As winter approaches so does the cold and flu season. While we may no longer be getting the daily inundation of COVID-19 statistics, this does not mean that the virus has gone or that GP practices do not need to take it into consideration when planning for the upcoming winter period. The New COVID-19 Variant …
The CQC issues a provider with a report and that report tells the world what the CQC’s opinion is of the quality of that service. The CQC controls the narrative in respect of what it deems to be appropriate to publish, subject to any comments put forward by the provider. We often find that providers …
Ridouts has seen an emergence of fee disputes between care home providers and local authorities in recent times. These disputes are arising out of the Care Act 2014 in respect of financial needs assessments or annual fee increases, where the local authority (“LA”) has refused to pay. Disputes particularly centre around the aspect of “financial …
The Emergence Of Fee Disputes Between Care Home Providers And Local Authorities Read More »
In this third installment of my four-part series on consumer law obligations, and their relevance to health and social care providers, I will be discussing what terms are implied into care contracts in relation to the quality of care provided. This will largely focus on adult social care providers, and in particular care homes and …
The Importance Of Consumer Law Obligations In Social Care – Providing Quality Care Read More »
Whilst it’s impossible to determine how inspections of GP practices will look once the CQC’s single assessment framework comes into play in the months ahead, it is always important for practices and the staff that work there to be prepared for an inspection. No matter what the changes are, there will still be an intense …
The Care Quality Commission’s (“CQC”) use of enforcement action, namely notices of proposal (“NOP”) and notices of decision (“NOD”), to either vary or cancel a provider’s registration is a fairly routine practice for providers who are perceived to have breached regulation(s) under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (“Regulations”). The …
If Your CQC Registration Is Dormant, CQC May Cancel It Read More »
Over the last 3 years there has been one significant theme in the many conversations that we have had with care providers. They have not been visited by the CQC in years and have been left stranded with a “Requires Improvement” rating that no longer represents their service. Their frustration is tangible and their question …
What Can A Requires Improvement Rated Service Do To Get Re-Inspected By The CQC? Read More »
Given the increased cost of living, many healthcare providers may be considering moving their service online to reduce overheads. Whilst this is an option for some healthcare providers, such as pharmacies and doctors providing online consultations, it will not be feasible for others. Moving a service online has distinct advantages, but a provider’s regulatory responsibilities …
What Are The Regulatory Risks Of Providing On-Line Healthcare Services? Read More »
The NHS Workforce Plan (“Plan”), published on Friday 7 July 2023, outlines a number of Government interventions designed to reform the NHS workforce in a sustainable way for the future. This could not come at a more crucial time amidst the strikes over pay and working conditions in general. The Government has backed the Plan …
NHS Workforce Plan – Battling the Staffing Crisis Read More »
The 23 June was World Whistle-blower’s day, so it seemed timely to reflect on the subject, in particular a reminder of the law, updates to relevant guidance, the CQC’s approach to whistleblowing and best practice for providers. Law Whistleblowing legislation was implemented 25 years ago, through the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (“PIDA”) being incorporated …
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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