AVMA calls for more robust regulation of ‘fundamental’ standards

Published: 17 Oct 2014

In its response to the CQC consultation on fundamental standards, AvMA calls on the CQC to address the apparent tension between the need to uphold ‘fundamental standards’ introduced following the Francis report.  The public has a legitimate right to expect these standards to be proactively regulated, which does not sit well with the CQC’s desire to move away from monitoring compliance to “looking for good”.  AvMA also calls for clearer guidance around the regulations covering complaints; protecting whistleblowers; and safe care.  It says patient safety should be given greater weight, and an organisation should not be able to be rated ‘good’ overall if it ‘requires improvement’ on patient safety.