MUSCAT : This regulatory framework aims to ensure quality care and safety for elderly citizens, standardizing the operations and licensing of care facilities across the Sultanate.

The resolution outlines guidelines and regulations for establishing and operating day care centres that provide essential social, psychological, cultural, and rehabilitative services to the elderly. The new framework addresses various aspects of care, including licensing, management, staffing, and safety protocols, ensuring that these centres meet rigorous standards of care and service delivery.

The framework also establishes the criteria for admitting elderly individuals into the centers, including being at least 60 years old (with exceptions for those 45 years and older in certain cases). Applicants must be free from infectious diseases and serious psychological disorders.

Key provisions of the governance framework:

• Day care centers can only be established or operated upon obtaining a license from the Ministry of Social Development.
• The licensing process includes submitting an application with supporting documents, such as a commercial register, land deeds, and health and safety approvals.
• The centres should provide a safe environment for the elderly to receive social, rehabilitative, and recreational services.
• Centres must also encourage community involvement and volunteerism, while preparing elderly individuals to manage health and psychological changes.
• The location of care centres must adhere to strict safety guidelines, such as being in a suitable and healthy environment, away from industrial facilities or areas prone to flooding.
• The centres must also be equipped with necessary accessibility features to facilitate the movement of elderly individuals.
• Centres must appoint a qualified manager who is an Omani national, holds a university degree in social sciences or related fields, and is free from infectious diseases – specialized staff must meet specific qualifications and experience requirements.
• The resolution mandates that all employees, volunteers, and managers working in the care centres undergo periodic medical checks and must not have been convicted of crimes involving dishonour or dishonesty.
  
  The Ministry will regularly inspect care centres to ensure compliance with these regulations. Centres must allow Ministry officials to access records, camera footage, and other relevant information. Failure to adhere to the regulations may result in penalties, including temporary suspension or license cancellation.
  
  The resolution also stipulates penalties for non-compliance, ranging from warnings to fines. Unauthorized operation of a care centre without a license could result in a fine of RO 2,000, while violations of other provisions can lead to fines between RO 500 to RO 1,000.

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