Press Release: Tuesday 5 November 2024
Ministers for Health welcome changes to strengthen regulations for nursing homes
- 2013 Care and Welfare Regulations revised to include a range of new requirements and to strengthen current provisions
- Includes changes in the areas of visiting, infection prevention and control, residents’ rights, criteria for persons-in-charge and governance
- Amendments will come into effect on 31 March 2025
The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler have today welcomed the updating of regulations which will further strengthen the regulatory framework for nursing homes.
Minister Donnelly today signed regulations to amend the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013. The regulations have been amended in response to recommendations from the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel Report and a number of reports from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
The amendments include a range of new requirements for providers and enhancements to current requirements. The changes were developed in consultation with key stakeholders such as HIQA and groups representing the nursing home sector.
The amendments will come into effect on 31 March 2025 to allow time for HIQA and registered providers to make changes as required in order to meet the amended regulations.
The amendments will:
- Ensure residents’ rights to visiting are protected, even during outbreaks and that communication is facilitated with family members;
- Enhance the qualification criteria for persons-in-charge to include a requirement for a Level 8 management certificate;
- Enhance governance, quality improvement and risk processes in nursing homes;
- Require annual quality improvement plans which will support a focus on quality improvement;
- Require that infection prevention and control guidance is implemented and training provided; and
- Reduce the notification period of a range of incidents to HIQA from 3 working days to 2 working days.
Minister Donnelly said:
“I am pleased to bring forward these amendments which will enhance and strengthen regulations in nursing homes. These welcome developments will place a greater focus on quality improvement, governance and residents’ rights.”
Welcoming the amendments, Minister Butler said:
“It is important to remember that long-term residential care facilities for older people are residents’ homes. I hope that the enhanced provisions around visiting and communication will reinforce the voice and choice of residents in their homes.”
Minister Butler continued:
“At all times, my focus is on the safety and wellbeing of residents. It is important that older people and their families are reassured that our long-term residential care facilities meet the highest possible standards. These amendments will allow nursing home staff to build on good practice across the sector and deliver high standards of care.”
