CQC has announced new changes for providers to adhere to when they are applying to register. The move is aimed at improving services for people with a learning disability and autistic people.
Background
In 2017, CQC published ‘Registering the right support’ following consultation. In 2020, it was revised and renamed Right Support, right care, right culture (RSRCRC). This continues to be statutory guidance under section 23 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
RSRCRC outlines principles of good care and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people. The regulator expects all registered providers providing these specialist services to meet these requirements.
What CQC is changing
Currently, when applying to register, a provider must tell CQC if they do plan to provide specialist services for people with a learning disability and autistic people. The application is assessed against RSRCRC guidance to ensure the planned model of care is in line with national policy and current best practice.
If a provider does not plan to provide specialist services for people with a learning disability and autistic people, they are not assessed against RSRCRC guidance.
From 1 September 2022
If certain providers tell CQC they do not plan to provide these specialist services, CQC will ask them to agree to it imposing a new routine condition.
This condition says the provider must not provide a specialist service at the specified location to people with a learning disability or autistic people.
If in future, a provider wishes to provide these specialist services, they will need to apply to have this condition removed from their registration. CQC will assess if the provider’s proposed changes align with its RSRCRC guidance before granting the application.
Who will it apply to?
CQC will impose the new routine condition on providers who are registering to carry on certain regulated activities or applying to vary a condition of their existing registration.
It will be imposed on providers that:
- Do not intend to provide a service for people with a learning disability or autistic people
AND
Plan to provide any of these regulated activities:
- Personal care
- Accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care
- Assessment or medical treatment for persons detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
Further information
