Senior Citizens Nursing Home Act

Senate Office of the Serretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 SEP 29 A1O:17 First Regular Session ) SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 1423 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT ESTABLISHING NURSING HOMES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AT THE PROVINCIAL AND CITY LEVELS, PROVIDING FOR FUNDING, SETTING STANDARDS, ENSURING PERSONNEL TRAINING, PROMOTING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippine Constitution mandates the State to prioritize the needs of the underprivileged, the elderly, the sick, and the disabled. In line with this constitutional mandate, Republic Act No. 9994 or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010" recognizes the rights of senior citizens to assistance, care, and support. Despite these legal guarantees, many elderly Filipinos- especially those who are frail, abandoned, or without family support-continue to live in conditions of neglect, poverty, and isolation. This is particularly evident in provinces and cities where access to institutional care and social support remains limited or non-existent. This bill seeks to address this urgent gap by mandating the establishment, operation, and maintenance of nursing homes for senior citizens at the provincial and city levels. These facilities shall provide residential care, medical and psychosocial services, wellness programs, and opportunities for community participation. To ensure quality and accountability, the bill outlines standards for accreditation, regular inspections, personnel training, and capacity-building support for local government units. By institutionalizing a compassionate, provincial and citywide system of elder care, this proposed measure upholds the dignity, well-being, and rights of our senior citizens- ensuring that no elderly Filipino is left behind. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. earliero sarafull RISA HONTIVEROS Senator

Senate MEn Office of the sacretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP 29 A10:17 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1423 S.B. No. INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT ESTABLISHING NURSING HOMES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AT THE PROVINCIAL AND CITY LEVELS, PROVIDING FOR FUNDING, SETTING STANDARDS, ENSURING PERSONNEL TRAINING, PROMOTING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in the Philippines assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Senior Citizens

2 Nursing Home Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to recognize the

5 valuable contributions of senior citizens to national development and to ensure their 6 well-being by providing access to quality, compassionate, and community-based care. 7 Towards this end, the State shall establish and support the operation of nursing homes 8 at the provincial and city levels, particularly for senior citizens who are frail, abandoned, or without adequate family or community support.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall

mean: a) Nursing Home - A residential facility that provides long-term care, supervision, medical services, and psychosocial support to senior citizens who are no longer capable of independent living.

b) Provincial Nursing Homes - Facilities located in provincial capitals or other strategic areas intended to serve senior citizens, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. c) City Nursing Homes - Facilities located in component and highly urbanized cities to serve senior citizens residing in urban areas. d) Senior Citizens - Persons aged sixty (60) years and above, as defined under Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010."

Sec. 4. Establishment of Nursing Homes. - Provincial and city governments

shall establish, operate, and maintain nursing homes that provide, but are not limited to, the following services: a) Residential care and accommodation; b) Medical, nursing, palliative, and rehabilitative services; c) Psychological, emotional, and social support; and d) Recreational, wellness, and community engagement programs.

Sec 5. Standards and Accreditation - The Department of Social Welfare

and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), shall formulate and enforce minimum standards covering physical infrastructure, staffing, service delivery, safety protocols, and administrative management of nursing homes. All nursing homes shall secure accreditation from the DSWD prior to operation and shall be subject to inspection and performance audits at least once every two (2) years. The DSWD is authorized to impose administrative sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of accreditation, upon any nursing home found to be in violation of the prescribed standards. The DSWD and DOH shall provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to local government units (LGUs) in the establishment and management of these facilities.

Sec 6. Administration of NHSC. - The Office of the City Mayor or Provincial

2 Governor shall have control and supervision over the Nursing Home for Senior Citizens 3 (NHSC). The Office shall appoint a qualified administrator to manage the NHSC. 4 Provided, that all personnel employed in nursing homes, including but not limited to 5 caregivers, nurses, doctors, and social workers, shall undergo training programs 6 accredited or conducted by the DSWD and DOH. 7 Provided further, that a free Continuing Professional and Staff Development Program 8 shall be instituted to ensure that nursing home personnel participate in annual refresher courses, workshops, and seminars on best practices in geriatric care and 10 human rights-based approaches.

Sec. 7. Progressive Realization. - Within six (6) years from the effectivity

of this Act, all provincial and city governments shall establish at least one (1) fully operational nursing home for senior citizens in their respective jurisdictions, in accordance with the standards and guidelines set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH). To facilitate this, the DSWD, in coordination with the DOH, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), shall develop a national implementation roadmap detailing timelines, priorities, resource mobilization strategies, and technical assistance to local government units. The progressive implementation shall give priority to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and provinces or cities with high populations of indigent or vulnerable senior citizens.

Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days

from the effectivity of this Act, the DSWD, in coordination with the DOH, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), and in consultation with senior citizens' associations, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial

implementation of this Act shall be sourced from the current year's appropriations of the DSWD. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

7 unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and

regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,