Proposed Law Provides For Stronger
Residents` Bill Of Rights And Whistleblower
Protection
TORONTO – The McGuinty government is
enhancing the quality of life for residents of long-
term care homes by introducing new legislation
that, if passed, would strengthen enforcement and
improve care and accountability, Health and Long-
Term Care Minister George Smitherman
announced today.
"The McGuinty government is working to
ensure our families and loved ones living in long-
term care homes across Ontario are cared for
safely and with dignity," Smitherman said. "In
Ontario, the only acceptable standard of long-term
care is a high standard. This legislation would
give families and friends the confidence that
residents have the best possible quality of life."
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.
"This is about improving the health and
quality of life of people living in long-term care
homes," said Monique Smith, Parliamentary
Assistant to the Minister of Health, who presented
Commitment to Care : A Plan for Long-Term Care
in Ontario in May 2004. "There are 618 long-term
care homes in Ontario that are homes for our
parents, grandparents, and other loved ones. They
deserve the best possible care."
"We are pleased that the LTC legislation is
finally being introduced," said Lois Dent,
President of Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens
in Care Facilities. "We recognize that a lot of hard
work has gone into developing this Act, a great
deal of consultation took place, and it appears
that the result reflects a resident-centred
approach."
The Commitment to Care Report formed the
basis for legislative change. In the fall of 2004 the
government released a discussion paper entitled
Future Directions for Legislation Governing Long-
Term Care Homes. The paper was distributed
broadly across the province to stakeholders and
more than 700 individuals and organizations
responded to the paper in writing or through
public meetings held in various locations around
the province. This input is reflected in the
proposed legislation.
Today`s announcement is just one example of
how the McGuinty government is on the side of
Ontario families concerned about quality care in
long-term care homes.
Today`s announcement is part of the McGuinty
government`s plan for innovation in public health
care, building a system that delivers on three
priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing
wait times and providing better access to doctors
and nurses.
For further information, members of the
general public can call: (416) 327-4327, or (800)
268-1154