Apply for a new licence or renew an existing private ambulance licence

This application is for establishing and operating a new private non-emergency ambulance service or renewing an existing ambulance licence in South Australia.

Key timelines

• Applications are generally processed within 6 to 8 weeks from the date all required documentation is received.
• Approval timeframes may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the outcomes of inspections and any associated remedial actions.
• For licence renewals, the application must be submitted well in advance of the expiry of the existing licence to allow sufficient processing time
  

Operations must not commence (or continue) until a licence is issued or renewed before expiry.

Application process

1. Prepare application – Gather all required documents. See the list below for details
2. Submit application – Complete and submit the online application form with supporting documentation
3. Pay application fee – An invoice will be issued. Payment must be made before assessment begins
4. Assessment and review – The application is reviewed for completeness. Additional documents may be requested
5. Site inspection – Inspections may be conducted to verify vehicles, equipment, staffing, and operational readiness. 
   Applicants must give at least four weeks notice for inspection scheduling. If inspections identify non-adherence to approved standards or licence conditions, remedial actions must be completed before the licence can be granted or renewed. Additional inspections may be required, which may result in delays.
   
6. Pay grant of licence fee – Once approved, an invoice for the grant of licence fee will be issued. Applies to new applications only
7. Licence issued – Once payment is received, the licence is granted. Operations must only commence (or continue) after this step

Documents required for application

Licensee and Governance

• Proof of Identity and Business Registration
• Proof of identity and official business registration details (ABN/ACN)
• List of directors/controlling officers
• National Police Checks (NPC) for directors
• Statutory Declaration for Fitness and Propriety (DOC 268KB)
• Statutory Declaration (for subsidiary companies) (DOC 208KB)

Vehicles and equipment

For new vehicles:

• Detailed list of registered vehicles with make, model, and modifications
• Vehicle compliance and roadworthy certificates
• Evidence that medical, communication, and manual handling equipment has been installed and tested for compliance

For existing vehicles (renewal):

• Records of vehicle and equipment maintenance and testing
• Updated compliance certificates

Staff qualifications and training

• For new applications: Staffing arrangement details.
• For renewals: Records of staff qualifications and evidence of ongoing training and competency assessments.

Insurance

• Evidence of public liability, professional indemnity, and vehicle insurance (minimum $10 million coverage)

Policies and procedures

• Policies on patient care, privacy, infection control, and workplace health and safety
• Procedures for infection control, waste disposal, and medication disposal
• Policies for investigating adverse incidents, patient safety, and complaints management

Medical and operational protocols

• Clinical protocols compliant with Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines and approved by a registered medical practitioner
• Standing medical orders signed by a registered medical practitioner

Licences and authorisations (if applicable)

• Current emergency response authorisation from SA Ambulance Service (if applicable)
• Controlled Substances Authority issued by SA Health (if applicable)

Special requirements (if applicable)

• Transport arrangements for children under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017, if services are provided to this group
• Compliance with the Commonwealth Aged Care Act 1997 for aged care residents, if services are provided to this group

Prescribed fees

Submit application

To renew a licence complete and submit the online application form with supporting documentation.

To apply for a new licence complete and submit the Online application portal with supporting documentation.

For further information - Please contact

Clinical Regulation Policy and Licensing team
Clinical Regulation Branch
SA Health - Department for Health and Wellbeing
PO Box 6, Rundle Mall Adelaide SA 5000

Email: Health.Licensing@sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8226 7100 (Available Monday to Friday, business hours)