The independent regulator of care services in England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have begun a whole new way of regulating, which aims to make the system clearer and simpler for both care providers and consumers.
Following 18 months of development, CQC have now released handbooks designed to advise care providers and help them understand the new processes that apply to their business.
The first handbook focuses on the regulation of adult social care and covers care homes both with and without nursing services.
The other handbook advises on the regulation of community adult social care, which also includes domiciliary care services.
Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe, says the new handbooks are an important part of the regulatory process and represent the hard work that’s gone into the development of the new system.
As part of the process, specialist teams are sent to health and social care providers unannounced and will look at integral areas for effective service provision. These teams include trained members of the public, known as Experts by Experience. Inspections will involve focussing on important matters, such as safety, care provision, effectiveness, responsiveness to the needs of consumers, and overall management.
The rating system that will now be used has also been simplified, whereby service providers will be rated Outstanding, Good, Required Improvement, or Inadequate. This is aimed to allow consumers to make a clear and informed choice about their own care provision, or that of a relative or loved one.
In response to feedback received from a consultation, the CQC have made further changes and developments to their regulatory system. This includes plans to develop Provider Information Returns. This will be an online portal whereby care providers can update their service offering information directly with CQC.
Other developments include making inspection reviews and rating descriptions more concise and informative, with a greater focus on clarity to consumers.
Care provision is one of the main subjects that should be noted within a person’s will — especially those with long-term health issues. Clients should be advised to take this into consideration at the earliest available opportunity, as health and capability has the ability to change rapidly. It’s important to have needs and wishes in place, while the will writer has the ability to make informed decisions.
For more information on CQC and to view the response to the consultation, please visit the CQC website.
