Changes to Nursing Home Act

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government has made changes to the Nursing Home Act to better support patient flow and accelerate access to appropriate care.

The change eliminates the previous “critical state” admission process for alternate-level-of-care patients waiting for nursing home placements. Under the new process, the minister of social development is authorized to interrupt normal chronological wait-list management processes if, over the previous seven days, hospital bed occupancy has exceeded 95 per cent and more than 25 per cent of those beds were alternate-level-of-care patients.

“We know this situation didn’t develop overnight, and, while it won’t be solved overnight, our government is tackling it head-on with a commitment to lasting change for New Brunswickers,” said Social Development Minister Cindy Miles. “We’re focused not only on short-term solutions, but also on building the right supports and services in our communities to create a more sustainable future.”

The new wait-list management process can take effect for up to 120 days in the province’s eight regional hospitals. After that time the minister may consider whether it should be extended.

These changes aim to alleviate stress on the health-care system by reducing hospital overcrowding.

“We recognize that patients waiting in hospitals for long-term care significantly impact our health-care system, and we’re committed to supporting them,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “Our government is working closely with the regional health authorities to improve patient flow and ensure hospitals are used to their fullest potential.”

“We would like to thank our government partners for their attention and collaboration on this urgent matter,” said Margaret Melanson, president and CEO of the Horizon Health Network. “By prioritizing these patients for nursing home placement when hospital occupancy is critically high, we can improve patient flow, reduce overcrowding, and ensure patients are cared for in the most appropriate setting for their needs.”

Additionally, Social Development may prioritize for nursing home admission people in the community who are deemed to be at exceptional risk with respect to health and safety. People approved under this process will supersede admissions from hospitals.

“Above all, we’re focused on making sure New Brunswickers get the right care, in the right place, at the right time, “said Lyne Chantal Boudreau, minister responsible for seniors.

“This reform will help us keep our hospital beds available for patients who need them most, while providing those waiting for long-term care with an environment better suited to their needs,” said Jenny Toussaint, vice-president of clinical logistics at Vitalité Health Network. “By facilitating a quicker transition to an appropriate living setting, we promote the preservation of autonomy, the recovery of functional abilities, and the overall well-being of our patients.”

The province has 78 licensed nursing homes, providing 5,373 beds. There are 431 adult residential facilities offering care and services to about 7,600 residents.

A total of 640 nursing home beds have been awarded since 2021 under the 2018–2023 Nursing Home Plan; 460 of those beds have opened, with another 180 currently under construction.

Social Development is developing a new long-term care plan, including a five-year nursing home plan. It is expected to be released later this fall.

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