Run NHRA's inspection checklist annexes for every service you offer before the announced renewal inspection, and send the Application Readiness Assessment Form, in English, three months before an accreditation survey. Pay the accreditation fee early, because NHRA starts survey logistics only once it is paid.
The NHRA inspection checklist
NHRA publishes an inspection checklist annex for each service, from General Requirements, Quality, Security & Safety, Medical Records and Staff to Radiology, Dental, Operation Theater, Laboratory and Tele-health Services.1 Inspectors work through the checklist for each service by document review, observation and interviews, in an announced inspection within three months of the renewal date.2
| Inspection priority | What it means for the renewal |
|---|---|
| High | Normally prevents immediate renewal, and the facility makes the improvement within two weeks. |
| Medium | Can be actioned over a longer period, and a conditional renewal may be granted with an improvement plan due within two weeks. |
| Low | Would improve quality, and will not normally affect the renewal on its own. |
The accreditation survey
For accreditation, the facility applies to the Accreditation & Quality Group, and a facility in its first cycle has a consultation visit that scores its readiness. The Application Readiness Assessment Form is due three months before the survey, in English, with an honest self-assessment against the standards and tables for the evidence and actions still needed.3 The National Accreditation Committee approves the survey team, and NHRA does not begin logistics until the fee is paid in full.3
- List every service you run. The inspection and the survey cover every service actively operating, so the list decides which annexes and standards apply.
- Run the checklist annexes. One annex per service, completed by the lead for that service, with every gap dated.
- Self-assess against the standards. Request the current standards from accreditation@nhra.bh and score each one honestly in the readiness form.
- Send the readiness form. In English, three months before the survey dates.
- Pay the fee. Logistics start only once NHRA has proof of full payment.
- Collate the documents. Electronically, for submission before the visit, keeping confidential documents for the room on site.
- Prepare the room. A central room near the administration, with privacy, internet access and parking for the surveyors.
- Facility ______ Licence expires on ______
- Services operating ______
- Checklist annexes completed ______ Gaps open ______
- Readiness form sent on ______ Survey dates ______
- Fee paid on ______
- Documents submitted on ______ Coordinator ______
Plan back from the licence date
Circular No. 2 of 2026 asks private hospitals and health centres to apply for evaluation and accreditation at least three months before their licence expires, so the licence is renewed on time.4 Working back from the expiry date keeps the inspection, the survey and the renewal from landing in the same week.
Questions
Where is NHRA's inspection checklist?
On the Health Facilities Regulation Section's page, as an annex for each service, from General Requirements to Laboratory.
Can we see the accreditation standards before applying?
Yes, NHRA shares the current standards for hospitals and centres on request, by email to its accreditation team.
What if we are not ready on the survey dates?
Send a written request with the reason, and the National Accreditation Committee decides whether to approve a postponement.
Sources
- 1National Health Regulatory Authority, 2026Health Facilities Regulation Section, licensing procedure, inspection checklists, policies and feesRead source
- 2National Health Regulatory Authority, 2017Inspection Policy, Health Care Facilities, February 2017Read source
- 3National Health Regulatory Authority, 2026NHRA Accreditation Policy V3.0, issued 7 April 2026Read source
- 4National Health Regulatory Authority, 2026Circular No. (2) of 2026 on the evaluation and accreditation of private health facilities, 5 February 2026 (Arabic)Read source
Written by the wai team from National Health Regulatory Authority guidance, checked on 16 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. NHRA does not endorse wai or any software.