Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010 - 0035)
The main purpose is to re-centralize the issuance of Permit to Construct (PTC) for all levels of hospitals, License to Operate (LTO) for all new hospitals, and renewal of LTO for Level 3 and Level 4 hospitals back to the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) of the Department of Health Central Office (DOH-CO).
The re-centralization applies to all levels of hospitals for PTC issuance, LTO issuance for all new hospitals, and renewal of LTO for Level 3 and Level 4 hospitals. Level 1 and Level 2 hospitals remain under the jurisdiction of the Centers for Health Development (CHDs) for LTO renewal.
The Secretary of Health or his authorized representative, through the BHFS at the DOH Central Office, is responsible for issuing the LTO for new hospitals and renewal of Level 3 and Level 4 hospitals.
It is a strategy by the DOH to harmonize and streamline the licensure of hospitals and their ancillary facilities through centralized processing of permits and licenses to improve efficiency and standardization.
DOH-PTC refers to the Permit to Construct issued by the DOH through BHFS to applicants establishing or operating hospitals. It is required prior to construction as well as for substantial alterations, expansions, changes in classification, or increase in bed capacity, and is a prerequisite for the LTO.
Reasons include ongoing review of Certificate of Need, lack of approved staffing rationalization in CHDs, inadequate technical staff in CHDs for licensing tasks, and that BHFS is the authorized regulatory body under RA 4226.
The LTO is valid for one year from January 1 to December 31.
The LTO is considered lapsed, and the hospital's registration is automatically cancelled. The hospital must then re-apply for a DOH-PTC and initial LTO before operating again.
The HFERC is chaired by a Director IV of BHFS or representative and includes physicians, nurses, medical technologists, architects/engineers, health physicists, and food and drug regulatory officers. Other experts may be invited as needed.
After filing a Motion for Reconsideration with the regulatory Bureau, an appeal can be elevated to the Office of the Secretary within ten days from the decision or denial of reconsideration. The Secretary's decision is final and executory.
The investigation and hearing are conducted by the regulatory Bureau of the DOH concerned.
Yes, the order states that once the specified conditions are fulfilled, decentralization of these functions to CHDs may be reconsidered and reinstated.
It is located at Building 15, DOH San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Manila.
Applicants must pay the fees prescribed by the DOH, following the current Schedule of Fees in Administrative Orders No. 2007-0023 and 2007-0001, with payment for Level 3 and 4 hospitals at the DOH-CO cashier and Level 1 and 2 hospitals at the CHD cashier.
CHDs continue to handle the renewal of LTO for Level 1 and Level 2 hospitals, and must submit reports and inventories related to Level 3 and 4 hospitals to BHFS during the transition.