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Health Information and Quality AuthorityThe Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA, /ˈhɪkwæ/; Irish: An t-Údarás um Fhaisnéis agus Cáilíocht Sláinte) is a statutory, government-funded agency in Ireland which monitors the safety and quality of the healthcare and social care systems.[1] Mooted as early as 2001,[2] HIQA received its powers and mandate in May 2007 under the Health Act 2007. The Authority also exercises functions under the Child Care Act 1991 and the Children Act 2001.[3] HospitalsThe Authority has produced a number of reports and recommendations on the safety of care in both public and private hospitals.[4][5][1] HIQA is also tasked with inspecting hygiene standards in public hospitals.[6] As well as performing hospital evaluations, HIQA is charged with implementing electronic health records[7] and information governance,[8] investigating waiting times,[9] and protecting whistleblowers.[10] Nursing homesAfter the Leas Cross scandal, there was increased demand for inspection of both private and public nursing homes. As a result, HIQA was given powers to register, inspect and, via application to court, close nursing homes and similar residential services delivering sub-standard care.[11][12] Social careHIQA has issued reports on foster care services, describing a lack of assessment of carers[13] and criticising the "significant failure" by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to monitor children in care.[14] In particular, HIQA raised concerns over the Dublin and North East areas.[15] See also
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