Lower House approves hospital licensing bill

AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill strengthening the regulation of hospitals and other health facilities.

House Bill 4000 or the “Health Facilities Regulation Act” would create the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) that would facilitate the standardization and licensing of health facilities and services.

The BHFS, under the Department of Health, would have quasi-judicial powers over administrative cases against any health service establishment, according to the bill.

The bill would repeal Republic Act 4226 or the Hospital Licensure Act.

Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, one of the bill’s authors, said the measure would require more health establishments to apply for licence.

“We can see new types of health facilities such as diagnostic and rehabilitative centers unlike before when there were only hospitals and clinics. A number of different types of facilities do not anymore qualify under the regulatory mandate of the DOH,” Tan said.

La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel, M.D., who chairs the House health committee, said the bill would also address the increasing costs of health services.

The bill said the President, upon the recommendation of the health secretary, may impose a cap on the costs of healthcare services in the licensed facilities.

The facilities and services would need to be licensed before being allowed to operate, the bill said.

The license accorded to these establishments would be valid for two years and should be renewed regularly, it added.

The BHFS would only issue the license after conducting a comprehensive on-site inspection.

The BHFS would also be mandated to approve plans and issue permits or give authority to construct, renovate or expand health facilities and other related facilities, the bill read.

The bureau would also be able to determine, levy, assess and collect appropriate permit fees, registration fees, license fees and surcharges due to the operation of the health facilities, according to the bill.

Operating without a license would be penalized with a fine from P100,000 to P1 million, the bill read.

The BHFS could close down health facilities operating without a license, the bill said.

After the House approval, the bill would be transmitted to the Senate to undergo the same process. Once it passes the upper chamber, the bill would be subject to a conference committee in Congress before it is referred to the President’s approval.

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