CQC have updated their registration guidance to strengthen its regulation of services for people living with a learning disability or autism.

Under the new guidance, where a provider is not registered to provide a specialist service for those living with a learning disability or autism, there will be a condition of registration stating the provider must not offer a specialist service to those client groups.

In the future, a provider wishing to provide services to those requiring specialist services will need to apply to remove the registration condition. This will be assessed to ensure their proposed changes align with the Right Support, right care and right culture (RSRCRC) guidance before granting the application.

This change will apply to those who plan Personal Care, Accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care, and Assessment or medical treatment for persons detained under the Mental Health Act.

Providers should ensure that they have the correct registration when new certificates are issued to ensure they do not have anyone in their care who falls under this condition, even if a diagnosis of Learning Disability or Autism is secondary to the reason for admission, such as old age or physical disability.

The Swift Management Team are experienced in CQC registration issues and are happy to discuss your requirements regarding registration or compliance.