Current legislation

Nursing Homes are currently registered and inspected under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and the Nursing Homes (Care and Welfare) regulations, 1993.

While it is expected that the above legislation will be replaced by the Health Act 2007 and new regulations to be made under that Act it is the 1990 Act and the 1993 Regulations which currently apply.

Health Act 2007

This act establishes the Health Information and Quality Authority, the office of Chief Inspector of Social Services and provides for a scheme of registration and inspection of residential services for older people and a number of related matters.

Part 7 of the Act provides for the establishment of the office of Chief Inspector of Social Services, and the functions of that office.

Part 8 of the Act provides for the regulation of designated centres, including public and private Nursing Homes

Part 9 provides for Inspections and Investigations

Part 10 deals with offences and penalties

Part 13 enables the Minister to make Regulations and orders under the Act

The necessary Statutory Regulations to bring the various sections of the Act into force are expected to become law in the second half of 2008