To ask the Minister of Health whether it is a mandatory requirement for Health and Social Care Trusts to conduct an options appraisal when determining the most appropriate placement or care setting for an individual with a learning disability or complex needs.

There is no mandatory requirement for Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) to undertake an options appraisal when determining the most appropriate placement or care setting for an individual with a learning disability or complex needs. Placement decisions are informed by the comprehensive assessment of an individual's needs, multidisciplinary professional input, as well as the views of the individual and their family or carers. HSCTs are required to ensure that any placement is person-centred, appropriate and capable of meeting the assessed needs of the individual.

When making placement decisions, HSCTs consider the range of available options that meet the individual’s assessed needs. A formal options appraisal may be undertaken if required, for example in particularly complex cases, where multiple suitable placement options exist, where a bespoke placement is required or when placements involve significant cost, risk or complexity.

Whilst there is no requirement for an options appraisal to be completed in each individual case, HSCTs seek to ensure that all appropriate options have been explored and assessed. HSCTs work to engage with patients, families and carers throughout the decision-making process, and to adopt a person-centred approach. Where a formal options appraisal is undertaken, it is completed in accordance with relevant governance, commissioning and decision-making arrangements.