Agenda Profile: Madis Timpson
Draft law amending the Social Welfare Act and the Health Services Organisation Act (regarding the provision of independent nursing care as a 24-hour special care service) (496 SE) – second reading
2024-11-14
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on procedure, emphasizing the role of the committee rapporteur as a reporter of impartial activity, rather than a presenter of personal opinion. The primary subject is the deliberation of amendments to the Act on the Organization of Social Welfare and Health Care Services (independent nursing care). The position is policy- and process-driven, concentrating on ensuring the draft legislation advances following the consultation with stakeholders.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding amendments to social welfare and healthcare legislation, utilizing technical terminology such as "independent nursing care," "24-hour specialized care service," and "personalized medication packaging, or unit-dose dispensing." They present precise details concerning the service price (6 euros and 10 cents) and the potential risks associated with the removal of statutory minimum requirements. This competence is based on relaying explanations provided by the ministry and various interest groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is very formal, neutral, and procedural. The speaker focuses on conveying facts, schedules, and summaries of discussions held by the commission, while strictly avoiding emotional appeals. If asked a question regarding personal opinion, they strictly defend their role as an impartial presenter whose report is based entirely on legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The approach is linked to the work of the Riigikogu Social Affairs Committee, involving repeated deliberation of the draft bill and the inclusion of stakeholders before the second reading. Specific dates (October 9, October 23) are highlighted for monitoring the stages of the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition to political opponents or factions. The speaker neutrally presents the concerns of interest groups (such as the Chamber of Disabled People, the representative of the Chancellor of Justice, and the Nurses' Association) regarding the proposed legislative amendments, but does not adopt a critical position personally. The criticism is primarily aimed at the potential risks of declining service quality, which the ministry attempted to alleviate through clarifications.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is open to stakeholder involvement, inviting various parties of the commission (the Nurses’ Association, the Chamber of Disabled People) to provide input. It is noted that Riigikogu members, commissions, and factions submitted no amendments, suggesting either consensus or passivity at the parliamentary level.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is entirely national, concentrating on nationwide social welfare and healthcare legislation and the role of state institutions (the Health Insurance Fund, the Ministry of Social Affairs) in organizing services. The Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities is mentioned, but the absence of their proposals indicates low local-level activity regarding this topic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are confined to matters of service funding and budgeting within the social sector. The speaker conveyed the Ministry of Social Affairs' confirmation that the funding for the packaging service is available in the special care service budget, and the price of the service has been set at 6 euros and 10 cents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns ensuring the availability and quality of autonomous nursing care for individuals receiving 24-hour special care services. Specific attention was also drawn to the concerns raised by the Chamber of People with Disabilities regarding the organization of the personalized medication packaging service, and the concerns of the representative of the Chancellor of Justice regarding the removal of the minimum service volume requirement.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act to Amend the Social Welfare Act and the Health Services Organization Act (Bill 496 SE), which addresses autonomous nursing care provided as part of 24-hour special care services. The speaker is the official rapporteur for the bill, leading the second reading, and noted that no amendments had been submitted.
2 Speeches Analyzed