The way in which CQC inspectors are meant to conduct inspections (from preparing the visit down to publication of the report and reviewing action plans from providers) is set out in an internal CQC guide called the “Inspector’s Handbook Compliance Inspections” which went operational in July 2012. We have obtained a copy under a Freedom …
CQC inspections – some practical tips from the inspectorate itself Read More »
It is not yet clear what will be on the table under the compensation scheme agreed between the FSA and banks over the interest rate swaps mis-selling scandal. There has been some indication that the banks will do no more than put businesses in the position they would have been in had they signed up …
Interest Rate Swaps – Don’t Get Caught Out by Limitation Periods Read More »
In October 2011 the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (“OCC”) launched a two year inquiry into child sexual exploitation in gangs and groups. Following the conviction of nine men in Rochdale for their part in a child sex exploitation ring the Secretary of State for Education asked the OCC to expedite its report and in …
At the end of April 2012 it was reported that a former CQC inspector had been arrested over allegations that she pressurised providers of health and social care into paying her a fee in return for a positive inspection report. CQC confirmed that this member of staff had been dismissed for gross misconduct and made …
Recently CQC has issued new guidance for registered persons on warning notices (April 2012). CQC states that representations against the publication of a summary of the warning notice (by way of a press release) must be made within five working days of receiving the warning notice. This is a continuation of the previous policy. It …
Representations on Warning Notices – More CQC Confusion Read More »
At the end of March 2012 the Public Accounts Committee (“PAC”) produced a report on the Care Quality Commission (“CQC”). It will come as no great surprise to readers that the report did not bathe the Commission in glory nor will the criticisms come as a big surprise to those who encounter CQC on a …
On 18 February 2012, an online database of almost 60,000 eldercare and childcare services in England was launched to considerable public fanfare. Known as the Good Care Guide it operates in a similar way to TripAdvisor, allowing families using childcare or adult care services to find and rate care providers. Three days into its launch …
Provider Profiles were introduced on the CQC website without fanfare towards the end of last year. At first glance, it might appear beneficial that the Profiles can be easily understood, with a green tick denoting compliance, a grey cross non-compliance and a red cross, enforcement action. However, on careful examination, there are genuine concerns about …
The CQC Provider Profile – a fairer system than the old star ratings? Read More »
Over the last 12 months there has been a notable increase in the number of visits being made by the UK Border Agency (“UKBA”) to health and social care services around the country. A number of recent news reports suggest that this increased scrutiny could be attributed to improved intelligence obtained by the UKBA indicating …
Single registration, enabling a provider to be registered in relation to multiple services, was trumpeted as a more proportionate and sensible way of regulating the sector when the Health and Social Care Bill (now Act) was passing through Parliament. However, providers who fall into this category are at considerable risk of a new form urgent …
A little known CQC enforcement power with devastating consequences for providers Read More »
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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