New registration system for health and adult social care providers
The Department of Health has recently published requirements which health and adult social care providers must meet in order to operate under the new registration system.
The draft Regulations, issued under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 detail the new framework against which the Care Quality Commission will regulate providers of health and adult social care.
The requirements set out the essential levels of safety and quality of care providers must deliver for people who use their services, but crucially gives them flexibility on how they do it. Subject to approval by Parliament, the new system will be introduced for NHS healthcare providers in April 2010 and for private and voluntary health care and adult social care providers from October 2010, making it illegal for organisations to provide services that fall under the new framework without registering. The system will be extended to providers of primary dental care and private ambulances in 2011 and to primary medical care in 2012.
The Care Quality Commission will develop guidance on how it will judge compliance with the regulations and take appropriate action against those who fail to meet the essential requirements.
The new Regulations will replace the core Standards for Better Health (which apply to the NHS), and the National Minimum Standards and Regulations (which apply to social care and independent sector health providers).
Since 1 April 2009, NHS providers have been required to register with the Care Quality Commission and comply with the requirement on cleanliness and infection control. The new system for registration will be introduced for the NHS in April 2010, and for independent and voluntary healthcare, and adult social care providers from October 2010. Primary dental care providers will and private ambulances will be brought into registration in 2011 and primary medical care providers in 2012.
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