# When is SHA pre-authorisation needed, and how fast should SHA decide?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/when-is-sha-pre-authorisation-needed-and-how-fast-should-sha-decide
For: Finance | Billing and payments | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** SHA publishes the list of services needing pre-authorisation on its platform; for mental health, its tariffs state that admissions for drug and substance rehabilitation must be pre-authorised. The contract sets decision times from receipt of a complete request: within two hours for emergencies, 24 hours for urgent cases, three working days for planned care, and five working days where specialist panel review is needed. Give the patient the request number and outcome. Delivering a listed service without approval is at the facility's own risk.

Sources: Social Health Authority: https://www.sha.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PART-A-Master-General-Terms-Conditions.pdf - Social Health Authority: https://www.sha.go.ke/benefit-tariffs - Social Health Authority: https://new.sha.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PART-B2-Social-Health-Insurance-Fund-Contract.pdf

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