In November 2004, the Department of Health(DOH) issued Administrative Order No. 183, s. 2004 "Rules and Regulations Governing the Licensure and Regulation of Ambulatory Surgical Clinics". Under Section IV Policies and Guidelines of the said Administrative Order, it was stated that "the criteria for the standards and technical requirements shall be incorporated in an inspection checklist to be formulated by the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) in consultation with various stakeholders."

The BHFS has formulated these standards and technical requirements, in consultation with various stakeholders, and incorporated them in the Inspection Tool for Ambulatory Surgical Clinics. The Regulatory Officers of the BHFS and the Centers for Health Development shall use the said Inspection Tool in the licensure and regulation of ambulatory surgical clinics.

The Inspection Tool shall be made available to the general public by posting in the DOH official website (www.doh.gov.ph).

This Circular shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 18 April 2005

(SGD.) ATTY. NICOLAS B. LUTERO III, CESO III
Director IV