Existing private health facilities applications

As a licensee of a private hospital or a day hospital in Queensland you must apply to:

• renew or transfer a licence for your private hospital or day hospital
• change the types or levels of clinical services that you offer
• change bed, bay or procedural room numbers
• change the details or conditions on the licence
• change the physical structure or use of areas within the hospital
• replace a licence.

Payment will be required for these applications.

Renewing your hospital's licence

We will send you a licence renewal notice before your licence expires.

The renewal fee varies depending on the type of hospital, maximum number of beds available and length of renewal. Hospital licences can be renewed for one year or three years.

If you need to make any changes to your licence, you need to apply to change a licence to operate before you renew.

How to apply

Apply to renew your hospital’s licence between 1 August and 30 September each year. A new licence will be issued once the process has been completed. Download the renew a licence (PHFA-51) form (PDF 261 kB).

Changing the physical structure of, or use of, areas in your hospital

You must apply to:

• change the purpose for which a part of the hospital is used
• make alterations or extensions to the physical structure of the hospital.

These changes are known as "prescribed alterations".

You can begin to build or renovate after approval for the prescribed alteration is granted. Before the building works are completed (handover) we will do an onsite inspection. We will confirm the works are consistent with the approved plan and give operational approval for you to use the altered area.

If the prescribed alteration will result in any change of beds, cots, bays or procedural areas or types of clinical services, you will also need to apply to change a licence to operate.

How to apply

Apply to make a prescribed alteration at least 60 days before building works begin.

Download the application for prescribed alterations (PHFA-63) form (PDF 264 kB).

Changing your licence

You must apply to change:

• the types and levels of clinical services provided at your hospital
• the number of beds, bays or procedure rooms
• the type of clinical service the beds are used for
• floor plans
• other details shown on the licence.

How to apply

Apply to change your licence before you implement your proposed change. Allow 60 days for your application to be processed.

Download the change a licence to operate (PHFA-56) form (PDF 290 kB).

Transfer an existing licence to a new licensee

You must apply to transfer a licence to operate if:

• you are taking over the operation of an existing hospital
• there are certain changes to the existing licensee (e.g. the licensee name is changing).

This application triggers a suitable person check for the proposed new licence holder.

We will evaluate the:

• consent of the current licensee
• financial capacity of the entity (individual or organisation) proposing to hold the licence
• suitability of the individuals associated with the entity - reviewing their skills, knowledge and experience
• suitability of management, staffing and equipment of the hospital
• arrangements for the clinical services to be provided at the hospital, including policies and procedures
• evidence of compliance with the relevant standards.

If you want to make any changes to the licence, you need to apply to change a licence to operate separately to the transfer application.

If your existing licenced hospital is moving premises, you need to apply for a new approval to be an authority holder. This is not a transfer.

How to apply

Apply to transfer a licence before you take over operation of the hospital. Allow 60 days for your application to be processed.

Download the Transfer a licence to operate (PHFA-68) form (PDF 274 kB).

Replace a licence

A licence can be replaced if it has been lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged. Download the Replace a licence (PHFA-79) form (PDF 174 kB).

Surrender a licence

You can surrender a licence by giving us written notice of your intention at least 30 days before you stop operating your hospital. There are no fees for this. Download the Surrender a licence or approval form (PDF 170 kB).