, Limerick East): As the Deputy is aware, the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990 assigns responsibility for the inspection of nursing homes to health boards. Articles 23.1 to 25.3 of the Nursing Homes Care and Welfare Regulations, 1993 give health boards power to inspect nursing homes and premises believed to be nursing homes.
Under the Act all nursing homes are obliged to register with a health board. Before placing a nursing home on the register the health board must inspect the home to ensure that it conforms with the required standard of staffing, accommodation and design. The regulations require health boards to inspect all homes at least once every six months. In the course of inspections particular regard is paid to the general welfare and well being of residents, staffing levels, accommodation and facilities, kitchen facilities, hygiene, sanitary facilities, nutrition, patient records, safety and the prescribing and administration of drugs and medicines. Any identified shortcomings are brought to the attention of the proprietor and the person in charge and homes are duly monitored to ensure compliance with the regulations.
To date, a total of 189 nursing home inspections have been carried out by the health boards, resulting in 164 written communications to nursing home proprietors.
