What is a DGS clinical guidance norm?
A clinical guidance norm, known in Portuguese as a norma de orientação clínica or NOC, is a technical and scientific document issued by Portugal's Direção-Geral da Saúde that systematises the approach to a clinical situation in order to support decisions by health professionals. The norms are the instrument for assuring quality in care across evidence-based decision making, effectiveness, safety and efficiency.
How do I consult the DGS clinical norms?
The norms are published on the Direção-Geral da Saúde site, in the norms and normative circulars section, where each norm has its own page with the full text as a PDF. Every entry in this directory links directly to the official page for that norm.
What is the DGS norm for hypertension?
Norma n.º 001/2026, of 04/03/2026, sets out the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to hypertension in adults. It covers blood pressure measurement, classification, cardiovascular risk stratification, screening for target organ damage and treatment, and excludes pregnancy and secondary hypertension.
Which DGS norms cover vaccination for 2026-2027?
For autumn-winter 2026-2027 the applicable norms are Norma n.º 007/2026 for COVID-19, Norma n.º 006/2026 for seasonal influenza and Norma n.º 004/2026 for respiratory syncytial virus immunisation in paediatric age. Norma n.º 002/2026 updates the HPV vaccination strategy within the National Vaccination Programme.
How do I know whether a DGS norm is still in force?
The DGS states the publication date on the norm's own page and, where applicable, the date of the most recent update. An older norm can remain in force until it is revoked or replaced, so the update date is what to confirm before applying it.
Does DR. INFO search the DGS norms?
Yes. DR. INFO retrieves national guidance including DGS norms, alongside European and international society guidelines such as ESC, NICE, KDIGO and WHO, and answers in Portuguese. Every answer links the document it used, so you can confirm the source rather than trust a summary.
Is this directory complete?
No. It lists the norms published or updated in 2026, by clinical area. Earlier norms can remain in force and are available in the complete listing on the DGS site.