Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
1148. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will establish a licensing framework for home care providers and secondary legislation, setting out the minimum standards with which providers must comply in order to be licensed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55112/22]
View answerThe Department is currently developing a regulatory framework for home-support providers with the aim of ensuring high quality care for service-users. This framework will comprise primary legislation for the licensing of home support providers, secondary legislation in the form of regulations (minimum requirements), and HIQA national standards.
On 27 April 2021, Government gave approval to the Minister for Health to draft a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to establish a licensing framework for home-support providers. The Heads of a Bill are currently at draft stage, and it is intended to bring this legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity.
At an advanced stage, are the draft regulations which set out minimum requirements that a home support provider must meet to obtain a license. These draft regulations have been informed by targeted stakeholder consultation and regular discussions with HIQA, HSE, Provider and Service User representative groups.
A 7-week public consultation concluded August 4th and 210 responses were received. The Institute of Public Health have completed an analysis of responses and are currently preparing a report for the Department of Health. Findings will inform final amendments to regulations. Legal expertise is assisting with drafting of regulations and interpretation of core issues, such as, capacity legislation, employment laws and health and safety issues.
In tandem with this, HIQA are developing standards for home care and home support services, which will go out for public consultation early next year.
