Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2009
305 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy regarding the payment of the subvention to a nursing home while the client is hospitalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4505/09]
View answerThe Nursing Home Subvention Scheme is governed by the Health (Nursing Homes ) (Amendment) Act 2007. The Act is not explicit on the particular issue raise by the Deputy. However, the HSE's National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme state that the private nursing home should advise the HSE of any temporary absences or discharges of patients in receipt of subvention from their nursing home. The HSE can continue to pay subvention to cover temporary absences. However if this period of absence continues for more than one month, the HSE should investigate the matter further to establish the likelihood of the person returning to the nursing home.
