Order, order!

Outdoor Care Mandate Bill

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mandate outdoor nature care for residents of Care Homes and Adult Social Care facilities, and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-

Section One - Definitions

In this Act:

(1) "Care Home" shall mean any residential institution providing accommodation and care to individuals who are unable to fully manage their daily needs due to age, illness, or disability.

(2) "Adult Social Care Facility" shall mean any establishment offering accommodation and support to adults in need of social care due to age, illness, or disability.

(3) "Resident" shall mean an individual residing in a Care Home or Adult Social Care Facility.

(4) "Outdoor Nature Care" shall refer to the provision of a minimum of ten hours per week of outdoor activities in natural environments, including gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces.

Section Two - Outdoor Nature Care Mandate

(1) Care Homes and Adult Social Care Facilities shall be required to ensure that each resident receives a minimum of 10 hours of outdoor nature care per week following suitability assessments to be carried out by the competent staff of Care Bome and Adult Social Care Facilities.

(2) Pursuant to paragraph (1), suitability assessments shall consider, but not be limited to the following —

(a) medical history,
(b) current medical conditions,
(c) physical and mental health, and
(d) if the resident or their legal guardian (should the resident lack independent decision making capacity) chooses to accept the offer.

(3) Should the suitability assessment mentioned in paragraph (2) report that a resident is not capable or such activity required in paragraph (1) would lead to the detriment of the resident’s health and conditions - failing the assessment, they shall hereby be eligible for exemptions.

Section Three - Responsibilities of Care Homes and Adult Social Care Facilities

(1) Care Homes and Adult Social Care Facilities shall develop and implement comprehensive plans to facilitate the provision of Outdoor Nature Care to their Residents, ensuring a variety of activities and experiences that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

(2) Facilities shall designate Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Support Workers, or external Professionals responsible for organising and supervising Outdoor Nature Care sessions.

(3) Facilities shall ensure that adequate resources, including suitable outdoor spaces, equipment, and trained personnel, are available to facilitate the provision of Outdoor Nature Care in a safe and effective manner.

Section Four - Oversight

(1) Care Homes and Adult Social Care Facilities shall maintain records documenting the provision of Outdoor Nature Care to each Resident, including the frequency, duration, and nature of the activities.

(2) The Care Quality Commission (CQC) shall be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of this Act. The CQC shall have the authority to conduct inspections, gather information, and take appropriate enforcement actions to ensure compliance.

Section Five - Outdoor Spaces Support

(1) There shall hereby be a fund established for the purpose of supporting the expansion and establishment of suitable outdoor spaces for the purposes of this Act, in which the Secretary of State shall be responsible for the necessary allocation of funds in consultation with the relevant authorities.

(2) Eligibility for funds shall be assessed by the competent authority, reviewing care applications submitted by Care Homes and Adult Social Care Facilities, in which the criteria for care homes and adult social care facilities shall evaluate but not be limited to the following —

(a) current quality and size of outdoor spaces,
(b) the number of residents and staff,
(c) the physical and mental conditions of residents, and
(c) the geographical location and availability of outdoor spaces.

(3) The Secretary of State may by secondary legislation set Regulations regarding the assessment criteria for Outdoor Space Support detailed in this Section.

(4) Regulations set under paragraph (3) shall be subject to affirmative procedure.

Section Six - Commencement, Short Title, and Extent

(1) This Act shall come into force six months after receiving Royal Assent.

(2) This Act may be cited as the Outdoor Care Mandate Act 2023.

(3) This Act extends to the United Kingdom.

This Bill was written by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, His Grace the Most Honourable Sir /u/Sephronar KG GBE KCT LVO PC MP MSP FRS, the 1st Duke of Hampshire, 1st Marquess of St Ives, 1st Earl of St Erth, 1st Baron of Truro on behalf of His Majesty’s 33rd Government and was inspired by the Care Homes (Access to Nature) Bill by /u/CameroniteTory.

Opening Speech:

Deputy Speaker,

The Outdoor Care Mandate Bill demonstrates our dedication to the welfare and quality of life of some of our society's most vulnerable constituents, the occupants of nursing homes and adult social care institutions.

We have a responsibility to make sure that those who need help because of their age, condition, or handicap get the attention, compassion, and opportunities they deserve. A critical step towards reaching that aim is represented by this measure.

The substantial advantages that exposure to nature and outdoor environments may have for people, especially for those with health issues, have recently come into greater public awareness. Spending time in natural environments outside has been demonstrated to have positive effects on our mental health, cognitive performance, stress levels, and sense of connectedness to the world. These advantages are ubiquitous and transcend age, talent, and situation; they are not restricted to any one age or condition.

This Bill advances the idea of outdoor nature care into the core of our caregiving system, and is a significant step in that direction. Its main goal - to guarantee that each patient of a care home or adult social care institution receives a minimum of 10 hours of outdoor nature care each week if they choose to accept it - is straightforward but significant. Our goal is to provide our elders, people with disabilities, and those who are ill the chance to benefit from nature's healing powers by breathing clean air, feeling the sun's warmth, and listening to peaceful natural noises.

This Bill seeks to improve the dignity and standard of living for individuals who have made significant contributions to our society and for those who need our help during their most trying times. It is more than merely a requirement. It recognises that providing for bodily needs is only one aspect of care; it also involves nourishing the spirit, uplifting the soul, and promoting a sense of joy and connection. Nothing less is acceptable for our elderly and vulnerable folks.

This division will end at 10pm on the 20th September.