Regulatory Measures for Licensing the Establishment of Elderly Care or Dependent Care Facilities

Abstract

Abstract

This research article aims to examine the regulatory measures for licensing the establishment of elderly care or dependent care facilities, including the study of principles, concepts, theories, and approaches to addressing issues concerning the establishment of such facilities in Thailand, to compare them with those of Japan, and to propose appropriate additional measures suitable for Thailand. The study employs qualitative research methodology.

The research findings reveal that while the Ministry of Public Health has established preliminary criteria, conditions, and procedures for licensing the establishment of elderly care or dependent care facilities, certain legal deficiencies require amendment and supplementation to provide clear and equitable protection for service users and to enhance confidence in quality standards. These deficiencies include: Issue 1: the requirement for facilities to deposit a security bond for unlimited civil liability expenses; Issue 2: the requirement to include individual and holistic care plans with license applications for monitoring and evaluating facility operations and license renewal; and Issue 3: the requirement that the size of service premises be appropriate to the number of service recipients and provide a favorable living environment within the facility. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the size of service premises.

For the aforementioned reasons, the researcher proposes amendments to provisions concerning procedural regulatory measures for licensing the establishment of elderly care or dependent care facilities to ensure clarity and legal standards, together with civil measures, in order to raise licensing standards for such facilities, maximize protection for service users, and elevate facilities to standards consistent with the legislative intent.

Keywords: License, Facility, Elderly or Dependent Persons.