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    L-0007-2023

    Older Persons Standards Authority ACT (OPSA)


    Closed

    ​Ministry:

    		 Ministry for Active Ageing
    ​Entity:

    		 Ministry for Active Ageing

    ​Published:

    		 28/03/2023
    ​Running Till:

    		 18/04/2023
    ​Last Updated:

    		 13/11/2023



    Introduction
    The Maltese Government is morally and legally bound to ensure that the health and social care provided to older persons is safe, effective, compassionate and of a high quality. Considering the ever-increasing demand for services for older persons, the Ministry for Active Ageing considers that a specific authority is required to focus and regulate social care services for older persons.

    The Older Persons Standards Authority (OPSA)
    The Older Persons Standards Authority (OPSA) will be regulating the services provided to older persons. Such services include residential services for older persons, geriatric facilities as well as community services, dementia related services, day and/or night respite services and night shelters. All services will be regulated by the Authority irrespective of whether they are publicly, privately or church run.  

    Functions
    The authority will have three main functions outlined below.
    1. Standards Setting
    OPSA will be responsible for creating, publishing, and reviewing regulatory standards for the services mentioned above. This will serve to emphasize that the well-being and care of service users is a priority as well as reassuring users that their needs, rights and dignity are respected.
     
    1. Licensing of services
    OPSA will be responsible for granting licenses to service providers for a period of one year, renewing licenses and if need be, revoke licenses. This will depend on the performance and standard of the service provided. No person or entity may provide a service unless licensed by the Authority.
     
    1. Inspections
    OPSA will be responsible for inspecting the service providers and providing them with a report of the findings, including assessments and recommendations for the provider to follow.
     
    Conclusion
    Monitoring of efficiency, efficacy of practice and people centeredness is of the essence in providing timely and fair interventions. OPSA will ensure that high quality care is being provided to older persons when using the services provided for them.
    Not only, but the Authority shall maintain an internal register within which there shall be noted down the name of any convicted person by the Court of a breach of the provisions relating to abuse against older persons. An authentic copy of the relevant judgment or court decree, shall also be kept in the register.
     
     
    Legislation URL below:

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