Nursing Homes: Higher Standards, Greater Scrutiny
Nursing homes face additional CQC requirements beyond those for standard residential care. The provision of nursing care introduces clinical governance responsibilities that demand specialist audit approaches.
Regulated Activities
Nursing homes typically carry more regulated activities than residential homes. These may include treatment of disease, disorder or injury, diagnostic and screening procedures, and nursing care. Each activity carries specific compliance requirements that must be audited.
Clinical Governance
Nursing homes need robust clinical governance frameworks covering: clinical risk management, clinical audit, infection prevention and control, medicines management (including controlled drugs), wound care management, and nutrition and hydration assessment.
Nursing Oversight
CQC expects clear evidence of nursing leadership, including qualified nurse staffing ratios, clinical supervision for nursing staff, and nursing-specific competency frameworks. The registered nurse on duty must have oversight of all clinical activities.
Medication Management
Nursing homes handle a wider range of medications including controlled drugs, IV medications, and covert medication. Auditing these processes requires specialist templates that cover the additional clinical requirements beyond standard MAR checks.
End of Life Care
Nursing homes often provide palliative and end of life care. CQC expects evidence of advance care planning, pain management protocols, staff training in end of life care, and compassionate support for families.
Audit Tools for Nursing Homes
MyCareAudit's Care Home Master Audit Tool includes specialist nursing domains covering clinical governance, medication management, and all regulated activities. Our templates are designed to address the full scope of nursing home compliance.
Related Guides
- Medication Audit Best Practices
- Care Home Governance Audit Guide
- Infection Prevention & Control Audits
Our Master Care Home Audit Tool covers all clinical governance areas specific to nursing homes.
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