The government is introducing new legislation that, if passed, will enhance the quality of life for residents of long-term care homes by strengthening enforcement and improving care and accountability.
Highlights of the proposed Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2006 include :
- Promoting zero tolerance of abuse and neglect of long-term care home residents;
- Whistle-blowing protections for staff, residents and volunteers who report abuse or neglect;
- Enshrining in legislation that a registered nurse be on duty in the home 24 hours a day, seven days a week;
- Restricting the use of restraints to limited circumstances where it is absolutely necessary and only with appropriate safeguards;
- Defining licence terms for long-term care homes of up to 25 years; licences can be revoked in cases of non-compliance
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