Understanding CQC Fundamental Standards
The CQC fundamental standards are the minimum standards below which care must never fall. All registered providers must meet these standards to provide safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care.
The 13 Fundamental Standards
1. Person-Centred Care (Regulation 9)
Care and treatment must:
- Be appropriate and meet individual needs
- Reflect personal preferences
- Ensure dignity and respect
- Consider the person's background and characteristics
2. Dignity and Respect (Regulation 10)
People must be treated with dignity and respect at all times, including:
- Privacy during personal care
- Respectful communication
- Involvement in decisions
- Cultural and religious considerations
3. Consent (Regulation 11)
Care must only be provided with appropriate consent:
- Informed consent obtained
- Mental Capacity Act followed
- Best interests decisions documented
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards applied correctly
4. Safe Care and Treatment (Regulation 12)
Care must be provided safely, including:
- Risk assessments completed
- Infection prevention and control
- Proper use of medicines
- Safe equipment and premises
5. Safeguarding from Abuse (Regulation 13)
People must be protected from abuse and improper treatment:
- Safeguarding policies in place
- Staff trained to recognize abuse
- Concerns reported appropriately
- Whistleblowing procedures established
6. Food and Drink (Regulation 14)
Adequate nutrition and hydration must be provided:
- Nutritional needs assessed
- Choice and variety offered
- Special dietary requirements met
- Assistance provided when needed
7. Premises and Equipment (Regulation 15)
Premises and equipment must be:
- Clean and suitable
- Properly maintained
- Safely used and stored
- Accessible for all users
8. Receiving and Acting on Complaints (Regulation 16)
Systems must be in place to:
- Handle complaints effectively
- Investigate thoroughly
- Respond in a timely manner
- Learn from feedback
9. Good Governance (Regulation 17)
Effective systems must ensure:
- Quality monitoring
- Risk management
- Accurate record keeping
- Regulatory compliance
10. Staffing (Regulation 18)
Sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff must be deployed:
- Safe staffing levels
- Appropriate skills and experience
- Ongoing training and supervision
- Fit and proper persons employed
11. Fit and Proper Persons Employed (Regulation 19)
Recruitment procedures must ensure:
- DBS checks completed
- References obtained
- Qualifications verified
- Interview process robust
12. Duty of Candour (Regulation 20)
Providers must be open and transparent:
- Notify people of incidents
- Provide reasonable support
- Offer truthful information
- Apologize when things go wrong
13. Display of Ratings (Regulation 20A)
CQC ratings must be:
- Displayed at the service
- Published on the website
- Visible to service users and visitors
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet fundamental standards can result in:
- Warning notices
- Fines and penalties
- Conditions on registration
- Suspension of services
- Prosecution
- Closure of the service
Maintaining Compliance
To consistently meet fundamental standards:
- Regular audits - Monthly checks of all standards
- Staff training - Ongoing education on requirements
- Quality monitoring - Track performance indicators
- Action plans - Address issues promptly
- External support - Seek professional guidance
Need Help with Compliance?
Our compliance management service includes:
- Gap analysis against fundamental standards
- Policy and procedure development
- Staff training programs
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
Contact us at 07495 932662 for a compliance assessment.
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