KPME law update
The biggest change to Karnataka’s private medical establishment law in years, in plain language.
- Clinics, labs, dental and hospitals
- All districts of Karnataka
- Portal filing, documents and inspection support
The Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2025 was published as Karnataka Act No. 06 of 2026 and applies from 29 September 2025. It changes how registration is granted, how long it lasts and what happens when rules are broken. Here is what it means for your clinic, lab or hospital.
The 10 changes at a glance
| # | Change | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Provisional registration within 10 days | You get a provisional certificate soon after a complete application, valid six months and renewable. |
| 2 | Permanent registration decided within 90 days | Needs a valid provisional registration and an inspection. |
| 3 | Inspection committee | The district authority may form a committee to inspect. |
| 4 | Fast track for accredited facilities | NABH, NABL, NQAS, QAI or QCI third-party inspection: registration or renewal within 10 days without inspection. |
| 5 | Five-year validity | Permanent registration and renewal last five years. |
| 6 | Renewal 90 days before expiry | Late renewal risks running without valid registration. |
| 7 | Existing registrations treated as provisional | Until your current certificate expires; then renew under the new rules. |
| 8 | New pre-requisites, including e-DAR | Registration on the e-DAR road accident data portal, with suitable premises, qualified staff, buildings and equipment. |
| 9 | Penalty for unqualified staff | Employing an unqualified medical officer or paramedic: up to 3 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. |
| 10 | Mental health establishments included | They now fall within the definition of private medical establishment. |
Why accreditation now matters for KPME
Change 4 is the most useful for growing hospitals. An NABH accreditation or Entry Level certificate can turn a months-long inspection cycle into a 10-day grant at every renewal. See NABH accreditation and NABH Entry Level certification for programme fees.
The staff rule is the one that hurts
Section 19(1-A) makes employing unqualified medical officers or paramedical staff a criminal offence. Practical steps:
- Keep council registration certificates for every doctor and nurse on file and on the portal
- Check renewals of council registrations, not just the original certificate
- Update the KPME portal whenever staff join or leave
- Do not let unregistered assistants perform clinical tasks
What to do now
- Check your certificate validity on the Approved Certificates page.
- Diary the renewal date 90 days before expiry.
- Register on e-DAR if you have not.
- Audit staff qualifications against the portal record.
- Consider NABH or NABL to use the 10-day fast track.
Full process: KPME registration guide.
Get a free KPME check
Tell us your facility type and city. We will tell you which KPME category applies, what documents you need and what else your facility must have (fire, pollution, drug licence and so on).
Frequently asked questions
What is Karnataka Act No. 06 of 2026?
Does the 2026 amendment change KPME validity?
What is provisional KPME registration?
Do NABH hospitals still need a KPME inspection?
What is the new KPME penalty for unqualified staff?
Is e-DAR registration required for KPME?
Read next
Need help with KPME?
Talk to the Medasus licensing team in Bengaluru. We handle the portal filing, documents and inspection preparation.
Last reviewed on 2 November 2026 against: KPME portal; KPME Rate Details (category fees); Karnataka Act No. 06 of 2026 (KPME Amendment Act, 2025). Medasus Healthcare Pvt Ltd is a private consultancy that helps establishments prepare and file applications. Licences and approvals are granted only by the respective government departments; Medasus cannot guarantee approval or timelines. Rules and fees change, so always check the official source before applying.
