The governance function of the registered provider will be to see that standards are in place. Good governance is a condition for registration of a nursing home.

Section 50 of the Health Act 2007 requires that the registered provider and each other person who will participate in the management of the centre “is a fit person to be the registered provider of the designated centre and to participate in its management”

The Health Act 2007 places obligations on the registered provider. S/he must: -

• Register the nursing home
• Apply to the Chief Inspector of Social Services for registration and provide accurate information when applying
• Apply for renewal at least six months before the expiry of the current registration
• Ensure adherence to any conditions attached to the registration
• Ensure that the certificate of registration is affixed in a conspicuous place in the centre
• Submit information to the chief inspector to enable the chief inspector to carry out the chief inspector’s functions
• Give the prescribed notice where it is intended to close the centre
• Allow designated officers to enter the home for the purpose of carrying out an inspection or an investigation
• Protect an employee (whistleblower) who makes a disclosure to an authorised person