Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2021
293. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1691 of 27 July 2021, if he will provide an update on the development of a regulatory framework for home support providers including an update on the primary legislation; when this will be introduced; the role HIQA will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60888/21]
View answerWork is ongoing in the Department of Health on the development of a new statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support services. This includes establishing the regulatory framework for the new scheme.
With the aim of ensuring that all service-users are provided with a standard, high-quality level of care which is safe, effective, and person-centred, it is envisaged that the regulatory framework will comprise: (i) primary legislation for the licensing of public and private home-support providers; (ii) minimum requirements (i.e., regulations); and (iii) HIQA National Standards for Home Support Services.
Earlier this year, Government gave approval to draft a General Scheme and Heads of a Bill to establish a licensing framework for home-support providers. This is being progressed by the Department with a view of bringing it through the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity. It is expected that the primary legislation will give the Minister for Health the power to make regulations in respect of minimum requirements which will form the criteria against which a provider’s eligibility to hold a licence will be determined. A regulatory impact analysis undertaken by the Department will take place in 2022 to ensure effectiveness and mitigate risks.
The aim is to ensure that service-users are safe-guarded and protected, and a responsive, person-centred, quality-driven home-support service is provided. This is central to the Sláintecare objective of providing ‘right care, in the right place at the right time’. The regulations being drawn up by the Department and the standards being drafted by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) both take cognisance of the diverse and often complex needs of those who require homecare and support.
HIQA has extensive experience in the regulation of social care services and has, in the last 18 months, conducted wide-ranging research into the regulation of home-support services. HIQA ran a public scoping consultation in September to inform the development of National Standards for Home Support Services. HIQA has convened an Advisory Group to assist in the process of developing the Draft National Standards.
In collaboration with HIQA and in consultation with the Health Service Executive and other key informants, the Department is in the process of developing draft regulations. These draft regulations will be circulated for targeted stakeholder consultation this month. This consultation will inform further amendments in advance of a public consultation in 2022.
