What does PLAN mean to commissioners and regulators?
Whist the most important benefit of PLAN membership is the support provided to liaison mental
health teams, PLAN membership is becoming increasingly recognised by regulatory bodies and
commissioners:
The Care Quality Commission has stated that taking part
in PLAN is something they will view favourably when
inspecting a Trust.
The Joint Commissioning Board for Mental Health
recommends that commissioners support and commission
PLAN members:
“Commissioners need to commission liaison services that can
demonstrate that they meet the recognised standards for the
service. These are set out in the PLAN standards, against
which liaison services may be accredited. It is suggested that
PLAN accreditation becomes a commissioning requirement,
with the joining fee included in the commissioning process”.
Good quality liaison services are well placed to meet many of
the objectives set out in the Government’s mental health
strategy. Taking part in PLAN supports liaison teams to
meet these objectives and demonstrates a responsiveness to
the needs of patients and carers.
Information from the PLAN process can be used in Trust
quality accounts, as recommended by the National Quality
Board. The PLAN process can also assist with meeting
Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) targets.
Achievement of accredited status may support services to
reduce their financial contribution to the NHS Litigation
Authority (NHSLA).
Some Trusts use their accreditation status as evidence when
applying for Foundation Trust status.
For information about joining PLAN, call 020 3701 2730/2523 or email [email protected]