The introduction of legislation in relation to persons requiring assisted decision-making falls within the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality. Under the Health Act 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), for the independent inspection and registration of certain categories of designated centres. This includes residential care settings for older people. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising the Health Act 2007, the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009, as amended, the Health Act 2007 (Registration of Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 and the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland.
All nursing homes for older people, whether public, private or voluntary, are subject to the same core standards in relation to quality and safety. HIQA carry out inspections across the nursing home sector to ensure that these Standards are being met and that residents are receiving the best possible care. Regulation 10 of the Care and Welfare Regulations deals specifically with residents' rights, dignity and consultation. With regard to the National Quality Standards there are 32 standards under 7 groupings, Rights, Protection, Health and Social Needs, Quality of Life, Staffing, The Care Environment and Governance and Management. They are patient-centred, providing a blueprint for the provision of a higher standard of care delivered against a set of clear and comprehensive criteria.
In the case of the centre referred to by the Deputy, the specific matters were addressed by the Registered Provider and resolved to the satisfaction of the HIQA inspector.
