HIQA Release Updated Guidance and Assessment Judgement Frameworks for Designated Centres for Older People

Introduction

In January 2024, HIQA released updated documentation for designated centres for older people. These documents include an updated Guidance for the assessment of designated centres for older people, an updated Assessment-judgment framework against all regulations for designated centres for older people, and a related Assessment-judgment framework for infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship in these centres.

HIQA state that the updated guidance reflects their commitment to a more human rights-based approach to regulation, together with evidence-based changes since it was first published. It includes guidance on all regulations that HIQA assesses compliance against and on the National Standards for infection prevention and control in community services (2018). It has been produced to support the two related assessment-judgment frameworks.

New Assessment Judgement Framework

HIQA has published a new Assessment-judgment framework for infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship in designated centres for older people.  

This assessment-judgment framework is to be utilised with the guidance document, and supports inspectors in gathering evidence when monitoring or assessing a designated centre against Regulation 27 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 as amended.

The framework sets out the lines of enquiry to be explored by inspectors in order to assess compliance with regulations and the National Standards for infection prevention and control in community services (2018).

The updated guidance and assessment judgement frameworks can be viewed on HIQA’s website here.

How can HCI help?

HCI supports nursing homes in achieving compliance with regulations and best practice guidance. We provide practical, hands-on support to nursing homes, helping them to build comprehensive Quality and Safety Management Systems that assure the quality and safety of the care provided.

We offer support in the development of policies and procedures, provide education and training, conduct independent quality audits and support governance and management teams in preparing for a regulatory inspection from HIQA.

If your nursing home requires regulatory, quality or resident safety support then contact HCI at +353 (0)1 6292559 or info@hci.care to find out how we can help you.