The number of eligible associations and the law’s broad scope could portend a significant number of health-related class actions.

A new law, referred to as Loi Santé No. 2016-41 and enacted on 26 January 2016, contains provisions enlarging the scope of class action litigation in France to include health-related claims. Such provisions will enter into force after the French government publishes an implementing decree, expected by 1 July 2016 at the latest.