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improving the quality in services provided by resources in addiction and gambling

MONTREAL, April 26 / CNW Telbec / - The Minister for Social Services, Mrs. Lise Thériault, announced today as published in the Official Gazette, the draft regulations on the certification of resources in drug and gambling addiction.  This publication of the draft regulations opens a consultation period of 45 days, after which the final regulations will be published.  The new regulations will come into effect June 30, 2010, but organizations will have until July 1, 2011 to comply with the new certification regulations.

“In the public health and social services sector, several measures have been put into place to ensure that quality services are offered in a safe environment.  We can think, among other things, visits to assess the quality of services in the CHSLD network, youth centers, intermediate and family resources.

The need to regulate this sector was applauded by our network partners. Our government has an important role to play in ensuring that those who are most vulnerable and who rely on private or community organizations receive quality services, "said Minister Thériault.
This regulation aims to protect the health and security of people using services provided by resources in addiction and gambling. The requirements specified here relate, among other standards, not only the health and safety of residents but the operation of the resource and the staff’s education.

The health and social services agency will be responsible for issuing the certificate of compliance as well as the renewal of the certificate.  The new certification will be valid for three years. "We believe that the draft regulations on the certification of addiction and gambling resources presents a fair balance between the objective of protecting people who receive services as well as respecting the autonomy of private and community organizations," further said the Minister.

Improving the quality of services

In Quebec, there are many private and community resources that offer accommodation to people with various problems related to substance abuse and pathological gambling. These are defined here as those offering a venue of housing and support services such as therapy, rehabilitation, support and assistance in recovering from intoxication or detoxification support.
It is important to note that this field of activity is characterized by a great diversity of approaches and this regulation will ensure that the interventions used are based on accepted practices.  In recent years, enquiries have identified, in some organizations, certain desirable improvements regarding the quality control of services, staff training as well as compliance to standards of the living environment.

By adopting this new regulation that sets out the requirements deemed necessary for obtaining a certificate of compliance, the Quebec government is intending to protect the public and especially the users of these services.

Remember, that since 2001 many resources have already subscribed to the voluntary certification program.  Transitional arrangements will be available for them.   As of March 31, 2010, 54 resources have been certified by the DHSS and 35 were in process of certification out of a total of 124 resources listed.  By June 30, 2010 it is estimated that nearly half of the resources will have obtained their certification under the new regulations.