1. Are there any special procedural requirements for medical specialists registered in the Hong Kong SAR when applying for a Qualification Certificate for Physicians in Mainland China?

1) The National Health Commission has designated a window company - Guo Kang Pharmaceutical & Medical Supplies Limited (Guo Kang) -- as its only authorized agent in the Hong Kong SAR. Guo Kang is responsible for receiving all application documents and materials submitted by Hong Kong-registered medical specialists, and providing consultancy and services relevant to the applications. 

2) After receipt and satisfactory review of an application, Guo Kang issues a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and sends all application documents and materials (including the LOR) to the provincial-level health and Chinese medicine authority to which the application is made. After receiving the application, the relevant authority conducts a review following relevant procedures, and sends the Qualification Certificate for Physicians in Mainland China back to Guo Kang.  

Effective from May 14, 2010, the provincial-level health and Chinese medicine authorities have accepted applications forwarded by Guo Kang only, and no longer accepted applications from individuals or any other entities. For relevant questions regarding application acceptance, please consult Guo Kang or relevant departments of the Health Commission.  

2. Are there any special procedural requirements for medical specialists registered in Taiwan to apply for a Qualification Certificate for Physicians in Mainland China?

1) The Taiwan College of Healthcare Executives (TCHE) is the only agent in Taiwan responsible for receiving all application documents and materials submitted by Taiwan-registered specialists, and providing consultancy and services relevant to the applications.

2) After receipt and satisfactory review of an application TCHE issues a Letter of Recommendation and sends all application documents and materials (including the LOR) to the provincial-level healthcare authority to which the application is made. After receiving the application, the relevant authority conducts a review following relevant procedures, and sends the certificate back to TCHE.

Effective from May 11, 2009, the provincial-level healthcare authorities have accepted applications forwarded by TCHE only, and no longer accepted applications from individuals or any other entities. For relevant questions regarding application acceptance, please consult TCHE or relevant departments of the Comission.  

3. What is the validity period of a short-term certificate of practice in Mainland China held by a Hong Kong or Macao medical specialist?

A Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR medical specialist lawfully registered to practice can be employed in a mainland medical institution for no more than three years.

4. Which Taiwan-registered medical specialists whose certificates of practice have been revoked are not eligible to re-apply for a short-term license for the practice of medicine in mainland China within two years of the revocation?

1) Those who have been instructed to suspend all practicing activities for failing the assessment of the review period, and have failed the assessment again after receiving training upon completion of a suspension period;

2) Those who have violated the Law on Practicing Physicians and whose licenses for short-term practice of medicine by Taiwan physicians have been revoked;

3) Those subject to criminal penalties; and

4) Those whose residency permits have been canceled by the police.

5. What are the requirements for two-recommendation medical practitioners and what documents should be submitted?

Two-recommendation medical practitioners, in principle, should hold professional and technical titles above deputy senior level in a related field and practice in the city of Chongqing. Required documents include his/her certificate of practice, relevant technical certificate(s) and recommendation letters.

6. What is the validity period of a short-term license for the practice of medicine held by a foreign medical practitioner?

A short-term license for the practice of medicine held by a foreign medical practitioner is valid for no more than one year. Upon maturity, he/she should re-apply if an extension is needed.