Summary of Nursing Home Regulatory Changes: Effective 31 March 2025

Introduction 

The Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 1 of 2025) has now been released and will come into operation on 31^st March 2025. The regulations have been amended in response to recommendations from the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel Report and a number of reports from HIQA. This amendment enhances existing requirements across key areas, including visiting, infection prevention and control, residents’ rights, criteria for persons-in-charge and governance. These updates aim to strengthen current provisions, promoting safer and more accountable practices in nursing homes across Ireland.

Summary of Key Regulatory Changes

Key changes arising from SI. No.1 of 2025 relate to the following regulations:

1. Regulation 11 Visiting: The new regulations require specific details regarding the visiting processes during normal and restricted circumstances, and the arrangements for residents to receive nominated persons during restrictions.
2. Regulation 14 Person in Charge: The new regulations require clear deputisation arrangements for the PIC role, with the minimum experience requirements for deputies also provided. The new regulations limit the PIC’s remit to a maximum of 2 designated centres and the required experience and educational background of PIC’s appointed after the 31^st of March 2025 has been updated.
3. Regulation 20 Information for Residents: The new regulations require that the Resident’s Guide must include details of how to access the designated centre’s inspection reports.
4. Regulation 23 Governance and Management: The new regulations clarify the requirements for deputising arrangements for management roles. The regulations also require the development of a quality improvement plan to address the issues identified within the annual review of the quality and safety of care.
5. Regulation 26 Risk Management: The new regulation requires that the Risk Management Policy is extended to detail the measures and actions in place within the designated centre to control infectious diseases. The regulations also require a process to be available to ensure actions and recommendations will be implemented following serious incidents or adverse events to patients. A process for the audit, review and learning from events is also required.    
6. Regulation 27 Infection Control: The new regulation requires that the designated centre ensures that guidance published by appropriate national authorities in relation to IPC and outbreak management is implemented and that staff will receive appropriate IPC training.
7. Regulation 31 Notification of Incidents and Schedule 4 (7 Notifications under Regulation 31): The new regulation has reduced the reporting timeline for incidents, as listed under Schedule 4 of SI1 of 2025, from 3 working days to 2 working days. In relation to quarterly reports, reference to reporting requirements in relation to restraint has been replaced with a requirement to quarterly report on the restrictive practices used, including the type of restrictive practice used and the number of residents.
8. Regulation 32 Notification of an absence: The new regulation have extended the period of continued absence by a PIC requiring notification to the Chief Inspector from 28 days to 42 days.
9. Regulation 33 Notification of procedures and arrangements for periods when person in charge is absent from the designated centre: The new regulation sets out the communication requirements for PIC absences over 6 months.
10. Schedule 5: Policies and Procedures to be maintained in the designated Centre: The requirement for a visitor policy has been added within the new regulation.

Conclusion

As these regulations take effect, Registered Providers will need to closely review and update their policies, ensuring they meet the new requirements and continue to deliver safe, effective care.

HCI is committed to supporting nursing homes as they navigate these regulatory updates. Our expertise in regulatory compliance, policy and procedures development, governance and education and training, uniquely positions us to assist nursing homes in meeting the updated regulations with confidence and efficiency.

Reach out to HCI today at 01 629 2559 or info@hci.care to discuss how we can help you successfully prepare for these regulatory changes and enhance the quality and safety of care for your residents.