Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO 2011-0020)
The primary purpose is to streamline the licensure and accreditation processes of hospitals to improve access to quality health facilities and use government resources efficiently without compromising quality of care.
The Department of Health (DOH) through the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) is responsible for the ongoing licensing of hospitals.
Republic Act No. 4226, known as the Hospital Licensure Act, grants DOH the authority for hospital licensure.
No, a hospital must have a valid LTO from DOH as a prerequisite for accreditation by PhilHealth.
All DOH licensed hospitals shall be deemed automatically accredited by PhilHealth as Centers of Safety without the need for a separate survey by PhilHealth.
The Assessment Tool is the checklist prescribing the minimum standards and requirements for hospital licensure, used by regulatory officers and stakeholders to evaluate compliance with DOH standards.
Documents include the approved Certificate of Need (for new general hospitals), approved DOH Permit to Construct (DOH-PTC), the application form, proof of ownership (such as DTI/SEC registration), the most recent hospital statistical report (for renewal), and the duly accomplished Self-Assessment Tool.
Hospitals use the Self-Assessment Tool prior to inspection and monitoring visits to self-evaluate their compliance with DOH standards; the licensing and monitoring teams also use it during inspections.
Failure to comply constitutes a violation and shall be penalized following the penalties and sanctions prescribed in A.O. No. 2007-0022, which covers violations under the One-Stop Shop Licensure System for Hospitals.
DOH shall publish an annual compilation of licensed hospitals to encourage quality improvement and inform the public about available hospital facilities.
The Order takes effect fifteen (15) days after its approval and publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
It is a strategy by DOH to simplify hospital regulation through harmonization of DOH and PhilHealth standards and streamlining regulatory processes to improve efficiency and quality of care.