A medical practice website is not only an online business card but also a vital tool for communicating with patients, which must comply with applicable legal regulations. In Poland and the European Union, there are specific legal requirements regarding personal data protection, e-registration, transparency of medical information, and appropriate communication with patients. Below, we discuss the key elements that every medical practice website should include to comply with applicable regulations.
Privacy policy compliant with GDPR
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), every medical practice website that processes personal data (e.g., for patient registration purposes) must have an appropriate privacy policy. This document should include information about the data controller, the purpose of data processing, the legal basis, the duration of data storage, and patient rights (access, rectification, deletion, restriction of processing).
Key elements of the privacy policy:
- Information about the data controller (doctor's office).
- Contact details of the Data Protection Officer (if appointed).
- Description of the purposes and basis of data processing (e.g. for health, registration, communication purposes).
- Information about patients’ rights and how to exercise them (right to access, delete, transfer data, etc.).
We wrote more about GDPR and website security rules HERE
Cookie Policy
Under EU regulations, any website that uses cookies must inform users of their use and obtain consent for their use. Particular attention should be paid to cookies that track user activity for marketing or analytical purposes. The cookie policy should be clear and accessible on the website.
Recommended action:
- Implementation of the HTTPS protocol (encryption of data transmitted between the user and the server).
- Use of secure registration forms with an encryption mechanism.
- Regularly update your software and website management system to avoid vulnerability to hacker attacks.
Information about services in accordance with legal regulations
When running a website, a medical practice should avoid advertising content that could mislead patients. The website should only contain accurate information about the services provided, physician qualifications, office hours, and location of the practice. Advertisements may violate the Code of Medical Ethics, so it's important that the content on the website complies with professional ethics.
Recommended actions:
- Posting only objective and reliable information about doctors and the services offered.
- Avoiding content that may be perceived as encouraging the use of specific treatments or offering „guaranteed” treatment results.
E-registration and access to online services
In accordance with healthcare regulations, medical practices may offer e-registration and online consultation services. It is important that these systems are adequately secured and GDPR-compliant. Furthermore, patients should be informed about the processing of their data in the context of online registration and the possibility of accessing and modifying this data.
Key aspects:
- The registration system should enable patients to securely make appointments and view their registration history.
- Patients should be informed about the processing of their data for the purpose of providing online health services.
Accessibility of the website for people with disabilities
In accordance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and Polish law, a medical practice website should be accessible to people with various disabilities. It's essential to ensure that people who are blind, visually impaired, or have other difficulties can use the website without any disruptions.
If you want to learn more about digital accessibility, please visit article.
Basic principles of accessibility:
- The structure of the website should be clear and responsive.
- Text content must be accessible to screen readers.
- Use of appropriate contrast and the ability to enlarge text.
Contact forms and consent to data processing
Every contact form on a doctor's office website should include a consent clause for the processing of personal data in accordance with the GDPR. It's important that forms are clear and easy to use, and that patients are informed about the purpose of data collection and their rights. Read more about how to create a user-friendly contact form. HERE
Summary
When creating a website for a medical practice, special attention should be paid to compliance with legal regulations, particularly in the areas of personal data protection, accessibility, and security. Appropriate website security, a privacy policy, and a cookie policy are essential elements that must be considered to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations. Furthermore, appropriate adaptations for people with disabilities are essential.
A good medical website should be clear, easy to navigate, and above all, responsive – so users can navigate it seamlessly across devices. Avoid excessively complex animations or lengthy forms, which can discourage patients. The website should provide clear information about the services offered, opening hours, and the practice's location, and allow easy access to online registration.
