New health certification regime implemented today

New health certification regime implemented today

New health and disability standards for hospitals, rest homes and residential disability services come into effect today, 1 October 2004.

The main difference between the new standards and the old regime is a focus on the outcomes for people rather than the inputs.

The Ministry's of Health's Acting Deputy Director-General, Clinical Services, Dr Pat Tuohy says "Of course, the providers are keenly conscious of client wellbeing, but we want to ensure that everyone is working toward the same goal. The standards mean there is a basic level of service that people can expect at a rest home, hospital or residential disability facility although many facilities will exceed the basic level."

All providers who were required to apply for certification under the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 have done so.

Dr Tuohy says "We have been working with the sector for two years to try and ensure that the providers who are required to be certified have been. The vast majority of providers haven't had any trouble reaching certification standards because they were already up there. A few providers have decided not to apply, but we won't have an accurate picture of numbers until next week."

"The new certification regime is based on compliance with approved standards which gives people a consistent base-line."

There is more information at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Health+and+Disability+Safety+Standards

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