The National Health and Care Service Bill has passed its second reading in the House of Keys.
The bill seeks to integrate provision of health and social care as part of a five year strategy.
Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle said the bill aimed to establish a single ‘integrated and joined up’ care service for the public.
Mr Quayle said one possibility provided for under the bill was a measure to stop so-called ‘bed blocking’ in hospital, where patients remained, sometimes for years, after the point where they were deemed fit to be released.
MHKs broadly welcomed the measure but said it needed to be treated with caution.
The bill will next be considered on April 12.