HIQA is no longer considering making changes in its approach to remove the need for healthcare facilities to re-register every three years in a bid to cut costs, IMN has been told.
The Authority had been considering the move as a way to significantly cut costs, while maintaining a strong regulatory presence through the increased emphasis on “performance improvement notices” (IMN, 22/8/2011).
At the time, documents from the Department, obtained under Freedom of Information, showed that the change could “retain a strong regulatory regime but reduce the cost of same”.
However, HIQA CEO Dr Tracey Cooper told IMN that this option is no longer being pursued.
“It was a discussion we were having with the Department,” she said. “But there will still be renewal.”
Dr Cooper said a number of jurisdictions stopped the renewal of registration, which takes place every three years; however, these jurisdictions continued “the keeping people safe” aspect of regulation, which involves the unannounced inspection of facilities.
“We looked at this and said, potentially there could be some savings in it to help us to contribute towards a new regulatory function, but at the present time we are continuing to renew registrations,” she said.
“This will be less burdensome for providers,” she added.
