The Health Information and Quality Authority has published new national standards for hospitals and health facilities.
The standards come into effect today and will form the basis for future licensing of the sector.
The 45 standards cover all public health facilities and later this year HIQA will begin monitoring how HSE facilities are meeting the new rules.
The first sectors to be examined for compliance will be the acute hospitals and the ambulance service.
HIQA Chief Executive Dr Tracey Cooper said the standards cover major areas, such as dignity, respect, efficiency and safety.
Dr Cooper said they will provide a national and consistent approach to the service for the first time.
Under the new standards, hospitals will have to inform patients of mistakes, support staff and make the best use of funding.
A hospital that fails to meet the standards could have its licence withdrawn and face closure.
While HIQA's remit does not currently cover the private sector, it expects private hospitals to adopt the standards in advance of statutory licensing.
