The importance of a successful Checklist assessment

We are hearing from an ever increasing number of families who have been denied NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding at the earliest stage in the process, the Checklist, despite patients presenting needs that should have progressed to a full CHC assessment. The Checklist is the first formal step in the CHC process and determines whether an individual is entitled to […]

We are hearing from an ever increasing number of families who have been denied NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding at the earliest stage in the process, the Checklist, despite patients presenting needs that should have progressed to a full CHC assessment.

The Checklist is the first formal step in the CHC process and determines whether an individual is entitled to a full multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) Decision Support Tool (DST) assessment. While often viewed as an initial screening exercise, in practice it can be one of the most decisive stages. 

Checklists cannot be appealed as part of the standard CHC process, which means a failed Checklist can result in lengthy waiting times to start the process again, or even cap the period prior to the Checklist being carried out, where fees might have been able to be recovered retrospectively following a passed Checklist and successful outcome at the later stage’s. 

We are regularly contacted by families after a Checklist refusal, only to find that the individual’s needs should clearly have met the threshold to proceed, By that point, care fees are already being charged and the opportunity to influence the process early has often been lost. 

While a Checklist cannot normally be appealed, if we are contacted soon after a failed Checklist has occurred, we might be able to challenge the decision and request that a new Checklist is carried out. 

Why the Checklist matters so much

The Checklist sets the foundation for the entire CHC process. If it is completed inaccurately or without a full understanding of the person’s needs, the assessment journey can end before it truly begins.

Acorn Continuing Healthcare frequently identifies issues such as:

• Needs being understated or overly simplified
• Domains considered in isolation rather than together
• Risks, deterioration and unpredictability being overlooked
• Limited reference to historical or supporting evidence

As outlined above, once a negative Checklist decision is made, challenging it can be incredibly difficult and time-consuming, even where the decision appears incorrect.

The importance of early independent advice

Speaking to a member of our experienced team before a Checklist takes place, wherever possible, can make a significant difference. We work solely for the individual and their family, ensuring needs are properly understood and accurately reflected from the outset.

The Checklist is not something families should enter unprepared. Early advice is not about confrontation, it is about accuracy, fairness and making sure the person’s true level of need is recognised in line with the National Framework. 

With residential and nursing care costs often exceeding £1,500 per week, a failed Checklist can place families under unnecessary financial and emotional strain. 

To summarise, a Checklist should never be treated as a formality. Preparation at the very beginning of the CHC process is crucial and can prevent avoidable refusals, delays and distress, not to mention the financial burden that comes with the loss of savings and property.

Families who are facing a Checklist, or who are unsure whether one is approaching, are strongly encouraged to seek specialist advice as early as possible.

For further clarification you can call us on 0345 548 0066