Prior to late-December 2022, Providers expected the CQC’s new inspection methodology would be ‘going live’ in Spring 2023. However, on 21 December 2022 the CQC released a news update setting out its ‘revised plan and approach for transformation’. This announced the CQC would be delaying full implementation of the new methodology and instead would be …
CQC’s New Inspection Methodology – What To Expect In 2023 Read More »
Over recent months we have noticed an increase in Providers being criticised by the CQC in relation to compliance with regulatory requirements related to staff recruitment records. This can lead to regulatory breaches being referenced in inspection reports which can limit a Provider’s CQC rating. What do the Regulations say? Regulation 19 of the Health …
CQC Hot Topic – Providers Under Scrutiny for Staffing Records Read More »
The CQC has recently published further information on its new regulatory approach, most notably in relation to the frequency of assessment, how it will gather evidence and its new scoring system for reaching ratings. Frequency of assessment Assessment frequency will be dependent on the information the CQC receives and the evidence it collects about a …
Many health and social care Providers will have had some form of contact with the Coroner’s court, whether it be simply assisting the Coroner with the provision of documentation related to the death of someone who was using or had used their services or attending an Inquest hearing. By their very nature inquests are inquisitorial …
Death of a service user? What Providers should consider if called to an Inquest Read More »
The CQC has updated its statutory guidance on compliance with Regulation 18 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This reflects a change in law, as of today (1 July 2022), that requires all health and social care providers registered with the CQC to ensure their staff have received training …
An effective complaints system is a key component to ensuring openness and transparency as well as encouraging internal insight within an organisation. In the health and social care sector, this is applicable both to Providers and those that regulate them. However, over the past few years at Ridouts we have noted a dilution in the …
Receiving and acting on complaints – Could the CQC be due some self-reflection? Read More »
Many of the children’s home providers we advise at Ridouts are exasperated by the sheer speed at which concerns expressed by Ofsted can escalate into serious enforcement action. Regulatory concerns may start with relatively straightforward recommendations for improvement but quickly escalate to compliance actions and, in the most severe of circumstances, cancellation of registration. It …
If Ofsted cancelled your registration would you know what to do? Read More »
There has been a lot of controversy about care home visits over the past 18 months and providers have been at the forefront of balancing the risks to residents posed by Covid-19 and promoting their human rights. With ever changing rules on Covid-19 compliance and the emergence of new variants of the virus it is …
Care Home Visiting Restrictions in the Spotlight Read More »
With CQC enforcement on the rise it is more important than ever for Providers to understand exactly what powers the CQC has, the impact this can have on their services and how they can challenge the CQC if they find themselves the subject of enforcement action. The CQC has a wide range of enforcement powers …
CQC Enforcement Action is on the Rise: Are You Prepared? Read More »
CQC ratings can have a substantial impact on a registered Provider’s business. They are relied on by the public when choosing a preferred health or care provider, local authorities use ratings to inform contracting and placement decisions and let’s not forget the CQC itself refers to inspection histories when considering whether to take enforcement action …
Ridouts is a team of specialist health and social care lawyers, providing dedicated legal advice for care homes, GP practices, children’s homes, dental practices, domiciliary and home care agencies, supported and independent living services and both private and NHS hospitals.
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