New regulations for nursing homes have come into effect following recommendations from the Covid-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel.
HIQA's Deputy Chief Inspector of Social Services Susan Cliffe said that Covid-19 placed "an extraordinary burden on residents, their families and those working within nursing homes" and that the new regulations "reflect learnings from the pandemic".
In a statement, Ms Cliffe said: "As people get older, they must be supported to live active and fulfilling lives where their human rights are protected and promoted and in settings that are local and promote their independence as far as possible.
"These updated powers for the Chief Inspector represent the most extensive update to the regulations since the commencement of regulating nursing homes in 2009."
She said the new regulations include "the need to minimise risks through better measures to minimise the risk of infection and to balance this with residents' rights to maintain contact with their family.
"Residents' rights will be further enhanced by ensuring they are facilitated to communicate freely, have access to visitors and the internet, and have a nominated close friend considered part of their family for support," she added.
Under the regulations introduced by the Department of Health, nursing homes will have to have a written visitors' policy and designate a 'person in charge'.
The person in charge will have to have at least three years of experience in a nursing management role and appropriate management qualifications.
Nursing homes will also need to ensure infection prevention procedures are in line with standards set by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
Nursing Homes Ireland Chief Executive Tadgh Daly welcomed the new regulations and said they reflect "the changing nature of residential care".
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Mr Daly also said it gives "legislative effect to practices that are already in place".
He said that one regulation allows residents to choose a 'named support person'.
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Nursing homes will have to facilitate visits by a named support person if the resident has requested one.
"It will be welcomed both by the sector and residents," Mr Daly said.
He added that maintaining a social connection with community and family is important for those in residential care.
