What now for deprivations of liberty?
What will the effect of the postponement of the Liberty Protections Safeguards be on local authorities? Local Government Lawyer asked 50 adult social care lawyers for their views on the potential consequences.
SPOTLIGHT |
The Government has launched a consultation on draft regulations that would introduce fundamental standards that all providers of health and social care will have to meet if they are to be registered with the Care Quality Commission.
The fundamental standards will be legal requirements and “will make it clear that there are some standards of safety and quality that should always be met”, the Department of Health said.
The CQC will be able to hold providers to account if they are not being met, “including through the courts where appropriate”.
The fundamental standards, which were called for in the Francis Inquiry report, are:
The standards will apply to the likes of NHS hospitals, foundation trusts, mental health services, independent hospitals, care homes, nursing homes, GP practices, dentists, ambulances, and community services.
More information can be viewed here.
The consultation does not cover the proposed new Duty of Candour or the Fit and Proper Persons requirement for directors of providers registered with the CQC.
The Department of Health said it would consult separately on each of these proposals. However, the intention is to introduce them alongside the fundamental standards as part of the same set of regulations.