Single Assessment Framework: Quality Statements and Key Lines Vs Enquiry (KLOEs)
Is there a transition period from KLOEs to Single Assessment Framework
Background:
In 2022 the CQC announced providers will start to be regulated against the new single assessment framework from January 2023, and that the Quality Statements in this framework replace the previous Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs).
On 21 December 2022, the CQC announced a revised plan stating that the new assessment framework will begin towards the end of 2023.
The issue:
Evidence for an inspection or assessment by nature constitutes past performance, meaning that at the time of the inspection in say January 2024, the provider would need to demonstrate they were in compliance with the new Quality Standards for a pre-defined period prior to that date.
The whole of 2023 now becomes a transition gap between KLOEs phased out and a new framework coming into play, and providers need clarification as to which system to follow; when to stop the old Vs the new; and what they will be judged on at the beginning of the new regime.
The request: Please clarify:
1. The status of the KLOEs between now and the end of 2023, specifically their applicability and actual usage by inspection teams in this period.
2. The status of the Quality Statements between now and the end of 2023, specifically whether providers should prepare compliance based on these from this point forward OR only from the end of 2023 OR use both these and KLOEs in parallel.
It is important that your response is definitive as providers will rely on this and expend considerable resources over the next 12 months to be prepared for the new assessment framework.
Yours faithfully,
Editor everythingCQC
CQC Response
We have committed to being clear when the framework will directly affect health and care providers (see link below) and will give clear notice of the date from which assessments using the Single Assessment Framework will be made. Until that notice is given, we will continue our current methods to monitor, assess and rate providers. We will continue to provide updates as to the scope and status of our current inspection programme.
Editor's comments
In summary: CQC made no transitional arrangement. Providers have to use the old system until the day the SAF comes into force
Therefore, on day one CQC Inspectors will start inspecting on the new Framework, but every provider will have been using the old Framework
As a result of this this enquiry, the CQC postponed the entire Single Assessment Framework to November 2023
Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/single_assessment_framework_qual#outgoing-1417089
