HIQA remit to be extended to include Private Hospitals and Clinics

Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD, has announced that new legislation will be brought before Cabinet in the autumn, giving the Health Information and Quality Authority (“HIQA”) the power to investigate incidents in private hospitals, together with other private operators such as cosmetic surgery clinics. The initiative will see such private hospital and clinics brought under the remit of HIQA for the first time. The drafting of the general scheme of the bill is curr... Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD, has announced that new legislation will be brought before Cabinet in the autumn, giving the Health Information and Quality Authority (“HIQA”) the power to investigate incidents in private hospitals, together with other private operators such as cosmetic surgery clinics. The initiative will see such private hospital and clinics brought under the remit of HIQA for the first time. The drafting of the general scheme of the bill is currently being completed, with a view to it being brought to government following the summer vacation for formal drafting. The progress of the draft legislation will be followed with interest and updates will be provided here. Further information regarding the role of HIQA can be found on their website.