Frequently asked questions - Health facility licensing

Yes. A single application form is used for all licensing processes. It includes sections for new applications, variations, alterations or extensions, service changes, and licence transfers. You only need to complete the sections relevant to your circumstances.

Documents include proof of business registration, ownership and governance details, building approvals and floor plans, staffing structures, clinical service descriptions, accreditation arrangements, operational policies etc. Details can be found in “Obtain a New Licence” section.

You will be asked to provide missing information before the application can proceed. Incomplete applications may be delayed or reject.

Standard processing takes 6–8 weeks once all documents are received. Applications requiring detailed building compliance or structural review may take up to 90 days after all documents have been received. Delays may occur if inspections or further information are required.

The grant of licence fee is paid before the licence is issued & applies only to new licence applications.

Fees are reviewed annually.

No. You must hold a valid licence before admitting patients or providing services. Operating without a licence is an offence and may attract penalties of up to $60,000.

You must seek Ministerial approval through Clinical Regulation Policy and Licencing-SA Health before making any changes. Significant alterations may require a licence variation or alter or extend an existing licensed premises application.

Yes. A final commissioning inspection is carried out to verify compliance with approved plans, building classification requirements, and operational readiness. Regular inspections are also conducted to ensure ongoing compliance.

Certificates may include fire safety, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) balancing and validation, medical gas testing, electrical safety, and building compliance certificates.

Yes. Accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards is mandatory. New facilities must obtain interim accreditation within 10 days of commencing operations and achieve full accreditation by the time they report through the Annual Return process.

Interim accreditation is a provisional approval for newly established health services, showing that key systems are in place while the service works towards full National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) compliance.

Use an agency approved by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care for National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) assessment.

Health-care buildings, including hospitals and many day procedure centres, are typically classified as Class 9a under the National Construction Code (NCC). Designs must meet NCC and Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG) requirements unless a departure is approved.

Yes, but approval must be obtained through the appropriate licence application. Bed increases, service additions, or structural alterations typically require a licence variation, a change of services application, or an alter/extend existing licensed premises application, and may also require additional inspections or approvals.

Yes, but approval is required through a Transfer of Licence application.

Notify Clinical Regulation Policy and Licencing - SA Health immediately. Unapproved works may trigger additional inspections, remedial actions, or temporary suspension until a full assessment is completed of the facility licence. Best practice is to secure approvals before starting work.

Yes. Refusals, imposed conditions, or cancellations have appeal pathways, typically through South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal or as described in the decision notice.

Ensure commissioning certificates are ready (fire, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), medical gas, electrical). Policies should be mapped to National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) standards.