The Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act 1999 -- proposed by Sen.

Calvin Smith (PLP) -- sets out provisions for the regulation of care for the aged.

Sen. Smith said currently such care fell within The Public Health Act and it was felt that those provisions were inadequate.

He said there were 21 care homes in Bermuda with 446 beds and it was necessary to set standards for high quality care in these institutions.

Sen. Smith said nursing home directors had been consulted and their suggestions were incorporated into the legislation.

Senators Kim Swan and Maxwell Burgess (UBP) commended the Government for bringing the legislation forward and for consulting with the nursing homes.

Sen. Swan said Bermuda's seniors had contributed to the success of the Island and said he would like to see more done in this regard.

Sen. Burgess said it was the regulations made pursuant to the Act which will really address the issues and that people should also be encouraged to provide care for the elderly within their own homes.

Sen. Walwyn Hughes (Ind) said as the population aged, there would be increased demand for this kind of care and it was an area which needed strict supervision because the aged cannot always speak for themselves.

Sen. Jeanette Cannonier said it was appropriate that in the Year of the Older Person such legislation should be proposed.

She also mentioned that the bill would bring comfort to those using the services of such homes.

And Senate president Alf Oughton noted that the Government could save a lot of money by using such homes as fully as possible because the elderly had been spending time in the hospital which was very expensive when they only really needed the care provided by nursing homes.

He wondered whether insurance companies would be extending their benefits to cover this care.

Two other bills also won support in Wednesday's morning sitting.

The Muslim Marriage Amendment Act 1999 which permits any Iman (spiritual leader) to be licensed as a marriage officer was passed.

The bill was proposed by Sen. David Burch (PLP) and was supported by all other senators in the Chamber.

Opposition Senate leader Maxwell Burgess (UBP) commented that the Muslim community had contributed to Bermuda's welfare by encouraging its members to be productive citizens.

Senators passed the Supplementary Appropriation (1997/1998) Act 1999 which regularises accounting procedures for various Government Ministries.