The provincial government will soon be keeping closer tabs on long term care facilities in Ontario.
The government is spending 72.3 million dollars on a new investigations unit to ensure every LTC patient is able to live with dignity and experience the quality of care they deserve.
Officials say the 10-person unit will be looking into various allegations, including failing to protect a resident from abuse or neglect, failing to comply with inspection orders from the Ministry of Long Term Care, and negligence of corporate directors.
“These new investigators have the authority to add more accountability in the long-term care sector and will help address the most serious forms of non-compliance,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Long-Term Care. “The new unit complements what is already the toughest inspection and enforcement program in Canada, helping give residents the safety and quality of care they need and deserve.”
While current inspectors are able to identify and address non-compliance under the Fixing Long Term Care Act, the new investigators will determine there are grounds that an offence has been committed which, if prosecuted, could result in fines or imprisonment.
“The creation of this new investigations unit under the Fixing Long Term Care Act marks an important step forward to continue protecting Ontario’s long-term care home residents,” said Attorney General, Doug Downey. “By providing investigators with the ability to refer cases to prosecutors as needed, this team will help to improve compliance with the Act, keep residents safe and provide comfort and certainty to residents and their families.”
