How to Enter into a Contract with the NHSU for Healthcare Facilities?

An agreement with the NHSU is a powerful tool for the development of the medical business in Ukraine. It ensures stable financing, enhances the competitiveness of the facility, and expands the client base through the Medical Guarantee Program.

However, to fully benefit from these opportunities, it is necessary to complete the procedure for entering into an agreement with the NHSU. How does one enter into an agreement with the NHSU? This process requires knowledge of legislation, attention to detail, and proper document preparation. Without proper preparation and legal support, a medical facility risks wasting time, resources, and the opportunity to receive government funding.

In this article, we will review the process of entering into an agreement with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), providing medical facilities with information on the required documents, requirements, and steps to follow for successful cooperation.

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Benefits of Cooperation with the NHSU for Medical Institutions

Cooperation with the NHSU provides medical institutions with several significant competitive advantages in the healthcare services market: 

• Financial Stability: Entering into an agreement guarantees regular payments from the NHSU, ensuring a stable income for the institution. Medical institutions receive payments under the agreement with the NHSU and the established tariffs. This enables effective budget planning and investment in development.
• Expansion of the Patient Base: Patients are more likely to choose institutions that collaborate with the NHSU, as it allows them to receive free medical services. This increases patient flow and revenue for the institution.
• Increased Trust: Participation in the state program enhances the institution's reputation among patients and partners, which can attract additional investments and foster further cooperation.
• Support for Development: The NHSU offers financial support for improving the institution's material and technical base and enhancing staff qualifications. This enables the institution to improve the quality of medical services and comply with modern standards.
• Ability to Influence the Quality of Medical Services: Participation in the program provides access to modern medical standards and protocols, contributing to the improvement of patient care.

The procedure for entering into an agreement with the NHSU involves gathering the necessary documents, selecting a package of medical services, submitting an application, and ensuring the institution meets the established requirements.

Documents Required for Entering into an Agreement with the NHSU

To successfully enter into an agreement with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), a medical institution must prepare and properly organize a complete set of documents. Insufficient attention to this stage may lead to delays or even rejection of the agreement. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is recommended to carefully collect and formalize all necessary documents.

The following documents are required to enter into an agreement:

• A valid license for conducting business in the field of medical practice.
• Information about the institution's material and technical base (according to the requirements for the specific type of medical services).
• Information about the availability of staff meeting the qualification requirements.
• Documents confirming the institution's accessibility for individuals with limited mobility.
• Other specific documents, depending on the chosen package of services. An up-to-date list is always available on the NHSU website.

All documents must be submitted electronically via the Electronic Health Record System (EHRS). Therefore, it is essential to have a qualified electronic signature (QES) and be registered in the EHRS. 

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Requirements for Entering into an Agreement with the NHSU

The conditions for signing an agreement with the NHSU are regulated by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 391 dated March 28, 2018, "On Approval of Requirements for Service Providers of Medical Care to the Population with Whom Budgetary Fund Managers Conclude Agreements on Medical Care for the Population." This regulatory act serves as the foundation for determining whether medical institutions meet the NHCU's criteria.

The NHSU sets several requirements that a medical institution must fulfill:

1. Compliance with Quality Standards: Medical services must be provided in appropriate conditions and using certified equipment.
2. Qualified Personnel: The presence of doctors and medical staff who meet the approved qualification criteria.
3. Ability to Work with Electronic Systems: The institution must be connected to the Electronic Health Record System (EHRS).
4. Legal Compliance: All aspects of the institution's operations must comply with current legislation of Ukraine.

Please note! The requirements for entering into an agreement with the NHSU are not fixed. They are regularly updated and supplemented to ensure the continuous improvement of the healthcare system and to enhance the quality of medical services.

Moreover, there are specific requirements for different medical service packages. For example, the requirements for equipment, personnel qualifications, and service scope differ for primary, specialized, emergency, and other types of medical care.

Therefore, to ensure a successful agreement conclusion, it is important to stay informed of updates on the official NHSU website or seek qualified legal assistance.

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Procedure for Entering into Agreement with the NHSU

The process of entering into an agreement includes several key stages:

1. Document Preparation and Compliance Assessment: Collect all necessary documents (license, data on the material and technical base, information about personnel, etc.).
2. Selection of the Medical Services Package: The NHSU offers a variety of medical service packages, and the facility must choose the one that corresponds to its specialization.
3. Submitting the Application: The facility fills out the application and adds all the required documents.
4. Compliance Check: The NHSU analyzes the submitted information and checks for compliance with the requirements. You can also track the status of your application using the corresponding system. The possible stages are as follows:

• New – The application for entering into an agreement has been submitted by the facility but has not yet been reviewed by the NHSU.
• In Progress – The application is being verified by the NHSU.
• Rejected – The application was withdrawn by the facility or rejected by the NHSU due to non-compliance with the requirements or errors in the documents.
• Confirmed – The NHSU has reviewed the application and confirmed its compliance, awaiting confirmation from the facility.
• Awaiting NHSU Signature – The facility has confirmed the application, and the draft contract has been forwarded to the NHSU for signing.
• Signed by NHSU – The draft contract has been signed by the NHSU but is still awaiting the facility's signature.
• Signed – The agreement has been signed by both parties. The application is officially concluded, and the contract takes effect, or changes have been made to the existing agreement.

What Decision Does the NHSU Make?

After review, the NHSU may make one of three decisions:

1. Notification of Intent to Enter into an Agreement: In this case, the facility receives official confirmation and prepares for the contract signing.
2. Proposal to Correct Deficiencies: If inaccuracies are found in the application or documents, the facility can correct them and reapply (but only before the application deadline).
3. Rejection of the Application: The application may be rejected if: the documents were submitted late, or the facility does not meet the established requirements.

How Can We Assist You?

We understand that signing an agreement with the NHSU is not just about gathering documents. It involves strategic planning, selecting the right package of services, and effective communication with the NHSU. Given the limited number of available contracts, every step must be carefully planned and executed flawlessly.

Our team of medical law experts is ready to offer you a full range of services for successfully signing an agreement with the NHSU:

• Analyzing your operations and ensuring compliance with NHSU requirements. We will conduct a thorough audit of your facility to confirm full compliance with all NHSU criteria.
• Strategic consulting. We assist in identifying the most advantageous offers for your facility and help you select the optimal package of medical services, considering your specialization and patient outreach potential.
• Preparation of the required documents. We will meticulously review all your documents for compliance with NHSU requirements, ensuring no errors or delays.
• Prompt and efficient submission of the application. We will ensure the timely and correct submission of your application through the NHSU electronic system.
• Guiding throughout the entire process, from application submission to agreement signing. We will be with you every step of the way, from submitting your application to the actual signing of the agreement, providing complete legal support and guidance.

Don't risk your time and future funding. Contact us today to receive professional support and ensure the successful signing of an agreement with the NHSU!