The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has confirmed it has pushed back its plans to introduce its new assessment approach for providers. It had hoped to introduce this from January 2023, but it will not now happen until later in the year.
The changes are complex and CQC recognises the need to make their introduction as smooth as possible, particularly as providers continue to experience persistent pressures. Its strategic ambition is clear and remains the same; driving improvements across the health and care system, helping to tackle health inequality. However, this cannot be rushed. Providers need time to prepare for changes and clarity is necessary about what is changing and what is not, so providers know what they need to do at every step.
What is changing?
CQC is:
• Introducing a new regulatory approach for health and care providers, integrated care systems and local authorities
• Establishing a new Regulatory Leadership team to shape its priorities and drive improvement
• Changing how its operational teams are structured to better deliver its regulatory activity
• Delivering a new and improved provider portal.
What happens now?
Whilst the new approach is developed, in addition to its regular inspection programme, CQC will prioritise inspections in maternity services, as well as its ‘People First’ resource which aims to help all parts of the urgent and emergency care pathway, and will continue to complete monthly reviews of services.
For the time being, providers will not see any changes to their local relationship with CQC. From spring the new Regulatory Leadership team will set out their priorities across their sectors. The new online provider portal is schedules for launch in summer. This will be a staged launch with support and guidance provided. This will be the first step towards gathering evidence in a new and structured way that will help inform assessments, making it much easier for providers to interact with CQC.
It will be towards the end of 2023 before CQC gradually starts to carry out assessments in the new way, using its new assessment framework, powered by integrated assessment teams and supported by new technology.
CQC will provide regular updates throughout the year. More detailed information is available here.
