Question & AnswerQ&A (ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2018-0016)
The order sets revised guidelines for implementing the One-Stop Shop Licensing System using the Online Licensing and Regulatory System (OLRS) for the licensure of hospitals and accreditation of other health facilities with ancillary services.
It applies to all government and private hospitals and other health facilities regulated by the DOH, including non-hospital-based Medical Facilities for Overseas Workers and Seafarers, ambulatory surgical clinics, dialysis clinics, infirmaries, and birthing homes.
OLRS is used for the online filing, processing, and payment of applications for initial and renewal DOH-License to Operate or Certificate of Accreditation to make the licensing process faster and more convenient.
Medical Facilities for Overseas Workers and Seafarers, Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers, Human Stem Cell and Cell-based Therapy Facilities, and Facilities for Kidney Transplantation require separate DOH-COA applications.
DOH-LTO for hospitals, birthing homes, and infirmaries is valid for one year; DOH-LTO for non-hospital-based dialysis clinics and ambulatory surgical clinics is valid for three years; DOH-COA for non-hospital-based medical facilities for overseas workers and seafarers is valid for three years.
Penalties for violations are imposed according to existing administrative orders such as A.O. No. 2007-0022 and A.O. No. 2008-0027, including possible sanctions that the hospital or health facility must bear for ancillary services regardless of ownership.
Applicants file from start of the year to November 15, submit documents and proofs of payment online via OLRS, applications are assessed within 3 days, inspections done within 20 days, and issuance of DOH-LTO/COA occurs within 30 days from acceptance of complete application.
The applicant will be notified via email with the status 'WITH DEFICIENCY' and given 30 days to correct documentary requirements; failure to comply results in disapproval and forfeiture of fees.
Renewals are done from October 1 to December 15 via OLRS; hospitals filing complete renewals from October 1 to November 30 receive a 10% discount. Automatic renewal occurs within 15 days if the facility has no sanctions and complies with reporting requirements.