Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes (Transfer of Functions) Act

What this bill does

This bill transfers responsibility for overseeing residential care homes and nursing homes from the Minister of Health to the Bermuda Health Council. The Council will now handle licensing, inspections, and regulation of these facilities, while also collecting fees directly from operators.

If passed (voted YES)

• The Bermuda Health Council becomes the main regulator for all residential care homes and nursing homes in Bermuda
• Care home operators will pay licensing and renewal fees directly to the Health Council instead of government (ranging from $75-$1,000 depending on compliance level)
• The Health Council gains formal authority to inspect facilities, issue licenses, and enforce standards for elderly and residential care

If rejected (voted NO)

• The Minister of Health continues to oversee all residential care homes and nursing homes
• Current government fee structure remains in place for facility licensing
• No change to existing regulatory framework or who has authority over care home standards

Who it affects

This primarily affects operators of residential care homes and nursing homes who will deal with the Health Council instead of the Health Ministry. Residents and families using these facilities may experience changes in how complaints are handled and standards are enforced.