How to Find Out Whether a Doctor Is Legally Allowed to Practise

1. Understanding the Legal Authority to Practice in Vietnam

Under Vietnamese legal regulations governing medical examination and treatment, holding a recognized medical degree alone does not grant a physician the immediate legal authority to deliver healthcare services. To legally practice in Vietnam, a doctor must satisfy two mandatory prerequisites concurrently: first, obtain a valid Practicing License (or Certificate) issued by the Ministry of Health or the relevant provincial Department of Health; and second, secure an active practice registration on the officially approved staff list of a licensed healthcare facility. 

Engaging in medical practice without completing these combined statutory requirements constitutes an unauthorized practice violation under current health legislation.

2. Official Channels for Confirming Legal Practice Status

• Direct Request to Facility Management: Patients or corporate employers arranging executive health checkups have the right to request written proof of medical staff registration from the clinic’s legal team.

• Consulting Local Health Inspectorates: In cases of doubt, inquiries can be submitted directly to the Health Inspectorate (Thanh tra Sở Y tế) of the province or city where the clinic operates.

• Legal Due Diligence for Corporate Health Services: Insurance companies and corporate employers in Vietnam routine engage healthcare law firms to conduct due diligence on medical providers before signing group health contracts.

3. Summary & Final Recommendations

Verifying a doctor’s legal authority to practice protects patient safety and preserves the legal compliance of healthcare facilities. Key recommendations include:

• For Clinics & Healthcare Management: Establish rigorous internal auditing protocols to verify credentials, consular legalization, and language compliance before onboarding practitioners, ensuring complete alignment with Law No. 15/2023/QH15 and Decree No. 96/2023/ND-CP.

• For Patients & Corporate Clients: Proactively cross-reference practitioner rosters on public DOH portals or request written proof of registration before undergoing invasive procedures or finalizing group health service contracts.