Ontario Regulation 245/24, enacted under the Connecting Care Act, 2019, introduces amendments to Ontario Regulation 187/22, which governs home and community care services in the province. These changes aim to improve service clarity, simplify referral processes, and adjust the eligibility criteria for homemaking and personal support services.

One notable amendment is the replacement of the term “patient” with “person” in the definitions of “homemaking services” and “personal support services.” This linguistic shift broadens the scope of the services, potentially allowing for a more inclusive interpretation of who can access these services. Additionally, the regulation revises the eligibility criteria for homemaking services. While it maintains the requirement that individuals must be insured under the Health Insurance Act, the conditions under which these services can be provided are now more clearly defined. For instance, services may be offered if a person requires both homemaking and personal support services, if a caregiver providing these services needs help to continue offering care, or if the individual needs constant supervision due to cognitive impairment or an acquired brain injury. Furthermore, the location where these services are provided must be adequately equipped, and the risk of serious harm to service providers must not be significant, or mitigated if present.

The regulation also amends sections 33(2) and (3) to grant exemptions for health service providers or Ontario Health Teams that manage patient admissions into adult day programs or supportive housing programs. When Service Organizations handle admissions, these health service providers are exempt from section 10 of the regulation, which addresses admission procedures. This change reduces regulatory barriers and expedites the admission process for patients. Similarly, amendments to subsections 33(6) and (7) streamline the referral process between Service Organizations and health service providers. The changes allow these organizations to refer individuals requiring personal support services to each other without being bound by various sections of the regulation. This adjustment facilitates more efficient coordination of care and reduces administrative burdens, ensuring quicker access to services for those in need.

The regulation outlines different commencement dates for its provisions. While most sections came into effect when the regulation was filed on June 11, 2024, sections 2 and 3 will take effect later, when subsection 1(1) of the Convenient Care at Home Act, 2023 comes into force. This staggered timeline allows for better alignment with other legislative changes, ensuring consistency within Ontario’s healthcare and home care system.

By refining definitions, clarifying eligibility criteria, and streamlining the referral process, the regulation seeks to improve both service clarity and efficiency. These amendments are expected to have a positive impact on both individuals receiving care and their caregivers, ensuring timely and appropriate support.

Ontario (245/24) June 29, 2024