Prioritizing Substance over Particular Tasks is Key to Success
In a series of recent legislative moves, the German government has passed the Act on Expanding Powers and Deregulation in Care, formerly known as the Care Competence Act, and the Care Assistant Act. However, these bills have been met with criticism from care policy experts, who view them as a step backwards in key areas.
The Care Assistant Act, for instance, does not establish binding standards for training and job profiles, creating uncertainty for those entering the field. Furthermore, it only delegates independent therapeutic activities from care professionals, without providing support for their promotion beyond pilot projects.
Simone Fischer, spokesperson for care policy, has been vocal in her criticism, stating that these bills are a step backwards in key areas. She also points out that there are no binding standards for training and job profiles in the Care Assistant Act, which creates uncertainty.
The insolvency of the social care insurance remains unaddressed in the passed bills. The budget draft only provides for a loan of 500 million euros in 2025 and 1.5 billion in 2026 to refund the corona additional costs, which is not a solution but a postponement of the problem. The insolvency of the social care insurance remains a pressing concern, as it continues to be on the brink of insolvency.
The statutory establishment of care commissioners is still omitted from both the Care Competence Act and the Care Assistant Act. This omission is another point of criticism, as care commissioners are crucial for ensuring quality and transparency in the care sector.
The promotion of voluntary structures is also reduced in the passed bills. Daily relief services continue to be cut or reduced, which is a concern for those relying on these services for their daily needs.
It is worth noting that the government coalition that passed these laws consists of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and the Christian Social Union (CSU). This coalition was likely formed following the 2025 federal elections and subsequent negotiations among these parties.
Despite these criticisms, the government has not announced any plans to revisit these bills. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the care sector in the long term.
