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Measure gives HIQA inspector extra powers

A measure aimed at providing greater protection for those in residential care centres for older people and people with disabilities has come into effect. 

The measure gives the chief inspector of social services in the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) the power to issue compliance notices to providers of such services when they are non-complaint with regulations. 

This follows the commencement of section 16 of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No.2) Act 2024 from Friday (14 February).

Preparatory work  

The rest of the legislation had already come into force last September. 

Section 16 had been delayed to allow the chief inspector to carry out the necessary preparatory work, according to the Department of Health. 

The 2024 act introduced changes to the Health Act 2007, with minor amendments to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 and the Mental Health Act 2001. 

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said that section 16 enhanced the tools available to the chief inspector to respond to non-compliance by providers “and to make sure that residential centres are safe environments for everyone living there”.