Holly Cairns
Question:537. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to a HIQA report (details supplied). [19077/23]
View answerTuesday, 25 April 2023
Questions (537)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, the Chief Inspector of Social Care and the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) is the national independent regulator of Nursing Homes and operates under the Health Act 2007. All facilities for older people are subject to registration and inspection by HIQA, which is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.
As the independent regulator of nursing homes, the Chief Inspector determines the appropriate approach and interventions required to monitor and ensure compliance with the regulatory framework. Monitoring compliance is a continual process that checks that providers continue to be fit persons and continue to deliver an appropriate standard of service. These activities inform ongoing decision-making and the subsequent actions of the regulator, including in respect of regulatory escalation.
The Chief Inspector adopts a risk-based approach to regulation, prioritising monitoring, inspection, and enforcement, based on the assessment of the risk, including the type of inspection undertaken. The approach to inspections typically includes a mix of announced and unannounced, as required and all inspection reports are publicly available on HIQA's website.
www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/inspection-reports
In addition to the current regulations, work is currently underway concerning regulatory reform, including drafting legislation to enhance the oversight and regulation of nursing homes, which will include provision for a broader suite of enforcement tools for the Chief Inspector of Social Services.