Gov't strengthens oversight of residential care homes operations

The Social Welfare Department updated the Code of Practice in October.

The government is committed to strengthening the oversight of operations and management at residential care homes, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun announced. 

Addressing lawmakers, Sun stated that under existing regulations, residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) must promptly inform the Social Welfare Department’s Licensing Office of Residential Care Homes for Persons with Disabilities (LORCHD) in the event of a "special incident" and submit a detailed special incident report within three calendar days of the occurrence.

Sun explained that the decision to disclose such incidents depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of the incident, its impact on service users, and the follow-up actions taken by the care home. 

He emphasised the importance of balancing the timing of public disclosures with the need to provide counselling and support to victims, their families, and others affected. Given the unique circumstances of each "special incident," Sun noted that it is not feasible to set a fixed timeframe for making announcements.

The government has been implementing the Residential Care Homes Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendment) Ordinance 2023 to enhance accountability amongst residential care home operators. The reforms include stricter staffing requirements, the introduction of a registration system for home managers, and measures to better protect the interests and safety of residents.

As part of these efforts, the Social Welfare Department updated the Code of Practice in October, strengthening compliance requirements for RCHDs and increasing deterrence against violations. Homes are now required to implement policies for monitoring closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and ensure mechanisms are in place for reviewing CCTV footage.