The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will roll out its new assessment framework from 21 November 2023. Do you understand the new framework and is your GP practice ready?
CQC’s new GP practice inspection framework
The new assessment will continue to rely on its five key questions:
- Are they safe? Safe: you are protected from abuse and avoidable harm.
- Are they effective?
- Are they caring?
- Are they responsive to people’s needs?
- Are they well-led?
Furthermore, the CQC will retain the four-point ratings scale
- Outstanding;
- Good;
- Requires improvement; and
However, as part of the new inspection framework, the CQC will introduce six new ‘evidence categories’:
- People’s experience of health and care services
- Feedback from staff and leaders
- Feedback from partners
- Observation
- Processes
- Outcomes
Each category sets out the types of evidence it uses to understand:
- the quality of care being delivered
- the performance against each quality statement.
Updated Guidance
The CQC has updated its guidance for GP Practices with the new changes, and it “encouraged all providers to read it to be prepared for the changes.”
Roll Out
The CQC confirmed it will roll out the new framework regionally, starting with providers in the South of England, including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire.
By March 2024, the new framework will be rolled out nationwide, but the CQC confirmed providers will be notified of when this new assessment framework will affect them.
GP practices can take a number of proactive steps to ensure they are ready for any CQC inspection:
- Preparing for Independent Investigations & Reviews
- Conducting Internal Investigations and policies and procedures
Kings View Resolutions can help
We are legal consultants specialising in supporting health and social care businesses and organisations with a range of regulatory compliance and other issues arising from the workplace. Specialising in the health and care sector, we work to advise, support and represent businesses to minimise disruption, achieve and maintain required levels of regulatory compliance and limit reputational damage to your business.
Kings View Resolutions comes with 30 years’ combined experience working in the health and care sector, having advised and represented businesses and individuals across the full spectrum of regulatory and fitness to practise issues.
Through our experience, we have gained a reputation as one of the best, rated excellent by clients and customers and known for taking a hand’s on, practical and pragmatic approach to our work.
Our Services
Disclaimer: This article is for guidance purposes only. Kings View Chambers accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken, in relation to this article. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.
