The Maharashtra government has introduced the Maharashtra Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill in the State Legislature, proposing a comprehensive framework to regulate healthcare facilities across the state. The proposed legislation aims to enhance transparency, accountability and the overall quality of healthcare services by making registration compulsory for all clinical establishments.
The Bill, introduced by Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, seeks to replace the Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949, which currently governs only nursing and maternity homes. According to the government, the existing legislation is outdated and no longer adequate to regulate the wide range of healthcare institutions that have emerged over the decades.
Once enacted, the new law will mandate registration for hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres, day-care facilities and other healthcare establishments operating under recognised systems of medicine. These institutions will also be required to adhere to prescribed minimum standards.
The government stated that the Bill aims to establish a uniform regulatory system for clinical establishments, ensuring greater transparency in healthcare delivery and stronger accountability among service providers.
Under the proposed legislation, a State Council for Clinical Establishments will be created to formulate and enforce minimum standards related to infrastructure, facilities and services for various categories of healthcare institutions.
The Bill also proposes the formation of regional registration authorities responsible for issuing provisional and permanent registrations, renewing licences, monitoring compliance and taking action, including cancellation of registrations, in cases of violations.
To improve transparency for patients, all registered healthcare facilities will be required to prominently display their registration certificates as well as the rates and charges for the services they provide.
A significant provision of the Bill is the introduction of a Charter of Patients’ Rights, which will guarantee patients access to complete information about their illness, diagnosis, treatment options, proposed procedures and estimated treatment costs.
Additionally, the legislation empowers authorities to inspect healthcare establishments, maintain a comprehensive state-wide register of clinical facilities and initiate action against institutions that fail to comply with the regulations. It also provides for penalties for violations, establishes a dedicated fund for the State Council and authorises the state government to issue directions for effective implementation of the law.
The Maharashtra government noted that the proposed legislation is based on the provisions of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, while incorporating state-specific measures to strengthen regulation and oversight of Maharashtra’s healthcare sector.