I applied for a DoLS authorisation for 6 people living in this care home two months ago. Although I have contacted the Local Authority officer about the applications they have still not been dealt with. I am getting anxious now because I am sure I will be inspected soon by CQC and I don’t know what will happen if I don’t have the authorisation in place. – Mark

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Mark,

The essential thing is that you have made the application for DoLS authorisation as you are required to by law.

Since the Cheshire West Judgement there has been a huge increase in applications and it is taking local authorities much longer to process the applications.

According to CQC the numbers of applications for use of the deprivation of liberty safeguards increased in the first two quarters of 2014/15 from around 13,000 a year to around 55,000.

You must keep evidence that you have applied for a DoLS to show to the CQC inspector if required.

Kind regards,

Sheila