Private Health Care

HC Deb 21 March 2000 vol 346 c520W

Mr. Dobbin

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he gives local authorities on the regulation of private health care. [115282]

Ms Stuart

Local authorities do not hold responsibility for the regulation of private healthcare. Private hospitals and clinics are regulated by health authorities under Part II of the Registered Homes Act 1984. Health authorities apply the Act with reference to guidance on the Registration and Inspection of Nursing Homes issued in 1985 by the then National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts. In addition, the Department issued guidance to health authorities in 1995 which was aimed at promoting a more consistent application of regulation by regulation authorities. The Care Standards Bill, currently before Parliament, seeks to introduce a new regulatory system for care homes and private and voluntary healthcare which will be administered by a single body, the National Care Standards Commission.