CQC prepares to implement new powers

[THE HEALTH AND CARE ACT 2022 gives the Care Quality Commission (CQC) new powers that allow it to provide independent assessment of care at a local authority and integrated care system level.

It is expected that the new powers will commence in April. They will enable CQC to start to understand the quality of care in a local area or system and provide independent assurance to the public of the quality of care in their area.

CQC has published interim guidance for its assessment of local authorities. The assessments have been designed in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), people who use health and social care services and their families, the Local Government Association, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, NHS England and other provider representatives and strategic partners.

Explaining the new powers, CQC said: “Unlike the legislation underpinning our regulatory approach to providers of health and social care, the Health and Care Act

2022 states that our approach to assessing local authorities and integrated care systems is subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

“When assessing local authorities and integrated care systems, we will use our new single assessment framework. Although we’ll use this in the same way as when assessing providers, the approach will be tailored carefully to their specific context.”

The single assessment framework uses quality statements, developed with people who use services, and are based on people’s experiences and the standards of care they expect. The quality statements show what is needed to deliver high-quality, person-centred care and are commitments that providers, commissioners and system leaders should live up to.

The CQC said in a statement: “We want to start to assess integrated care systems as soon as it’s practical and meaningful to do so. We’re currently working closely with and seeking approval from the DHSC on our approach to implementing these assessments and will provide more details on this as soon as possible. We are also engaging with the Hewitt Review to contribute our learning and to understand any potential considerations for our approach.

“Once we have agreement from DHSC on our approach we will be able to finalise guidance on how we will assess integrated care systems using our single assessment framework. We will publish this as soon as possible and will provide an update when it is available.”

The implementation of the new powers will take place from this April up to the spring of 2024. q