Recent national media coverage has highlighted the risks that can arise when identity, legal authority and care arrangements are not fully verified and regularly reviewed. It remains best practice to ensure that appropriate checks are completed when a person moves into a service or a new package of care begins.
Providers should seek to confirm a person’s identity on admission wherever possible. This may include photographic identification, passports, birth certificates, National Insurance information, utility bills or other documents that help establish who the person is.
Where individuals are referred by local authorities or health professionals, there will often already have been checks completed as part of the referral process, but providers should still satisfy themselves that appropriate documentation is in place.
It is equally important to ensure that copies of any Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Deputyship or an appointee arrangement is obtained and retained on admission. These arrangements should be reviewed periodically, particularly where a person’s capacity, circumstances or family relationships change, to ensure that records remain accurate and that the correct people continue to hold decision-making authority.
Providers are encouraged to review their admission processes and ensure that identity verification and legal authority documentation form part of routine checks. Taking these simple steps can help safeguard individuals, support lawful decision-making and reduce the risk of future concerns.
The quality Assurance team will also be more vigilant when completing visits re ‘ is Edward really Edward?’
‘Know who you are supporting, know who is authorised to make decisions, and ensure records remain up to date’
