BHeC: Registration Of Health Service Providers
The Bermuda Health Council announced the first voluntary registration of the Island’s health service providers [businesses] is complete, and said the names and compliance reports of the providers who have registered with the Health Council can be found on their website www.bhec.bm
“There are approximately 320 health service providers on the Island and 2,470 registered health professionals. Health professionals are registered through their Boards, which focus on whether the professional is competent to practice their profession, rather than if they are practicing in a safe and accredited facility that promotes evidenced-based care,” BHeC said.
“Registering health service providers offers the Health Council an opportunity to improve patient protection by sharing better information about health services. Registration also assists with better planning for our health system by knowing what care is available and working well.
“In addition, the process will potentially assist the Health Council with managing financially vested self-referrals, and monitoring the entry of high risk health technology, specifically medical equipment.
“In September last year 245 health service providers registered with the Health Council for the first time. Though voluntary, this registration represented 76% of the health service providers.
BHEC’s health service provider business registration ‘Need to Know’ graphic [PDF here]
BHeC said, “The result of the process will allow patients to make educated decisions regarding their healthcare provider. The registration process entails the following steps:
1 – Health service providers submit an application form to the Health Council. The form requests:
- Demographic facility information
- Declaration of financial interests
- Identifying information for the business owner[s]
- A list of medical equipment and maintenance dates
- A description of the health services to be performed
- The names and qualifications of the staff carrying out those services
2 – The Health Council checks to see if there have been any verified complaints about the provider.
3 – The Health Council reviews the application and provides a compliance report.
4 – The details are then published on the Health Council’s website.
Acting CEO, Tawanna Wedderburn said: “Over the years the Health Council has been monitoring the public’s concerns about Bermuda’s health services. We recognize there are some opportunities for improvement. In collaboration with providers, and with the support of many health agencies, we are working towards empowering patients to be more involved in the care they receive as we enhance health system planning and accountability.”
Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment Jeanne Atherden said: “This undertaking by the Bermuda Health Council is an important next step to improve the regulation of healthcare on island. The providers who came onboard at this early stage on a voluntary basis are to be commended. This gives an excellent start to the process of registering all healthcare businesses, in order to give stronger assurance to the public that measures are in place to assure safety and improve patient experience”.
Policy Analyst, Robyn Skinner said: “We are pleased with the number of providers who have voluntarily registered with the Bermuda Health Council. It is clear that Bermuda’s providers care about patients and want to promote safe environments where they can provide quality service. The registration of health service providers will enhance the health system by facilitating health system planning, promoting safe and ethical clinical practice environments, and advancing patient rights and care.”
It is critical that all health service providers are registered , how-ever, it appears that some have engaged in the work and have not met the required standard. Has there been no over-sight for many many years. Do insurance companies simply pay whoever sends in an invoice ? I think not. If i were a health service provider with no credentials, am I in breach of any law?
The registration of health service providers was voluntary and we are pleased by the overwhelming response, with 76% of providers registering with the Health Council. The Health Council’s registration process provides an opportunity to enhance patient safety and better plan for the health system. Some health service providers (businesses) do have to meet certain standards in order to operate such as clinical laboratories, pharmacies, residential and nursing homes, and hospitals. In addition, many health professionals are regulated by their statutory body and legislation governs their practice. Further information is on our website here: http://www.bhec.bm/for-the-public/registered-providers/