'The demand for improvements in the quality of long term care - from ensuring that care is at least adequate, through to raising standards of provision generally - has never been higher. Regulation plays a key role in this process, but regulation of long term care is a challenging and complex process, with a variety of ways in which it can be approached. To make regulation most effective it is important that we learn from others. This invaluable book draws together experiences from a wide variety of countries, in a clear and structured way, allowing the reader to place the regulatory approaches used in context, enhancing the value of the information provided. The wealth of information here will be a valuable resource all those concerned with regulation and raising quality, including regulators, policy makers and academics.' Ann Netten, Personal Social Services Research Unit, University of Kent