By 31 December 2026, ambulatory, day-hospital and laboratory service providers taking part in the Universal Health Coverage programme must submit a copy of their international accreditation or ISO certificate to the Ministry of Health (Order №34/N).
Who the deadline applies to
- ambulatory and day-hospital providers taking part in the Universal Health Coverage programme;
- laboratory service providers, including laboratories within healthcare facilities;
- it does not apply to providers under the Village Doctor sub-programme.
For inpatient facilities, the deadline for submitting certificates passed in 2025 (Orders №14/N and №46/N).
The routes available
| Type of provider | Accepted route |
|---|---|
| Outpatient clinic, day hospital | International accreditation (e.g. Accreditation Canada) or ISO 9001 certification |
| Laboratory (including a clinic’s laboratory) | ISO 15189 certification, unless the facility holds international accreditation |
Detailed comparison: Accreditation or ISO?
What to do now: 7 steps
- Check which requirement applies to you: whether you are a programme provider, which services you provide, and whether you run a laboratory.
- Choose your route: international accreditation or ISO certification; ISO 15189 for laboratories.
- Choose the organization. If you choose one from the Order’s recommended list, such as Accreditation Canada, you only need to notify the Ministry. An organization not on the list requires the Ministry’s prior agreement.
- Sign the contract and notify the Ministry within 30 calendar days of starting the process.
- Carry out a self-assessment and prepare: procedures, staff training, incident reporting, infection control and patient engagement.
- Complete the assessment and receive your certificate.
- Submit a copy of the certificate to the Ministry by 31 December 2026.
How long it takes
Preparation time depends on the size of the organization and how ready it is today, and can range from several months to a year. With little time left before the deadline, it is important to start now. Take the free readiness check.
What if you miss the deadline
Under the Order, only organizations holding international accreditation may provide services under the programme. Since 30 June 2026, the Minister may set exceptional conditions for an individual facility on grounds of geographic access, public interest or other objective circumstances (Order №20/N). The facility must then submit information on its progress in the accreditation process and the measures it plans. Starting and documenting the process is therefore important in every case.
This guide is for information only and is not legal advice. Check the current text on matsne.gov.ge.
Frequently asked questions
Who does the 31 December 2026 deadline apply to?
Ambulatory, day-hospital and laboratory service providers in the Universal Health Coverage programme.
Can an outpatient clinic submit ISO 9001 instead?
Yes. Order №4/N accepts ISO 9001 certification as an alternative for ambulatory providers.
Does a clinic's laboratory need ISO 15189?
Yes, unless the facility holds international accreditation. Internationally accredited facilities and laboratories are exempt from this obligation.
When must we notify the Ministry?
Within 30 calendar days of starting the accreditation process, if the accreditor is on the recommended list.