Saturday, December 4, 2021

Bill 37 an Important Step Forward for Improving Hands-On Care

Ontario is rolling out new legislation for long term care homes that will have a major impact on how members experience work in the sector

The government explains Bill 37, Providing More Care, Protecting Seniors, and Building More Beds Act, 2021 as a necessary response to the advice given by the Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission and the auditor general, and as a proper reaction to the nearly 4,000 deaths that occurred in the sector during the global COVD-19 pandemic.

The centrepiece to the bill is the promise plan to reach four hours of hands-on care per resident per day by March 31, 2025. The measurement of hands-on daily care calculates PSW, RPN, and RN hours only. This new care standard represents a 45 percent increase from the current average of 2 hours and 45 minutes of hands-on care per day.

This increase will be achieved in stages, but already in November members have seen a surge in new job postings as employers work toward the first instalment of new hours.

Other important features of this legislation include

• target of 36 minutes of allied professional care hours per day;

• every operator to develop and maintain a palliative care philosophy;

• requirements to conduct annual satisfaction surveys for caregivers, residents, and family

• whistle blower protection for workers;

• increased enforcement powers and penalties of up to $1 million for corporations that are convicted of an offence under the act.

On the topic of tougher enforcement, Rod Phillips, minister of long term care, told CBC news, “We expect most of the operators—in fact, the vast majority of operators—to operate within the rules. But it’s important that there be consequences when they don’t. The highest fines in Canada will ensure that operators understand that there are financial implications if they don’t play by the rules.”

In it’s formal response to this new legislation, CLAC called the bill an important step for the future of long term care.

“Our members are pleased to see the important move to four hours of care that is proposed in the legislation,” says Ian DeWaard, CLAC Ontario director. “Staff in long term care feel called to provide dignified support for their residents, but for too long they’ve been run off their feet and forced into unreasonable compromises.”

As part of its commitment to fix long term care, the minister has also struck a new Long-Term Care Advisory Table. CLAC has been invited to join this table to provide insight and suggestions from the perspective of front-line workers.

Bill 37 an Important Step Forward for Improving Hands-On Care

You might be interested in