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.
Support and Further Guidance
The Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 Section 14
Section 14 of the Act outlines provisions relating to visits to or by care home residents.
The Care Home Services (Visits to and by Care Home Residents) (Scotland) Regulations 2026
These are the regulations that impose new duties on care home providers.
The Care Inspectorate’s Meaningful Connection guidance
This provides information and resources for:
- people who live in care homes
- their families and friends
- care home providers
- care home staff
It gives more information about best practice and links to the Care Inspectorate’s:
- self-evaluation tool
- webinars, factsheets and podcasts
These can help to:
- assess how well meaningful connection is supported for everyone in a care home
- identify any potential areas for improvement that can be incorporated into a care home’s service improvement plan
The Care Inspectorate’s Guide for Providers on Personal Planning.
This provides support to managers and their staff to develop personal plans for adults.
Care Inspectorate’s ‘The Hub’ website - National Policy and Legislation Section
This section of the Care Inspectorate’s ‘The Hub’ website provides information on policy developments, as well as relevant legislation and the Health and Social Care Standards.
The Care Inspectorate Complaints Process
This is where complaints to the Care Inspectorate can be raised. Concern or complaints to the Care Inspectorate may be raised at any time.
The National Care Service Charter of Rights – will be published on 25 March 2026.
The Charter tells people:
- about their rights when accessing social care, social work and community health support
- what to do if these rights and expectations are not met
Health and Social Care Standards: my support, my life
The Health and Social Care Standards set out what people should expect when using health, social care or social work services in Scotland. The Scottish Government are currently (as of March 2026) reviewing these standards, including the two care home visiting standards, in collaboration with stakeholders including regulators and people who use social care support to ensure the standards remain fit for purpose.
A professional reference document for health protection respiratory issues. PHS provides guidance to Scottish Health Board Health Protection Teams, who support care homes in managing outbreaks and environmental incidents. This document is highlighted specifically as it includes advice on visiting practices during periods of acute respiratory infection, which can lead to outbreaks in care homes.