Hong Kong Department of Health Hosts Industry Briefing on New Licensing Regulations for Clinics and Small Practice Clinics

The Hong Kong Department of Health (DOH) held its inaugural in-person industry briefing to explain upcoming regulations (New Licensing Regulations) under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Chapter 633). The provisions concerning the regulation of clinics and small practice clinics operated by registered doctors and/or registered dentists will come into effect on October 13.

Starting from October 13, clinic operators are required to apply for a license or exemption certificate to continue their operations. The DOH will accept license applications and exemption requests for small practice clinics from that date onward.

Hong Kong Department of Health Hosts Industry Briefing on New Licensing Regulations for Clinics and Small Practice Clinics

The ordinance provides transitional arrangements for clinics that were already operating on or before November 30, 2018. Operators of these clinics must submit their license applications to the Director of Health between October 13, 2025, and April 13, 2026. The department will consider issuing provisional licenses to allow these clinics to operate temporarily while they make necessary adjustments to meet licensing requirements. Provisional licenses will expire upon the enactment of relevant regulations stipulated by the Secretary for Health.

For clinics established or relocated after November 30, 2018, license applications can be submitted directly to the Director of Health starting from October 13.

Regarding small practice clinics—defined as those operated by no more than five registered doctors and/or dentists and meeting specific criteria under the regulations—operators can request exemption certificates from the Director of Health from October 13 onwards. If the clinics meet the stipulated requirements, the department will issue valid exemptions allowing continued operation without a license.

To ensure industry-wide understanding of these new requirements, the DOH has been actively promoting the regulations since the first quarter of this year through their website. Additional efforts include outreach through professional organizations, press releases, TV short videos, and radio broadcasts. Moreover, from July to September, the department has organized a series of briefing sessions to explain application procedures and important considerations. Further information is available on the Department of Health’s Private Healthcare Facilities Office website (www.orphf.gov.hk).

This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to regulating the private healthcare sector better and ensuring a safer and more compliant environment for clinics and small practitioners in Hong Kong.