The Ontario government is considering changes to the design manual for long-term-care homes, which would pave the way to introduce ultraviolet technologies to disinfect facilities.
A Progressive Conservative source, who asked not to be identified because they're not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said the government is "working right now on changes" to the manual to incorporate emerging technologies.
The province doesn't directly handle the contracting for building new long-term-care (LTC) homes. Instead, it's up to municipalities or private or not-for-profit groups that will operate the facilities.
They must abide by rules for the procurement process but the design manual spells out "how a home should look" and what resources are needed per resident, among other requirements, the source explained.
Requiring the adoption of ultraviolet technologies could help address concerns around viral outbreaks at LTCs, according to Ehsan Agahi, chair of the board of UV manufacturer Illumisoft Lighting.
He said the company's UV lighting systems — a Health Canada registered technology — could act as a continuous disinfectant that would improve air quality and lead to a "better quality of life for individuals in these facilities and for the province."
"There's going to be less and less sick people in these long-term facilities. [That means] less medication and less additional care is needed," he said, adding that it would also cut costs for the province, including reducing the risk of potential lawsuits.