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Close overlay Button to close overlayPrivate ambulance operators can apply for a restricted ambulance service licence, under the provisions of section 58 of the Health Care Act 2008, to provide non emergency ambulance services. A licensed private ambulance operator may provide emergency ambulance services when authorised by SA Ambulance Service.
The definition of an emergency ambulance service (which must be requested using 000) is for a person requiring immediate medical attention; non-emergency ambulance services are considered non-urgent transport.
The Clinical Regulation Policy and Licensing team administers private ambulance licensing on behalf of the Minster for Health and Wellbeing. A licence is required by all private operators of an ambulance service.
To apply for a licence, applicants are to complete and submit the following:
The prescribed application fee must be paid before an application will be assessed. The fee is indexed annually and published by notice in the Gazette.
The fees, which apply to private ambulance services licensed under Part 6 of the Health Care Act 2008, will operate from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025:
A licence application will first be assessed to meet governance requirements. Once assessed, an inspection of the vehicles and equipment proposed to be used by the applicant will be undertaken by persons authorised by the Minister.
A decision to grant a licence will not be made until this process is complete.
According to section 58 (17) of the Health Care Act 2008:
A person who objects to a decision of the Minister under this section—
may apply to the Tribunal for review of the decision under section 34 of the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013
Other legislation that may apply, separate to that administered by the Clinical Regulation Policy and Licensing team includes but is not limited to:
It may take up to 60 days to complete the assessment of a complete application. If the applicant is requested to provide additional information, a decision will be made within 28 days of receipt of the information last requested or within the 60 day period, whichever is later.
Applicants should keep these timeframes in mind when submitting an application.
The Clinical Regulation Policy and Licensing team administers private ambulance service licensing on behalf of the Minster for Health and Wellbeing. A licence is required by all operators of a non-emergency ambulance service.
Operators seeking to renew their licence should commence the process 2-3 months prior to the existing licence expiry.
Penalties apply to those holding out.
According to section 60 of the Act, Holding out etc.
Maximum penalty: $20,000.
Maximum penalty: $10,000.
SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) is authorised to provide state-wide emergency ambulance services and has powers under the Emergency Management Act 2004 and South Australian Public Health Act 2011 to direct a person holding a restricted ambulance service licence. The following aeromedical providers are prescribed under the Health Care Regulations 2008 to also provide emergency ambulance services:
The following businesses are approved license holder:
For more information please contact the Clinical Regulation Policy and Licensing team. An authorised officer will respond to your query during business hours, Monday to Friday.
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