Inspection & Sanctions Policy
NIC INSPECTION, COMPLIANCE & SANCTIONS POLICY
1. PURPOSE
This Policy establishes the framework for inspections, compliance enforcement, and administrative sanctions applicable to caregivers and care facilities under official NIC oversight in Nigeria. It ensures that excellence is maintained across all accredited entities.
2. INSPECTION AUTHORITY
NIC inspectors are authorized to:
Conduct scheduled and unannounced facility inspections.
Review institutional and care documentation.
Interview caregivers, management, and support staff.
Directly assess caregiving practices and environmental safety.
3. COMPLIANCE RATINGS
Following an inspection, facilities shall be classified into one of the following categories:
**Compliant**: Meets or exceeds all core NIC standards.
**Conditionally Compliant**: Meets major standards but requires specific minor corrective actions.
**Non-Compliant**: Fails to meet significant professional or safety standards.
**Suspended**: Active operations are restricted due to critical failures.
4. ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS
Where non-compliance is identified, NIC may impose sanctions including:
**Written Warnings**: Official notification of standards breach.
**Corrective Action Plans**: Mandatory steps to remediate identified gaps.
**Conditional Accreditation**: Temporary status pending improvement.
**Administrative Suspension**: Temporary removal from the public registry.
**Revocation**: Permanent removal of accreditation and NIC affiliation.
**Public Disclosure**: Publication of compliance status and sanctions.
5. URGENT ENFORCEMENT
NIC reserves the right to immediately suspend accreditation or certification where:
Client safety is deemed to be at immediate risk.
Professional abuse, neglect, or exploitation is suspected.
Criminal conduct or severe professional misconduct is indicated.
6. APPEALS PROCESS
Affected entities or individuals may submit a written appeal within 14 days of a sanction notice.
Appeals will be reviewed by the NIC Regulatory Committee.
The final decision of the Committee shall be binding.
7. COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES
NIC maintains a policy of full cooperation with Nigerian regulatory agencies and law enforcement. We may refer matters involving criminal conduct or severe regulatory breaches to the appropriate national bodies.
© National Institute of Caregivers (NIC). All Rights Reserved.
Need Support with Compliance?
Our registry department provides technical guidance for facilities to meet these national standards.