Approved Practice Settings (APS)
Program Overview
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) recognizes licensed healthcare facilities as an Approved Practice Setting (APS) to host healthcare education and training programs in accordance with the Set of Standards for Healthcare Education and Training.
APS recognition confirms that a healthcare facility meets the minimum licensure, governance, resource, and training environment requirements necessary to support structured education and supervised clinical training. APS-recognized facilities contribute to the development of a competent healthcare workforce aligned with DoH education and workforce priorities.
APS Levels
Approved Practice Settings are recognized under three levels, based on the scope, complexity, and type of education and training programs delivered, while adhering to a unified set of minimum standards.
APS-B (Basic)
Entry-level recognition for facilities offering foundational training
- Observerships
- Undergraduate Training
APS-I (Intermediate)
Mid-level recognition for supervised clinical training programs
- Internship Programs
- Return-to-Practice
- Clinical Training
APS-A (Advanced)
Highest level for advanced postgraduate medical education
- Residency Programs
- Fellowship Programs
The eligibility of education and training programs under each APS level is determined in accordance with the APS Matrix defined in the Set of Standards for Healthcare Education and Training.
APS Recognition Application Process
All healthcare facilities applying for APS recognition follow a standardized application pathway, as outlined in the APS Application Form. Additional requirements may apply depending on the APS level requested.
Application Submission
Healthcare facilities must submit the completed APS Application Form, together with all required supporting documents, to:
contact@tamm.abudhabiThe application must clearly specify:
- Type of application (New APS or APS Renewal)
- APS level requested (APS-B, APS-I, or APS-A)
- Education and training programs proposed under the requested APS level
Initial Review
The Workforce Development and Upskilling Division reviews the submission to verify:
- Completeness and accuracy of documentation
- Facility eligibility and licensing compliance
- Alignment with DoH education and training standards
Site Visit
Facilities applying for APS-I and APS-A will be required to:
- Undergo an on-site evaluation of infrastructure, staffing, training capacity, and learning environment
- Present the proposed education and training activities, governance structure, and faculty arrangements
APS Recognition Decision
APS recognition is granted once the facility demonstrates compliance with all applicable standards, including licensure, governance, faculty, training environment, and quality assurance requirements.
Validity and Renewal
APS recognition is granted for a defined validity period and is subject to renewal. Renewal may require:
- Updated documentation
- Reassessment of compliance
- Additional site visits, where applicable
Advanced Medical Education Program Approval
Healthcare facilities recognized as APS-A (Advanced) must obtain separate DoH approval for each Residency or Fellowship Program prior to enrolling trainees.
Advanced Program Approval Process
- Program Application Submission
Facilities submit the Advanced Medical Education Program Application Form, including accreditation or accreditation-readiness documentation, to: contact@tamm.abudhabi - Program Review
DoH reviews the program against applicable requirements, including:- Program governance and supervision arrangements
- Faculty qualifications and supervision ratios
- Training plan, supervision model, and assessment framework
- Initial Program Approval
Initial program approval is issued once all program and facility requirements are met. Programs may not enroll trainees prior to receiving DoH approval.
Important Notes
APS recognition does not constitute accreditation of education or training programs.
Where program accreditation is required, facilities must obtain accreditation from a DoH-approved national or international accrediting organization.
APS recognition and program approval are subject to monitoring, audit, and inspection by DoH.
Material changes to facility licensure, governance, capacity, or training delivery must be reported to DoH promptly.
Reference Documents
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Last updated: 06 Feb 2026
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