The National Health Amendment Act became operational on Monday, the presidency said.
The act establishes the Office of Health Standards Compliance.
President Jacob Zuma had determined that all except sections two and three of the act would come into operation on Monday, said presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj.
The Office of Health Standards Compliance is intended to protect and promote the health and safety of health service users by monitoring and enforcing health establishments' compliance with set norms and standards.
It will also ensure the consideration, investigation and disposal of complaints about non-compliance.