Why were the changes to the HCSA proposed so soon after the Act was enacted and how would these changes benefit Singaporeans?
Since the enactment of HCSA in January 2020, there have been developments which have necessitated further refinement of the regulatory regime. These include:
i. the COVID-19 pandemic which has facilitated the rapid mainstreaming of newer models of care, such as teleconsultation and home-based service,
ii. stakeholder feedback that has raised several areas of enhancement for the regulatory regime,
iii. public feedback on misleading healthcare service advertising, and
iv. a need to align our regulatory scope and action with the Medicine (Advertisement and Sale) Act, or MASA, for healthcare advertising
These developments have necessitated the refinement of HCSA provisions.
The refinement of HCSA through these amendments introduces stronger governance and robust safeguards to strengthen patient safety and welfare as well as enable the development of new and innovative healthcare services to benefit Singaporeans.
Related questions
Why was there a need for the new Healthcare Services Act 2020 (HCSA) to replace the now repealed Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act 1980 (PHMCA)?
Was the public consulted on the HCSA amendments?
What were the HCSA amendments?
How will the HCSA interact with other professional Acts that currently govern the different categories of healthcare professionals, e.g., Medical Registration Act?
