Section 31 – Frequency of inspection of care services under the 2001 Act
142.This section inserts a new section 25(5A) and (5B) into the 2001 Act and amends section 78(2)(b) of that Act.
143.The Care Commission is required by section 25 of the 2001 Act to inspect all care services at least once every 12 months (or twice every 12 months, in the case of certain services). In respect of inspections section 25 distinguishes between the first 12 months after registration with the Care Commission and subsequent 12 month periods.
144.Subsection (2) of the new provision gives the Scottish Ministers the power, after consulting the Care Commission and other appropriate persons, to amend by Order either or both sections 25(3)(a)(i) and (ii) and either or both sections 25(5)(a) and (b) of the 2001 Act to increase (but not decrease) the length of the periods specified in those sections, and therefore reduce the minimum frequency of mandatory inspections. The power is capable of being exercised in different ways in respect of different care services.
145.Subsection (3) of the new provision amends section 78(2)(b) of the 2001 Act to provide that an Order made under the new section 25(5A) is subject to affirmative resolution procedure.
