NICE to expand remit into social care

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is expected to produce 150 quality standards over the next five years to help trusts measure progress on clinical outcomes, according to the health white paper.

The first three standards on stroke, dementia and prevention of venous thromboembolism were published in June, setting out 5-10 quality statements for each part of the patient pathway.

NICE quality standards will be used by the new NHS commissioning board to help develop the NHS outcomes framework, and will also inform the commissioning of all NHS care and payment systems and inspection by regulators.

Under the reforms set out in the white paper, NICE will expand its remit into social care and future quality standards will cover areas that span both health and social care.

Further details are expected in the Health Bill due for publication in the autumn.