the patient, and in the case of the patient being a minor under 7 (young child) or being unable to take a conscious decision — the patient's relative or legal representative, with the information contained in his/her medical documentation on the state of health, including the results of diagnostic examinations, data related to treatment and care, and records reflecting a consultation conducted by another independent subject of medical activity.

2. In the cases provided for by paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 39 of this Law, an independent subject of medical activity shall have the right not to familiarize a capable patient with the information contained in his/her medical documentation or to restrict its scope, and if the patient persistently demands to be familiarized with the information contained in his/her medical documentation, the subject of medical activity shall be obliged to familiarize him/her with this information.

3. An independent subject of medical activity shall have the right, only with the patient's consent, to familiarize the relative or legal representative of a patient who is capable and/or has the ability to take a conscious decision with the information contained in the patient's medical documentation as provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article.

Law of Georgia of 20 March 2015 No. 3378 - website, 31.03.2015.

Article 42. Introduction of a correction, addition or clarification into medical documentation🔗

1. An independent subject of medical activity shall be obliged, at the patient's reasoned request, to introduce a correction, addition or clarification into the patient's medical documentation, as well as to update personal life and medical data.

2. If the patient is a minor under 7 (young child) or lacks the ability to take a conscious decision, an independent subject of medical activity shall be obliged, at the reasoned request of the patient's relative or legal representative, to introduce into the patient's medical documentation the correction, addition or clarification indicated in paragraph 1 of this Article.

3. A subject of medical activity shall have the right, at the request of the patient, his/her relative or legal representative, not to change the information contained in the medical documentation, if the necessity of recording it is provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

Law of Georgia of 20 March 2015 No. 3378 - website, 31.03.2015.

Article 43. Obligation to familiarize the patient with the identity and professional status of an independent subject of medical activity🔗

An independent subject of medical activity shall be obliged, before providing medical services, to familiarize a patient who is capable and/or has the ability to take a conscious decision with his/her identity and professional status, except in cases where there is a life-threatening condition and/or the necessity of urgent medical services, which does not allow the aforementioned to be carried out.

Article 44. Informed consent🔗

1. Before the provision of medical services, the subject of independent medical activity shall obtain the patient's oral or written informed consent to the intended medical intervention.

2. The subject of independent medical activity shall obtain written informed consent before the following medical interventions:

a) any surgical operation (except minor surgical manipulations);

b) abortion;

c) catheterization of blood vessels (except catheterization of peripheral veins);

c¹) transfusion of human blood or its component;

d) hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis;

e) artificial insemination;

f) surgical contraception – sterilization;

[ f¹) transplantation of a human organ, use of human tissue or cell; (shall enter into force from 1 September 2026)]

g) genetic testing;

h) gene therapy;

i) radiation therapy;

j) chemotherapy of malignant tumours.

Law of Georgia of 15 December 2022 No. 2391 – website, 27.12.2022.

Law of Georgia of 1 November 2023 No. 3613 – website, 22.11.2023.

Law of Georgia of 13 December 2024 No. 142 – website, 29.12.2024.

Law of Georgia of 13 December 2024 No. 121 – website, 30.12.2024.

Article 45. Right to provide medical services to a minor under 7 or a patient lacking the ability to make an informed decision🔗

1. A subject of independent medical practice shall have the right to provide medical services to a minor under 7 or a patient lacking the ability to make an informed decision only after receiving the written informed consent of the patient's relative or legal representative.

2. If there is a condition dangerous to the life of a minor under 7 or a patient lacking the ability to make an informed decision, or a risk of significant deterioration of the health condition and/or restriction of capabilities, due to which it is necessary to provide him/her with emergency medical services, but the patient's relative or legal representative cannot be found, the subject of independent medical practice shall take a decision on the provision of medical services to the patient taking into account his/her health interests.

3. If there is a condition dangerous to the life of a minor under 7 or a patient lacking the ability to make an informed decision, due to which it is necessary to provide him/her with emergency medical services, but the patient's relative or legal representative is against the provision of medical services, the subject of independent medical practice shall take a decision on the provision of medical services taking into account the patient's health interests.

4. If the decision of the relative or legal representative of a minor under 7 or a patient lacking the ability to make an informed decision contradicts the patient's health interests, the subject of independent medical practice shall have the right to appeal that decision to a court and to request permission to provide the patient with the appropriate medical services.

Law of Georgia of 20 March 2015 No. 3378 – website, 31.03.2015.

Law of Georgia of 26 June 2025 No. 858 – website, 03.07.2025.

Article 46. Patient's refusal to receive medical services and termination of medical services🔗

1. If a capable and/or a patient having the ability to make an informed decision refuses to receive medical services or demands the termination of already commenced medical services, the subject of independent medical practice shall be obliged to provide the patient with exhaustive information on the expected consequences. The final decision shall be taken by the patient (except for the case provided for by paragraph 2 of this Article), which shall be confirmed by a signature on the relevant medical documentation.

2. If a woman in labour refuses to receive such medical services as are necessary for the birth of a live foetus and these services carry a minimal risk to the health and life of the woman in labour, the subject of independent medical practice shall take a decision on the provision of medical services proceeding from the interests of the foetus.

Law of Georgia of 17 December 2010 No. 4133 – LHG I, No. 76, 29.12.2010, Art. 509

Article 47. Patient's participation in the process of medical education and medical-biological research🔗

1. A subject of independent medical practice shall be obliged to obtain from the patient oral informed consent to participation in the process of medical education, and written informed consent to participation in the process of medical-biological research.

2. If the patient is a minor under 7 (young child) or lacks the ability to make a conscious decision, the subject of independent medical practice obtains the written informed consent of the patient's relative or legal representative for the patient's involvement in the process of medical education or medical-biological research.

Law of Georgia of 20 March 2015 No. 3378 – website, 31.03.2015.

Article 48. Confidentiality of information🔗

1. A subject of independent medical practice shall be obliged, except for the cases provided by the legislation of Georgia, to protect the confidentiality of information about the patient's state of health and private life both in the course of carrying out medical practice and after its termination, both during the patient's life and after his/her death.

2. A subject of independent medical practice has the right to disclose confidential information about the patient's state of health and private life if:

a) the patient grants the right to disclose the information;

b) non-disclosure of the information poses a threat to the health and/or life of a third person (whose identity is known);

c) if there is a substantiated suspicion of a disease subject to mandatory registration;

d) the information is provided to other medical personnel participating in the medical service;

e) disclosure of the information is necessary for forensic medical examination;

f) the disclosure of the information is demanded, in accordance with a court judgment, by law enforcement bodies;

f¹) the information concerns the fact of the possible commission of violence against women and/or domestic violence and there is a danger of repeated violence. This information shall be provided only to the relevant state body in order to protect the patient's rights and interests;

g) the information is provided to state bodies for the purpose of establishing social benefits for the patient. In this case, the patient's consent to the disclosure of the information is necessary;

h) when the information is used for educational-scientific purposes, the data are presented in such a way that identification of the person is impossible.

[3. A subject of independent medical practice has the right to disclose confidential information about the patient's state of health in accordance with paragraph 2¹ of Article 26 of the Law of Georgia "On Mental Health" for entry into the unified information database of persons with mental health problems suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction and/or toxicomania. (shall enter into force from 1 May 2026)]

Law of Georgia of 17 October 2014 No. 2702 – website, 31.10.2014.

Law of Georgia of 4 May 2017 No. 776 – website, 25.05.2017.

Law of Georgia of 9 December 2025 No. 1155 – website, 15.12.2025.

Article 49. Interference in the patient's family and private life🔗

A subject of independent medical activity has the right to interfere in the patient's family and private life if:

a) the interference is necessary for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care of the patient's disease. In this case, the patient's consent is required;

b) non-interference poses a serious threat to the health and/or life of the patient's family members;

c) violence against women and/or domestic violence is being committed against the patient and/or his/her family member and there is a danger of repeated violence, if the interference is necessary to protect the patient's rights and interests.

Law of Georgia of 8 May 2007 No. 4721 - LHG I, No. 18, 22.05.2007, Art. 151

Law of Georgia of 17 October 2014 No. 2702 - website, 31.10.2014

Law of Georgia of 4 May 2017 No. 776 - website, 25.05.2017

Article 50. Transfer of medical services to other medical personnel🔗

1. A subject of independent medical activity has the right to transfer the patient's medical services to other medical personnel if:

a) he/she has provided the medical personnel to whom he/she transferred the patient's medical services with complete information about the medical services rendered to the patient;

b) continuation of the medical services is possible within the time necessary for rendering medical services to the patient;

c) the safety and quality of the medical services are ensured.

2. A subject of independent medical activity has the right to transfer a task to be performed in the course of professional activity to another subject of independent medical activity or, for training purposes, to a person performing the function of a doctor who does not have the official document necessary for this, if he/she is convinced that the medical personnel to whom he/she assigned the performance of the work has the appropriate knowledge and professional skills. In such cases, the transferor shall be responsible for the quality of the medical services.

Article 51. Provision of information to the management of a medical institution about the infliction of harm to the patient's health or the risk of such harm🔗

If, in the course of rendering medical services, any harm was inflicted on the patient's health or there is a risk of inflicting harm, the subject of independent medical activity shall be obliged to notify the management of the medical institution thereof.

Article 52. Mandatory performance of duties for a person performing the function of a doctor🔗

The performance of the duties provided for by Chapter V of this Law shall also be imposed on a person performing the function of a doctor.

Article 53. General Principles🔗

When providing medical services to a prisoner, detainee or captive, an independent medical practitioner shall be obliged to ensure the protection and treatment of his or her physical and mental health with the same quality and medical standards as those for persons who are not prisoners, detainees or captives.

Article 54. Prohibitions🔗

1. An independent medical practitioner shall be prohibited from:

a) direct or indirect connection with such actions as are related to participation, complicity, incitement or attempted incitement in torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and/or punishment, as well as presence at such actions;

b) professional relationship with a prisoner, detainee or captive, if the sole purpose thereof is not the assessment, protection or improvement of his or her physical and mental health and such relationship contradicts the principles of medical ethics;

c) use of professional knowledge and skills to facilitate the interrogation of a prisoner, detainee or captive by such methods as adversely affect his or her physical or mental health or condition;

d) use of professional knowledge and skills, or provision of an instrument or substance, for the purpose of facilitating the torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of a prisoner, detainee or captive, or to weaken his or her resistance to such actions;

e) participation in any restrictive action against a prisoner, detainee or captive, if the latter is not determined by specific medical indications, is not necessary for his or her physical and mental health and social protection, for the safety of another prisoner, detainee or captive or an escort, and poses a threat to the physical and mental health of the prisoner, detainee or captive.

2. The prohibitions provided for by subparagraphs „a“-„e“ of paragraph 1 of this article shall also be in force during a state of emergency, including armed conflicts and civil strife.

Article 55. Attitude of an independent medical practitioner toward a prisoner or detainee on hunger strike🔗

1. An independent medical practitioner shall be prohibited from artificially feeding a prisoner or detainee on hunger strike, if the latter refuses to take food by natural means and, in the opinion of the independent medical practitioner, has the ability to independently and reasonably assess the consequences of voluntary cessation of food intake. This opinion must be confirmed by at least one other independent medical practitioner. At the same time, the independent medical practitioner has the right to provide medical service to the patient, if the latter does not object to it.

2. In the event of a prisoner's or detainee's declaration of refusal to take food, the independent medical practitioner shall be obliged to inform the prisoner or detainee about the expected consequences of refusal to take food, as well as to inform him whether he will provide medical service in the event of the onset of unconsciousness as a result of the hunger strike.

3. If a prisoner or detainee has become unconscious as a result of a voluntary hunger strike, the independent medical practitioner has the right to act in accordance with the interests of the patient's health and/or life, notwithstanding the will previously expressed by the patient. The decision on this matter shall be taken by the independent medical practitioner. The taking of the decision shall not be influenced by the opinions of a third person for whom the patient's well-being is not paramount.

4. If a prisoner or detainee on hunger strike who has the ability to take a conscious decision refuses the provision of medical service, the independent medical practitioner shall not be liable for the expected consequences of the hunger strike.

Article 56. Conditions for keeping medical records🔗

1. A subject of independent medical practice shall be obliged to keep medical records for each patient in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

2. Along with taking into account other requirements, when keeping medical records by a subject of independent medical practice, it is necessary that:

a) medical records be made in the state language, clearly and comprehensibly. A record of a specialist of a foreign country shall be translated into the state language;

b) medical records be complete. The subject of independent medical practice shall fully complete each part of the medical records (personal, social, medical and other data of the patient);

c) information in the medical records be recorded in a timely manner and within the established timeframes;

d) medical records adequately reflect all details related to the patient's medical care;

e) each new part of the medical records be certified by the subject of independent medical practice with a clear signature, in accordance with the existing procedure.

3. The subject of independent medical practice shall be obliged to observe the existing procedure for the storage of medical records. He/she shall be obliged to make medical records available to a third person only in the cases provided for by this Law.

Article 57. General principles🔗

A subject of independent medical practice shall be obliged, in the exercise of medical practice, to observe the norms of professional ethics, the interests of the patient, the prestige of medical practice, and to establish an atmosphere of mutual respect among colleagues.

Article 58. Obligation to provide professional service to a colleague🔗

A subject of independent medical practice shall be obliged, within the limits of his/her ability, to assist to the maximum extent a colleague who addresses him/her for the purpose of providing a service.

Article 59. Provision of medical services to a patient by another independent medical practice subject🔗

1. If a patient who was previously supervised by another independent medical practice subject of the same specialty has applied to an independent medical practice subject for the purpose of receiving medical services, the former shall be obliged to use every effort so that the patient, his/her relative or legal representative notify the independent medical practice subject that previously supervised the patient thereof. It shall be prohibited to refuse to provide medical services to a patient on the ground that he/she was previously treated by another independent medical practice subject of the same specialty.

2. After completion of the treatment of a patient referred by another independent medical practice subject, the independent medical practice subject shall be obliged to refer the patient back to the same independent medical practice subject, if continuation of treatment and/or supervision is subsequently necessary. In this case, the patient's consent is required.

3. If an independent medical practice subject has provided emergency medical services to a patient who was previously treated and/or supervised by another independent medical practice subject, the independent medical practice subject providing the service shall be obliged to notify the previous independent medical practice subject thereof as quickly as possible and, with the patient's consent, to transfer the further treatment and/or supervision of the patient to the same.

4. An independent medical practice subject shall be obliged to provide the relevant medical services to a patient who is treated and/or supervised by a colleague working in the same institution, if the latter, for any reason, is unable to provide medical services.

Article 60. Treatment and/or supervision of a patient after discharge from a hospital🔗

After discharge of a patient from an inpatient medical institution, the independent medical practice subject shall be obliged to entrust his/her further treatment and/or supervision to the independent medical practice subject that treated and/or supervised the patient before admission to the hospital. In this case, the patient's consent is required. The independent medical practice subject has the right to continue the treatment and/or supervision of the patient only at the patient's request, which shall be recorded in writing in the medical documentation.

Article 61. Consultation🔗

During the examination of a patient by way of consultation and during the discussion by the participants of the consultation on his/her health condition, the attendance of the patient's relative or legal representative shall be prohibited. The participants of the consultation shall agree on who will inform the patient, his/her relative or legal representative of the decision of the consultation.

Article 62. Invitation of Another Independent Medical Activity Subject to Participate in the Patient's Medical Services🔗

If an independent medical

activity subject invites his/her colleague to participate in the patient's medical services, and the patient has concluded a contract with him/her on remuneration for the rendered medical services, the inviter shall be obliged to offer the invitee appropriate remuneration for his/her work.

Article 63. Assessment of a Colleague's Activity🔗

When orally or in writing assessing the activity of a colleague participating in joint medical activity, as well as in the system of continuous professional development conducted under the guidance of an independent medical activity subject, the independent medical activity subject shall be obliged to be conscientious and objective, and to be guided by the principles referred to in Article 57 of this Law.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 64. Participation of a Colleague in the Continuous Professional Development System🔗

An independent medical activity subject shall be obliged to ensure the participation of his/her subordinate colleague in the continuous professional development system in accordance with the established procedure.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 65. Prohibitions🔗

The following shall be prohibited:

a) non-objective criticism of a colleague's medical activity, statements degrading his/her personal qualities;

b) obstruction of a colleague in medical activity, an attempt to expel him/her or expulsion on grounds of competition;

c) commencement of medical practice by an independent medical activity subject within less than 2 years on the territory (region, settlement or part thereof) of the medical practice of the independent medical activity subject with whom he/she worked as a junior doctor or with whom he/she underwent a residency course or studied diagnostic and/or treatment methods for not less than 3 months. An exception shall be permissible only if the consent of the above-mentioned independent medical activity subject has been obtained;

d) taking advantage of an unemployed colleague's condition and concluding an employment contract with him/her providing for remuneration less than the tariff norms established by the legislation of Georgia;

e) receiving remuneration for referring a patient or material to be examined to another independent medical activity subject or to another medical institution, as well as giving remuneration in cases where a patient or material to be examined is referred to him/her.

Article 66. Body Exercising State Supervision over Medical Activity🔗

1. State supervision over medical activity shall be exercised by the Ministry through the Council.

2. The Ministry shall ensure the active participation of university clinics, doctors' professional associations and other public organizations in state supervision over medical activity.

Article 67. Types of state supervision over medical practice🔗

1. The types of state supervision over medical practice are:

a) control of the quality of medical services;

b) control of the production of medical documentation;

c) (removed);

d) (removed);

e) (removed).

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 68. Control of the quality of medical services and of the production of medical documentation🔗

1. The Ministry shall periodically, at least once a year, selectively control the quality of medical services and the medical documentation produced by an independent medical practice entity.

2. At all stages of the preparation and consideration of the document reflecting the results of the inspection, the participation of the independent medical practice entity whose activity was inspected shall be mandatory.

3. An independent medical practice entity shall be entitled, at its own discretion, to attach to the document provided for by paragraph 2 of this Article an explanatory note reflecting its position on the remarks given in the document.

Article 69. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 - LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 70. Assessment of the health condition of an independent medical practice entity for the purpose of determining its professional fitness🔗

1. If there is a reasoned assumption that an independent medical practice entity is unable/no longer able, due to its health condition, to carry out professional activity, its employer (upon recruitment or subsequently), as well as the Council, shall be entitled to instruct the independent medical practice entity to undergo an appropriate medical examination at a medical institution.

2. An independent medical practice entity shall be obliged to undergo the medical examination provided for by paragraph 1 of this Article within 1 month from receipt of such instruction.

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Law of Georgia of 17 December 2010 No. 4122 - LHG I, No. 76, 29.12.2010, Art. 507

Article 71. Legal consequences of refusal of control of the quality of medical services rendered by an independent medical practice entity and of the production of medical documentation, as well as of the assessment of its health condition for the purpose of determining professional fitness🔗

If an independent medical practice entity refuses control of the quality of medical services rendered by it and of the production of medical documentation, as well as the assessment of its health condition for the purpose of determining professional fitness, the Council shall be entitled to suspend the validity of the state certificate in accordance with the requirements provided for by Article 77 of this Law.

Article 72. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 73. Professional Liability of an Independent Medical Practice Subject🔗

The professional liability of an independent medical practice subject is liability provided for violation of medical standards and ethical norms related to the examination, care and treatment of a patient, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

Article 74. Professional Liability Provided for Improper Conduct of Independent Medical Practice🔗

1. The following types of professional liability are provided for improper conduct of independent medical practice:

a) written warning;

b) suspension of the validity of the state certificate;

c) revocation of the state certificate;

d) restriction on prescribing narcotic, psychotropic and alcohol-containing medications;

e) other measures of professional liability provided for by the legislation of Georgia.

2. The decision on the professional liability provided for by paragraph 1 of this article shall be taken by the Council.

3. An independent medical practice subject shall be entitled to appeal to court, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, any type of professional liability provided for by paragraph 1 of this article.

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 75. Written warning🔗

1. A written warning shall be issued to a subject of independent medical activity who intentionally or negligently fails to perform the professional duties defined in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

2. The grounds for a written warning are:

a) a statement or complaint of a patient;

b) a statement or complaint of a relative or legal representative of a patient;

c) a statement or complaint of the employer of the subject of independent medical activity;

d) a statement or complaint of the head of the medical institution where the subject of independent medical activity works, which is confirmed by more than two colleagues working in the same institution;

e) a statement or complaint of more than two colleagues working in the medical institution where the subject of independent medical activity works, which is confirmed by the head of the same institution;

f) information provided by the employer of the subject of independent medical activity or by the medical institution where the subject of independent medical activity works.

3. If a criminal case is initiated against a subject of independent medical activity for an act committed in the course of professional activity, a statement or complaint received in respect of the same act shall not be considered.

4. If a written warning has been issued to a subject of independent medical activity at least 3 times within one calendar year, the Council is entitled to consider, in accordance with the procedure established by this Law, the issue of suspension of the state certificate.

5. The Council shall:

a) no later than one week after the submission of a statement or complaint by the persons indicated in subparagraphs „a“ – „f“ of paragraph 2 of this Article, notify the subject of independent medical activity about the statement or complaint received in respect of him/her;

b) upon request, make known to the subject of independent medical activity the content of the statement or complaint received in respect of him/her;

c) adopt a decision no later than 2 months after the submission of a statement or complaint by the persons indicated in subparagraphs „a“ – „f“ of paragraph 2 of this Article;

d) within 10 days after the adoption of the decision, notify the subject of independent medical activity, as well as the applicant or complainant, thereof.

6. A written warning provided for by this Law shall not be issued to a subject of independent medical activity after 5 years from the violation, or for participation in a strike or other similar action.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 76. Suspension of the state certificate🔗

Suspension of the state certificate is a temporary prohibition of independent medical activity permitted by the state certificate.

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 77. Grounds for suspension of the validity of a state certificate🔗

1. The grounds for suspension of the validity of a state certificate are:

a) violation by its holder of the conditions defined by the state certificate or of the requirements established by the legislation of Georgia for independent medical activity permitted by the state certificate;

b) written warning received by the holder of the state certificate at least 3 times within one year.

2. The validity of a state certificate may be suspended for no more than 6 months.

3. The decision on suspension of the validity of a state certificate shall be communicated in writing to its holder within one week, indicating the ground for suspension of the validity of the state certificate; at the same time, a corresponding note shall be made in the state certification registry.

4. The decision on suspension of the validity of a state certificate may be appealed to a court.

Article 78. Renewal of the validity of a state certificate after suspension of validity🔗

1. After elimination of the reasons for suspension of the validity of a state certificate and, consequently, fulfilment of the relevant requirements, the validity of the state certificate shall be renewed by a decision of the Council, on the basis of an application of the holder of the state certificate.

2. The Council shall be obliged to consider the application of the holder of the state certificate on renewal of the validity of the state certificate at the very first session.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 79. Cancellation of State Certificate🔗

1. Grounds for cancellation of a state certificate are:

a) inconsistency of the health condition of the holder of a state certificate with his professional duty;

b) (removed);

c) performance by the holder of a state certificate of such activity as exceeds the scope defined by the state certificate;

d) expiry of the period established by this Law for suspension of the validity of a state certificate, if before that the holder of the state certificate was unable to eliminate the reasons causing the suspension of the validity of the state certificate and, consequently, to fulfil the corresponding requirements;

e) systematic or single grave violation by the holder of a state certificate of the medical standards and ethical norms recognised in the country, and of the rules established by Georgian legislation, if the latter resulted in significant deterioration of the patient's health or death or infliction of material damage to the patient;

f) a court judgment on imprisonment of the holder of a state certificate or his dismissal from work, including dismissal from service by a court judgment for a criminal offence committed during professional activity, from the moment it enters into legal force.

g) discovery of the use of a false document as a basis for the decision on granting a state certificate.

2. In the cases provided for by paragraph 1 of this article, the decision on cancellation of a state certificate is taken by the Council.

3. (removed);

4. The Council is obliged:

a) within 7 days to notify the holder of a state certificate in writing about the cancellation of the state certificate, indicating the corresponding grounds;

b) within 3 days from the adoption of the decision on cancellation of a state certificate, to enter the corresponding data into the state certification register.

5. (removed).

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 2 June 2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 4 April 2008, Art. 74

Article 80. Appealing a Decision of the Council🔗

Any decision of the Council on a state certificate may be appealed in court by an interested person in accordance with the procedure established by Georgian legislation.

Article 81. Body Considering the Issue of Professional Liability of a Subject of Independent Medical Activity🔗

The decision on the professional liability of a subject of independent medical activity provided for by this Law is taken by the Council.

Article 82. Submission of an application or complaint to the Council🔗

1. An application or complaint shall be submitted to the Council in writing.

2. An application or complaint submitted to the Council shall contain:

a) the name, surname, date of birth and address of the place of residence of the applicant or complainant;

b) the name, surname, specialty and service address of the independent medical practice entity to which the application or complaint relates;

c) the substance and request of the application or complaint;

d) other circumstances.

3. The application or complaint shall be signed by the applicant or complainant.

4. If an application or complaint is submitted by a relative of the applicant or complainant or a lawful representative of Georgia, his/her authority shall be certified by a notary or, in cases provided for by Georgian legislation, by the head of a medical institution.

Article 83. Incompleteness of an application or complaint🔗

If an application or complaint is incomplete and it cannot become a basis for consideration, the Council shall require the submission of additional materials within the nearest 2 weeks. In case of failure to submit additional materials, the application or complaint shall not be considered.

Article 84. Necessity of notification🔗

1. In case of receipt of an application or complaint, the Council shall send a copy thereof within one week to the independent medical practice entity to which the application or complaint relates.

2. Sending of notification is not obligatory if it is known that in the case provided for by Article 83 of this Law the application or complaint is not considered.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 85. Response to an application or complaint🔗

1. The independent medical practice entity shall give a written response to the circumstances indicated in the application or complaint, except when the Council decides that an oral response is sufficient.

2. In the response, the independent medical practice entity shall clearly state whether it agrees with or denies the circumstances indicated in the application or complaint, as well as substantiate its view and submit exculpatory circumstances.

Article 86. Examination of the circumstances cited in an application or complaint🔗

1. If the Council considers that an expert examination is necessary to resolve the issue, it has the right to receive explanations from the relevant persons, regardless of their organizational-legal form, in accordance with the procedure established by Georgian legislation.

2. The issue of remuneration for the person conducting the expert examination shall be decided by a contract concluded between the Council and the expert.

3. A professional association of doctors of the relevant medical specialty, with the consent of the defendant or at his request, has the right to participate in the consideration of the application or complaint and in the rendering of a decision.

Article 87. Right of the parties to attend when a decision is made🔗

When a decision is made by the Council, the parties have the right to attend.

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Article 88. Delegation of an application or complaint🔗

If the Council considers that the examination of the matter raised in the application or complaint of a patient, his/her relative or legal representative does not fall within the competence of the Council and the refusal to examine the application or complaint does not infringe the patient's rights, the Council may forward the application or complaint for examination to the employer of an independent medical activity entity or to an authorised body.

Law of Georgia No 7002 of 15 July 2020 – website, 28 July 2020.

Article 89. Appealing against a decision of the Council🔗

A person may appeal against a decision of the Council to a court.

Article 90. Receiving medical consultation using telemedicine🔗

1. Only an independent medical activity entity has the right to receive medical consultation using telemedicine.

2. Only an independent medical activity entity gives recommendations to a patient on the basis of medical consultation received using telemedicine.

3. The independent medical activity entity that directly gives the recommendation shall be responsible for the results of the medical service provided to the patient in this form.

Article 91. Confidentiality of information about a patient🔗

1. When using telemedicine means, the protection of confidentiality of information about a patient shall be the duty of an independent medical activity entity.

2. At the request of a patient, data about his/her identity, health condition and private life may be transmitted anonymously using telemedicine.

Article 92. Technical personnel🔗

1. Technical personnel involved in the transmission of information by telemedicine means shall be prohibited from disclosing to the patient information about the consultation received.

2. Technical personnel shall be obliged to protect the confidentiality of information about the patient's health condition.

Article 93. Adequate working conditions and remuneration🔗

1. An independent medical activity entity has the right to require from the employer the creation of working conditions adequate for professional activity.

2. An independent medical activity entity has the right to require from the employer the provision of adequate remuneration for professional activity.

Law of Georgia No 5868 of 14 March 2008 – LHG I, No 6, 25 March 2008, Art. 23

Article 94. Legal protection of an independent medical practice subject🔗

1. Physical or material damage caused to a doctor, other medical personnel and a medical institution in the course of carrying out medical activity shall be compensated, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, by the person who caused the damage.

2. A doctor has the right, through a court, in accordance with the procedure established by law, to protect his/her own honour, dignity, privacy of personal life, personal inviolability or business reputation from defamation.

3. A complaint of a patient or his/her relative against a doctor, before its consideration by the relevant council of the Ministry, shall be transmitted for an opinion, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, to the relevant professional association (associations) of doctors.

Law of Georgia of 14 March 2008 No. 5868 - LHG I, No. 6, 25.03.2008, Art. 23

Law of Georgia of 5 July 2018 No. 3110 - website, 11.07.2018

Article 95. Benefits for an independent medical practice subject working in certain medical specialties and in a particular region🔗

1. Proceeding from state interests, for an independent medical practice subject working in certain medical specialties and in a particular region, central bodies may establish supplements to salary and/or other benefits, including the provision of living space and telephone connection.

2. The list of medical specialties and regions provided for by paragraph 1 of this article shall be approved by the Government of Georgia.

3. Benefits for an independent medical practice subject working in a high-mountainous region shall be determined by the Law of Georgia "On Health Care". The said benefits shall also be determined by the Law of Georgia "On the Development of High-Mountainous Regions" in the case provided for by the same law.

Law of Georgia of 20 September 2013 No. 1246 - website, 08.10.2013

Law of Georgia of 16 July 2015 No. 4042 - website, 28.07.2015

Law of Georgia of 15 July 2020 No. 7002 - website, 28.07.2020

Article 96. (Removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 - LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 - LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 97. Right to insure a professional error🔗

An independent medical practice subject has the right to insure a professional error as a result of which property or non-property damage was caused to a patient.

Article 98. Measures related to the entry into force of this Law🔗

1. Postgraduate education (professional training) shall be carried out in accredited institutions and/or schools from 1 March 2009.

2. Training of residents/applicants admitted before 1 March 2009 shall continue, notwithstanding the institution's and/or school's obtaining the relevant accreditation, until completion of the postgraduate education (professional training) programme.

3. The Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia shall be tasked with developing and approving:

a) the Regulation of the Professional Development Council – by 15 May 2008;

b) the rules for certain forms of continuing medical education and professional rehabilitation, as well as the rules and criteria for accreditation – by 1 March 2009;

c) the rules for participation in, conduct of and assessment of alternative postgraduate education (professional training) of residency;

d) the criteria and procedure for accreditation of those medical institutions and/or schools in which it is possible to take a postgraduate education (professional training) course;

e) the form of the state certificate confirming completion of a postgraduate education (professional training) course, for unified residency and alternative postgraduate education (professional training) of residency – by 31 December 2008;

f) the form of the document confirming the right to independent medical practice in a subspecialty – a subspecialty certificate – by 31 December 2008;

g) the rules and conditions for conducting the unified postgraduate qualification examination;

h) the rules for enrolment in residency in certain medical specialties.

4. The rules and criteria for accreditation of postgraduate education (professional training) programmes shall be determined by a joint order of the Minister of Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia and the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia by 1 March 2009.

5. For a candidate of medical sciences or a doctor of medical sciences, the following shall be considered as grounds for issuing a state certificate of a medical specialist:

a) a written application of the applicant for the state certificate, containing the applicant's name, surname, place of birth and address of place of residence, as well as an indication of the medical specialty in which the applicant intends to receive the state certificate;

b) a state educational certificate confirming higher medical educational qualification;

c) a copy of the diploma of a candidate of medical sciences or a doctor of medical sciences, confirming the conferral of the scientific degree before 1 November 1997;

d) at least 10 years of work experience in the relevant medical specialty during the last 15 years – for a candidate of medical sciences, and at least 5 years of work experience in the relevant medical specialty during the last 10 years – for a doctor of medical sciences;

e) (deleted);

f) a document confirming the employment relationship, if the applicant for the state certificate has such a document.

6. The Council is the successor of the Council awarding the state certificate and of the Council for postgraduate education (professional training) and continuous professional development.

Law of Georgia of 26 October 2001 No. 1135 – LHG I, No. 33, 10.11.2001, Art. 133

Law of Georgia of 11 November 2004 No. 593 – LHG I, No. 34, 16.11.2004, Art. 161

Law of Georgia of 13 May 2005 No. 1434 – LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 – LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 – LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Law of Georgia of 4 December 2009 No. 2224 – LHG I, No. 45, 21.12.2009, Art. 341

Law of Georgia of 17 December 2010 No. 4122 – LHG I, No. 76, 29.12.2010, Art. 507

Law of Georgia of 28 December 2016 No. 213 – website, 05.01.2017

Article 99. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia of 11 November 2004 No. 593 – LHG I, No. 34, 16.11.2004, Art. 161

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 – LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 100. Acquisition by a junior doctor of the right to independent medical practice in a shortage medical specialty before 1 October 2026 after passing the state certification examination🔗

1. A junior doctor may, before 1 October 2026, by decision of the Professional Development Council, be granted the right to take the state certification examination in a shortage medical specialty and to acquire the right to independent medical practice, if:

a) he/she confirms, in the manner established by this Law, that during the period provided for by paragraph 2 of this Article he/she worked under the direction and responsibility of a subject of independent medical practice;

b) the work performed by him/her during the period provided for by paragraph 2 of this Article complies with the requirements defined by the residency programme in this medical specialty.

2. In order for a junior doctor to acquire the right to take the state certification examination in a shortage medical specialty, the duration of his/her work in this medical specialty must not be less than the duration of the residency course in the said medical specialty.

3. The rules and conditions for admission to the state certification examination in a shortage medical specialty of the person (junior doctor) defined by paragraph 1 of this Article, as well as the list of shortage medical specialties, shall be determined by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Protection of Georgia.

4. When determining the list of shortage medical specialties, account shall be taken of the required number of appropriate specialists in accordance with the legislation of Georgia and international standards and, in relation thereto, the number of specialists actually employed, as well as their age and the number of employed junior doctors by shortage medical specialty.

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 – LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 2055 of 10 November 2005 – LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Law of Georgia No. 5840 of 13 March 2012 – website, 21.03.2012

Law of Georgia No. 213 of 28 December 2016 – website, 05.01.2017

Law of Georgia No. 824 of 26 June 2025 – website, 30.06.2025

Article 100¹. (removed)🔗

Law of Georgia No. 1434 of 13 May 2005 – LHG I, No. 25, 02.06.2005, Art. 162

Law of Georgia No. 5999 of 21 March 2008 – LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 100². Performance of the function of a physician during the period of study in clinical aspirantura before 1 January 2008🔗

During the period of study in clinical aspirantura, before 1 January 2008, the performance of the function of a physician shall be carried out in accordance with the following procedure:

a) during the period of study in clinical aspirantura, an aspirant, if he had not previously received a state certificate in a medical specialty, shall be entitled to perform the function of a physician in the relevant medical specialty under the residency course programme, in the case provided for by subparagraph „b“ of paragraph 2 of Article 14 of this Law;

b) study in clinical aspirantura shall be equated with training in the relevant medical specialty in residency. If the term of training in residency exceeds the duration of study in aspirantura, the years of study in aspirantura shall be counted as a constituent part of the duration of residency;

c) a person who received a state certificate before commencing study in clinical aspirantura shall, during the period of study in clinical aspirantura, be entitled to carry out independent medical activity in the medical specialty defined by the state certificate.

Law of Georgia of 10 November 2005 No. 2055 – LHG I, No. 48, 29.11.2005, Art. 323

Article 100³. Extension of the validity term of state certificates issued before 1 May 2008🔗

1. The validity of state certificates issued before 1 May 2008, regardless of their legal force, shall be extended for an indefinite period.

2. The operation of paragraph 1 of this Article shall not apply to those state certificates in respect of which a court judgment has been delivered on their revocation.

3. On the basis of an application by the holder of a state certificate, the Council shall issue a state certificate of a new form.

Law of Georgia of 21 March 2008 No. 5999 – LHG I, No. 9, 04.04.2008, Art. 74

Article 101. Entry into force of the Law🔗

This Law shall enter into force upon publication.

President of Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze

Tbilisi,

8 June 2001.

No. 904–IIs