First, in deciding whether to grant or renew a licence, MOH will take into account whether a provider has a good track record of providing care appropriately, safely and competently.

Second, MOH also reviews if the provider had various infringements such as being convicted of acts involving fraud or over servicing or was found to have not complied with laws on healthcare financing schemes such as MediShield Life Scheme Act.

Third, there is a new requirement for Service Review Committees (SRCs) to be established by certain licensees providing services or programmes deemed to be of higher-risk, more complex or of greater public interest. An example is that of proton beam therapy services

SRCs will review service utilisation, that the service follows stipulated licence regulations, monitor patient outcomes, risks and benefits, and ensure that cost effectiveness guidelines issued by MOH are followed. SRCs are also required to report relevant information as requested by MOH and recommend to the licensee to stop a particular service if patient outcomes are poor.

Licensees must monitor their own institutions’ service utilisation closely and take responsibility for misuse or abuse of resources/services, as well as for any adverse patient outcomes.

Over-servicing by providers who are regulated professionals can also be taken under their respective professional Acts.

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2 questions

How will the HCSA address the issue of over-utilisation of healthcare services?

Why was there a need for the new Healthcare Services Act 2020 (HCSA) to replace the now repealed Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act 1980 (PHMCA)?