Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013
413. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding fees in respect of a nursing home (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21542/13]
View answerFinancial support for long-term nursing home care is provided under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. The Scheme provides support to individuals, not to nursing homes. In order to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme all private nursing homes, and voluntary nursing homes which previously received funding for long-term residential care under section 39 of the Health Act 2004, must negotiate and agree a price for the cost of long-term nursing home care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This is necessary due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above individuals’ contributions.
The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process.
The NTPF assesses nursing home process under four criteria:
- costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the nursing home and evidence of value for money;
- price(s) previously charged;
- local market price, and
- Budgetary constraints and the obligation on the State to use available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public. An NTPF pricing agreement is in place with the nursing home referred to by the Deputy. It is scheduled for renewal on 1st July 2013 and NTPF are currently in contact with the proprietors concerning that renewal.
