Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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315. To ask the Minister for Health if the National Treatment Purchase Fund will cover an increase by the nursing home under the fair deal scheme or if this increase needs to be covered by the patient; how does this affect the person's existing fair deal agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4005/16]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires each private nursing home to negotiate and agree a price for long-term residential care services with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme.

The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. In negotiating with nursing homes the NTPF has regard to:

- costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the nursing home and evidence of value for money;

- price(s) previously charged;

- local market price, and

- budgetary constraints and the obligation on the State to use available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme covers the cost of the standard components of residential care which are:

- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;

- Bed and board;

- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with activities of daily living;

- Laundry service.

Charges may only be levied in respect of services which are additional to the above, and which are clearly specified in a contract to be concluded within one month of admission between the relevant residential facility and the resident.