Anne's Law draft regulations: consultation report
Summary of the findings from the 2025 consultation on the draft regulations for Anne's Law which impose new duties relating to visiting in care homes on care home providers.
Conclusion
The consultation showed strong broad support for the draft regulations, with high levels of agreement across all survey questions and strong endorsement from care home residents, relatives, staff and organisations. Respondents welcomed the purpose of Anne’s Law and recognised the importance of visiting and maintaining meaningful relationships for people living in care homes.
Where concerns were raised, these tended to focus on practical implementation rather than the wording of the regulations themselves. Stakeholders highlighted the need for clear and consistent processes, especially in areas such as identifying an Essential Care Supporter, managing Essential Visits during visiting suspensions, and reviewing decisions when circumstances change. Some respondents also called for better communication and transparency to help families understand how decisions are made.
Across all methods used in the consultation, there was a strong call for clear guidance to support providers in applying the regulations confidently and consistently. This included requests for examples, templates, definitions and accessible information for residents and families, as well as guidance on balancing risk, wellbeing and proportionality.
Taken together, the findings indicate that the draft regulations are viewed as sound and workable, with further clarity requested through the supporting Code of Practice and implementation materials. Where appropriate, the Scottish Government will consider refining the final regulations.
The evidence gathered through this consultation will help the Scottish Government make any necessary amendments to the final regulations and develop the guidance needed to support their successful delivery.