Information on Long Stay Charges – From July 23^rd, 2011
(S.I. 382 2011)

The Health (Amendment) Act 2005 allows the HSE to charge a person for long stay in-patient services. In-patient services are received in hospitals, convalescent homes or homes for people with physical/intellectual disabilities. The charges apply to people who receive in-patient services from the HSE or an agency on behalf of the HSE. This includes people residing in long stay institutions, or community residences where nursing or medical care is provided.

Clients receiving in-patient services on premises where nursing care is provided on a 24 hour basis are charged a weekly rate based on assessed weekly income.  The maximum charge is €175 per week and applies to those whose weekly income, following a financial assessment taking account of certain allowable expenses, is assessed at the level of €208 or more.

Those on lower weekly incomes are charged progressively lower weekly rates.

A "nil" charge applies to anyone whose weekly income is assessed as being under €38.  Every patient may retain a minimum of between €33 and €37.99 of their income for personal use.  Nursing care for these clients means a nurse is physically present on the premises on a permanent basis, i.e. 24 hours basis, all day, every day.

Clients receiving in-patient services on premises where nursing care is not provided on a 24 hour basis are charged a weekly rate based on assessed weekly income.  The maximum charge is €130 per week and applies to those whose weekly income, following financial assessment taking account of certain allowable expenses, is assessed at the level of €194 or more.

Those on lower weekly incomes are charged progressively lower weekly rates.

A "nil" charge applies to anyone whose weekly income is assessed as being under €69.  Every patient may retain a minimum of between €64 and €68.99 of their income for personal use. Nursing care on these premises means a nurse is rostered for duty for less than 24 hours a day.  Where a nurse is not rostered for duty, these regulations do not apply.

A summary page and an information leaflet with more information on Long Stay Charges is provided at the PDF link on the right.  The HSE's National Guidelines for Long Stay Units on the administration of Long Stay Charges are also available by clicking on the link to the right.