By the fall of 2022, Ontario plans to have one inspector for every two long-term care homes in the province.
The government plans to hire 193 new inspectors and put new legislation in place to address inspections and complaints.
Some of the new inspectors will have investigative backgrounds and have the ability to lay provincial offence charges when needed.
“Our government has a plan to fix Ontario’s long-term care system, and increasing accountability, enforcement, and transparency in the sector is a key part of it,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. “We are doubling the number inspectors in the field, and launching new and improved proactive inspections to give residents the quality of care they deserve.”
This is part of the government's three-part plan to improve care in long-term care homes. It includes improving staffing and levels of care, protecting residents with better accountability, and building new modern, safe homes.
The proactive inspection program focuses on residents' rights, infection prevention and control, abuse and neglect, nutrition, medication management, policies, and dining observations.
Full details of the inspection program will be introduced in legislation later this week.