Decree No.817 on Health Impact Assessment.

This Decree establishes the legal framework for conducting Health Impact Assessments (HIA) for investment projects and government policies in the Lao PDR. Its primary objective is to protect public health by identifying potential positive and negative impacts before development begins. By integrating health considerations into national planning, the state aims to ensure sustainable development that prevents disease and promotes the overall well-being of all ethnic groups.
Specifically, the Decree mandates that developers of projects—such as hydropower, mining, and industrial plants—must conduct thorough technical studies and obtain HIA certificates. It outlines the duties of the Ministry of Health to lead monitoring, public consultations, and site inspections. Furthermore, it establishes strict prohibitions against falsifying data or operating without approved mitigation plans, with penalties ranging from administrative fines to criminal prosecution for non-compliance.