We are consulting on two separate, but linked publications:

• a draft 'Health and social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance' and,
• a draft supporting document 'Prevention and control of infection in care homes'

This consultation is required due to changes introduced under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 involving the recent establishment of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the introduction of a new registration framework for all providers of regulated activities in health care and adult social care in England.

The consultation documents set out:

• The changes due to the Health and Social Care Act 2008
• The criteria against which the CQC will assess compliance against the registration requirement on 'cleanliness and infection control', and
• Guidance on how these providers of health and adult social care can meet that registration requirement.

Responding to the Consultation

Responses are required by: 6 November 2009

To respond to the consultation: our preferred method of receiving your comments is via our electronic consultation questionnaire database, which can be accessed from the link below.

However, you may also respond in writing to: