On October 7, 2024, the Government of Kerala issued the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2024 to further amend the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act of 2018.
1. A New Definition for the Register (Section 2)
One of the most notable changes is in the definition of the “Register.”
Update: The term “Register” now refers to the State register maintained by the Council instead of the Authority.
2. Updating the State Council Reference (Section 3)
The amendment also updates the references to the State Council for Clinical Establishments. Update: The reference to the “Travancore-Cochin Medical Practitioners Act, 1953” is replaced with the “Kerala State Medical Practitioners Act, 2021.”
3. Revamped Authority for Registration (Section 14)
The composition of the authority responsible for registering clinical establishments has undergone changes
Update: The composition of the registration authority now includes:
- District Medical Officer of the Indian Systems of Medicine
- District Medical Officer of the Homoeopathic System of Medicine
- A Dental Surgeon nominated by the government.
4. New Conditions for Registration (Section 15)
Under the updated conditions for registration, every clinical establishment must now undertake to comply with guidelines that specify standards of safety, infection control, and treatment methods.
- Update: Clinical establishments must now undertake to comply with guidelines on:
- Safety
- Infection control
- Treatment methods
5. Extended Registration Validity (Section 20)
- Update: The period of permanent registration is extended from three years to five years.
In a move to reduce administrative burdens, the duration of permanent registration has been extended from three years to five years.
6. Membership Terms and Conditions (Section 48)
The amendments also clarify the terms of membership for the Council and the newly included Executive Committee.
Update: The term “Council and Authority” is expanded to include the Executive Committee.
7. Expanded Disqualification Criteria (Section 49)
Finally, the disqualification criteria for membership have been expanded.
Update: The disqualification criteria now apply to the Council, Executive Committee, and Authority
Effective: It shall come into force from October 7th 2024.
