Press release
Ministers for Health welcome changes to strengthen regulations for nursing homes
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
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:
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 concluded:
"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."
The regulations have been amended in response to recommendations from the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel Report and a number of reports from HIQA.
The department liaised closely with HIQA in drafting the amendments. Detailed stakeholder consultation has also been carried out with nursing home provider representatives for the sector, including with Nursing Homes Ireland, the Alliance, Céile Care along with the Health Service Executive and advocacy organisations.
HIQA will hold webinars for providers over the coming months to explain the changes to the regulations.
The regulations will be available to view on Iris Oifigiúil in the coming days.
These amendments are a part of a series of changes that have been implemented over recent years to strengthen the regulatory framework for nursing homes. These include: