§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of the National Care Standards Commission. [66899]
§ Jacqui SmithUnder the Care Standards Act the National Care Standards Commission from the 1 April 2002 became responsible for regulating statutory and independent sector care services in accordance with national minimum standards to ensure consistency and improve the quality of life and level of protection for users of social care some of whom are amongst the most vulnerable people in society.
In addition to fulfilling its regulatory functions, the Commission is charged with other responsibilities, reflecting its position as a national body well-placed to monitor changes in the provision and quality of registered services across the country. The Commission also has a general duty to encourage improvements in the quality of registered services and will be able to suggest ways in which services improve.
National standards will promote better quality care and help prevent abuse by grounding practice in the principles of dignity, choice privacy and respect.