We retrospectively analyzed 87 histories of patients with chronic hepatobiliary pathology (HBP) in order to develop a method for the early development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). To resolve the task, we have studied the relationship between forerunner complaints, as well as laboratory and instrumental research data and the development of HE. As a result of the study, a questionnaire was developed, which shows 31 criteria, presumably signifi cant for predicting the develop ment of HE in patients with HBP. For each criterion, two or three point scales of evaluation were developed, the eff ectiveness of which was subsequently confi rmed by statistical analysis me thods. The proposed system of predictive evaluation of the development of HE, based on scoring and consisting of a set of clinical signs, as well as data from laboratory and instrumental stu dies, allows to predict the development of HE with a high probability. The combination of the presented criteria, which gives a total of 21 points or higher, indicates a high probability of developing this pathology and requires examination from a neurologist, as well as laboratory and instrumental studies necessary for the full diagnosis of HE. The analysis of the results of the prognostic evaluation of the development of HE, allows to begin complex therapy of this patho logy in the preclinical stage, thereby preventing the develop ment of detailed clinical symptoms and complications.