How will the HCSA address the issue of over-utilisation of healthcare services?
The Healthcare Services Act 2020 (HCSA) FAQs, Rationale for introducing the HCSA
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.
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Why was there a need for the new Healthcare Services Act 2020 (HCSA) to replace the now repealed Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act 1980 (PHMCA)?
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How will MOH know when these service providers are not complying with new regulatory standards?
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How will the HCSA interact with other professional Acts that currently govern the different categories of healthcare professionals, e.g., Medical Registration Act?
Will MOH be regulating all home-based and community-based healthcare services under HCSA now?
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