The Care Home Services (Visits to and by Care Home Residents) (Scotland) Regulations 2026: Anne's Law - code of practice 31 March 2026
'Anne’s Law’ describes a series of legal acts and regulations that give new duties to care homes to strengthen the rights of people living in adult care homes to see and spend time with people who are important to them. The code of practice explains how these duties should work day-to-day.
Chapter 6: Review of the Code of Practice and Ministerial Reporting
Review of the Code of Practice
The Code is an essential resource for making sure Anne’s Law is used properly in everyday situations. It is important therefore that the Code is clear and useful. Scottish Ministers are responsible for reviewing and, if needed, updating this code of practice. They must do this within five years of the Code being published.
When carrying out the review, Ministers need to consider what people have told them about the Code. This could include care home providers, residents of care homes and their family and friends.
They also need to ask the Care Inspectorate certain things, such as:
- how many times visits to and from care homes have been suspended
- whether they have concerns about care home visiting
- examples of good practice
- if they have suggestions for changes to the Code
In addition, the Anne’s Law Oversight Group will continue to meet frequently to share information on how the Code is being used day-to-day and if any changes or clarifications are needed. If amendments are required, then these will be made.
Ministerial reporting
The Act places duties upon Ministers to report on how some of the new responsibilities placed on care home providers have been put into operation. In particular, the duty to:
- identify an Essential Care Supporter for any resident who would like one
- facilitate visits
- review their decision to suspend visits, if they receive a valid request
- notify the Care Inspectorate of any visiting suspensions
This report must be published before 31 March 2028.
Reflection from Care Home Relatives Scotland
Is it possible to describe that special relationship between parents and children, husbands and wives, family and loved ones?
It is something that is unseen, develops over time, is lifelong – is taken for granted.
Every relationship is a unique collection of shared memories: laughter, touch, arguments, decisions, routines, lifestyles, love and compassion.
It is not overcome by illness or frailty, dementia or disability.
It endures as the thread of meaningful contact and communication if additional care home support is ever required.
These unique relationships should never be severed.