Regulatory Impact Statement for the Health Services (Health Service Establishments) Regulations 2024

In this report, we took a closer look at the proposed changes to Victoria’s Health Service Establishment Regulations, uncovering how they could reshape the landscape of healthcare in the state.

Private hospitals, day procedure centers, and mobile health services—collectively known as health service establishments—play a crucial role in Victoria’s health service delivery. These facilities offer patients the flexibility to choose their own doctors and pay for services directly, often with the support of private health insurance. In 2021-22 alone, Victoria saw 1.08 million patient separations in private hospitals, accounting for a substantial 37% of all hospital separations. (A “separation” marks the conclusion of a patient’s episode of care.)

This Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) was meticulously compiled by Sally Carrick and Michelle Hall for the Victorian Department of Health, ensuring a thorough analysis of the implications of the proposed regulatory changes.