FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The HRA regulates both private and public facilities such as:

1. Clinics which offer Outpatient Services and or Ambulatory services,

2. Laboratories which provide Biomedical Services,

3. Pharmacy Facilities,

4. Diagnostic Imaging,

5. Anaesthesia Services,

6. Medical Transport Services,

7. Medical Spas (Spas which provide invasive and minimally invasive procedure such as microneedling, IV therapy, etc.)

8. Blood Establishments, Facilities and Blood Bank

Licencing ensures that healthcare facilities meet the highest standards of care, safety, and compliance with regulations. It protects patients, promotes quality healthcare delivery, and ensures that facilities operate in accordance with the national healthcare standards set by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and the Ministry of Health.

You can apply for a licence via the HRA’s online application portal, accessible on the HRA website (insert link here). A link to the portal can also be provided via email upon request.

The following documents must be uploaded during the online application process:

1. Application Fee Payment Receipts

2. Online Submission Form Acknowledgement Copy

3. Valid Business Registration Certificate

4. List of Equipment (as per the template)

5. List of Doctors, Nurses, and Other Staff (as per the template)

6. Proof of Valid Licence Registration with the Health Professionals Authority (HPA)

7. Evidence of Medical Malpractice Insurance for All Health Practitioners (including clinic/hospital manager)

8. Defined Scope of Services

9. Certificate of Occupancy

10. Approved Floor Plan of the Physical Facility

11. Certified Financial Statements (P&L Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement) for the Last 2 Years or Projected Financial Statements

12. Map Showing the Location of the Healthcare Facility

Once your completed application and fee are received, an HRA Inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection of your facility. After the inspection, a report will be shared with you, outlining any deficiencies and agreed timelines for resolution. Once all deficiencies are corrected a final report is submitted to the Board for final review and approval.

The process involves multiple steps, including application review, inspection, and board approval. The timeline depends on the completeness of your application, the inspection findings, and the resolution of any deficiencies. Licences are typically issued within a few months of application submission. It is integral to the licencing process for you to start your renewal 3 months before the expiry of your licence.

All licences are issued for a period of one year. Renewal applications must be submitted at least three months before the licence expiration date.

Licencing fees vary based on the type and size of the facility. For example:

• Healthcare facilities with up to 5 practitioners: $450

• Healthcare facilities with over 5 practitioners: $1,400


Additional fees may apply for changes during the licensure period, such as renovations or changes in location.

If your facility was operational before the passage of the Health Regulation Ordinance, it may be deemed provisionally licenced until March 31, 2025.

However, you must initiate the formal licensing process to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework. However, after the 2025 licensing period, the ability to continue operations while waiting on your licence to be approved or while implementing required changes depends on two key factors: The nature of the changes required and the level of risk involved. Each case will be evaluated individually by the Health Regulation Authority, which will determine appropriate conditions and timelines for compliance based on their assessment of patient safety and service quality considerations.

If deficiencies are identified, you will receive a report with observations and agreed timelines to address them. Once deficiencies are resolved, the inspection report will be reviewed by senior management and presented to the HRA Board for final approval.

The HRA can investigate complaints related to:

• Quality of care and treatment

• Care environment or equipment issues

• Poor treatment by staff

• Operational and procedural issues

• Failure to follow appropriate processes

• Lack of information provision by the service provider

The HRA cannot investigate:

• Complaints about facilities or services it does not regulate

• Events that occurred more than six months before the complaint

• Fees charged or refunds for treatment

• Clinical decisions made by healthcare professionals

• Ethical standards of individual healthcare professionals

• Matters related to employment contracts or legal proceedings

You can reach the HRA at:

• Phone: (649) 338-4924

• Email: info@hra.gov.tc

• Address: 2nd Floor, Town Centre Mall, Downtown, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

The HRA provides informational sessions, support materials, and consultation services to help healthcare facilities comply with the new regulatory framework. Contact the HRA for assistance or to schedule a consultation.

Failure to renew your licence at least three months before its expiration may result in penalties or the inability to operate legally. Ensure timely submission of renewal applications to avoid disruptions.

Yes, but any significant changes (e.g., renovations, changes in location, or services) must be reported to the HRA. Additional fees may apply for inspections and processing of amended licences.

For further questions or clarifications, please contact the Health Regulation Authority at (649) 338-4924 or email info@hra.gov.tc.