Lithuanian parliament backs fines for illegal social care providers

Lithuania’s parliament has backed amendments proposing fines for people who illegally provide social supervision and respite services, LRT reports. The proposal was supported by 71 members of parliament on Tuesday, while three abstained.

The amendments would set fines of 640 to 2,800 euros for providing these services without the right to offer accredited social services, by other illegal means, or without meeting the required conditions. Repeat offences would carry fines of 2,800 to 6,000 euros.

The initiative was proposed by Lina Šukytė-Korsakė, deputy chair of the Seimas Committee on Health Affairs. She proposes extending liability to individuals as well as legal entities. If the amendments are approved, municipal administrations would be able to investigate illegal service provision and draw up administrative offence reports.

Šukytė-Korsakė drafted the changes in response to reports of unlicensed care homes in Klaipėda district and other regions. She said authorities cannot check whether hygiene and food preparation requirements are being followed when services are provided without a licence. Municipalities currently have no means to impose penalties on illegal providers, she said.

The proposal is intended to encourage individuals operating illegally to become licensed. Parliament is expected to hold a final vote during its autumn session. The new rules are proposed to take effect in March next year.