Healthcare Entitlement: 2014 Policies: Amendment: August 2014

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 2 September 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2014-0035
Decision Summary Title :	2014 Entitlement to healthcare – Amended 180814		Date of Decision Summary:	August 18th 2014
Decision Summary Author:	Assistant Director – Policy, Communications & Ministerial Support		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	2014 Entitlement To Healthcare – Amended 180814		Date of Written Report:	August 18th 2014
Written Report Author:	Assistant Director – Policy, Communications & Ministerial Support		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Amendments to the Health and Social Services Residents and Non-Residents Charging Policy, clarifying the position of Registered Civil Partners as dependents, and the interpretation of the ‘three-month’ rule relating to the eligibility of Visitors to Jersey under the existing RHA with the UK. The amendment to be effective from August 18th 2014.
Decision(s): The Minister for Health and Social Services approved the amendment to Section 2-4 , and clarification on wording under sections 2-6 of the Residents and Non-Residents Charging Policy, effective from August 18th 2014.
Reason(s) for Decision: To align the eligibility status of a registered civil partner with that of a spouse, ensuring fair and reasonable implementation of the principles of the Residents and Non-residents Charging Policy To further clarify the definitions of ‘dependent child’, eligibility status of babies born in Jersey and ‘licensed status’ for the purposes of access to free health care and treatment through the Health and Social Services Department.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: Amended Residents and Non-residents Charging Policy to be published and circulated within Health and Social Services, effective August 18th 2014
Signature:		Position: Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):