Having concluded a recent inspection of Practices, the CQC revealed that many Practices were found to be ‘inadequate’ in providing health care services that maintained satisfactory levels. Patients with mental health issues (including dementia), elderly patients, patients with long term health issues, children and patients exposed to volatile circumstances were particularly at risk, owing to this concern.
Henceforth, forming the basis of CQC inspections were the new fundamental standards of care that came into being, subsequent to the passing of the Health and Social Care Act in April 2015. These regulations would facilitate Practices to adhere to the fundamental standards of care, necessitated by the HSCA.
The basics of the CQC Regulations:
As described in the set of regulations published by the CQC it is mandated that Practices must not, under any circumstances, fall below the fundamental standards set out in the Guide. More details of the said Regulations & Guidelines can be found on the CQC website. As such the CQC will now take into account factors that include, but not limited to: the services provided by a Practice and its size along with the regulated activity that is being undertaken. For new Practices seeking to apply for registration, it is now a prerequisite that they must evidence that all fundamental standards as set out by the CQC will be met. Concurrently, existing health care providers will also need to illustrate their ability in meeting the said standards, consistently.
Can the CQC raise the bar further?
The question has been raised as to whether the CQC can do more to facilitate Practices to raise their standards of service. While this remains a reasonable question it is the individual responsibility of each Practice to adhere to the standards set out by the CQC that include the provision of suitable care, equality in the treatment of patients, safeguarding patients from maltreatment along with the proper maintenance of the premises and its equipment.
