New CQC “KLOES” – are you prepared?
14/12/17In November 2017, the new key lines of enquiry (KLOES) and ratings framework came into force for all care home providers. These are essentially the prompts that inspectors will use at any inspection to find answers to the 5 key questions. The new KLOES replace the previous KLOES that appeared in the CQC Provider Handbook. In fact, rather than having different KLOES for the different types of health and social care sectors, CQC has moved towards having just two frameworks to cover all providers – one for healthcare providers and one for social care providers. Click here for the new framework.
The new KLOES are intended to be simpler and reflective of current practices and innovations. Many KLOES are similar to the old framework but some have been amended significantly to include new requirements and there are a number of brand new KLOES. For example, around medication management and learning lessons from incidents. To replace the Handbook, CQC has issued specific guidance, “How CQC monitors, inspects and regulates social care services”, explaining how CQC will undertake inspections, and their frequency moving forward. Click here for the guidance.
Whilst the CQC are emphasising that the new KLOES are not that different from the old, there are important changes. Therefore, it is important that care homes know what the changes are and have made adjustments to their practices accordingly. All care home providers should now:
- review the new KLOES and benchmark their organisation against them
- review and plug any gaps
- review current internal quality assurance processes or monitoring processes to ensure that they cover all of the KLOES.
At any inspection you will face moving forward, inspectors will be using these new KLOES as their prompts. It is likely that they will be keen to focus on the new or revised KLOES to test a provider’s understanding of them, so be prepared!
How we can help
At Capsticks we have specialists in providing legal solutions and advice to the care homes sector.
Our infographic shows the key areas we can support you with. Click on the links below to explore what we do.
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Our expertise in areas such as CQC inspections and enforcement action, employment law, property transactions and commercial contracts means we can help you deliver a 360 solution to the challenges you may face. Our pragmatic and straight forward advice will help you stay one step ahead of the risks and challenges and steer your business safely into the future.
For advice on any of the challenges mentioned in the article or support for the services in the infographic, please contact Siwan Griffiths or Sarah Skuse.