Can licensees include a specialist/specialty name in their clinic name if they specialise in that field? Would licensees need to apply for special permission to do so?
The Healthcare Services Act 2020 (HCSA) FAQs, Naming Restriction
Generally, the clinic name must accurately reflect the LHS that the licensee is licensed to provide. It should not contain terms that may misrepresent the licensee’s capability, or purport to be a different specialty or licensable service.
In the same vein, the clinic/business name of the LHS(es) should not include mention of specialty names or terms associated with that specialty that the licensee is not qualified and/or competent to manage or provide.
MOH will conduct checks that the licensees meet the above requirements to be allowed to use the clinic/business names during licence applications/renewals. Should there be complaints lodged against licensees with alleged inaccurate names, MOH can require licensees to furnish proof of their speciality competency/credentials or ability to provide the prescribed LHS.
Related questions
Are existing licensees who were transitioned from PHMCA to HCSA expected to change their names or logos now that the naming restriction amendment has taken effect?
If licensees provide multiple services under HCSA, are licensees required to use different business names to reflect the respective services?
Can licensees name their clinic “The Neurology Clinic” if there is no Neurologist practising in the clinic?
Why is there a need to restrict the use of speciality names in licensees’ names or logos?
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