The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced two consultations ‘on its guidance to help services meet new regulations’. These stem from recent legislative changes, notably the Care Act 2014, and a commitment of the new regime at the CQC to reform and self-improvement, following revelations of previous failings.
The CQC’s webpage on the consultation explains:
- set out new fundamental standards for all care providers.
- say what services could do to make sure they are open and honest with people when something goes wrong with their care and treatment (known as ‘duty of candour’).
- make it clear that directors and others in authority are responsible for the overall quality and safety of care (known as the ‘fit and proper person requirement for directors’)
When do the regulations come into force?
- Fit and proper person requirement for directors and duty of candour for NHS bodies – October 2014.
- All regulations for all health and social care services – April 2015, subject to Parliamentary process.
What are we consulting on?
- We are consulting on our proposed guidance for providers of care services to help them meet the new regulations.
- We are also consulting on guidance about how we use our enforcement powers to improve care services and protect the health, safety and welfare of people who use them.
The consultation on the guidance within the NHS closes soon (5th Sept), BUT the more general consultation relating to all health and social care services will run until 17th October. You may wish to take the opportunity to have your say on: fundamental standards of care, the Duty of Candour’ and ‘Fit and proper persons requirements’.