Shropshire homecare companies have been warned they must double check the small print to make sure they comply with new registration rules.

Pam Hinton, of Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, said new guidelines had been introduced at the start of October which would have a wide-ranging effect.

"The new rules mean 9000 adult social care and independent health care organisations who previously did not need to register, are now required to formally register with the Care Quality Commission.

"But in the run-up to the changeover, figures showed that over 3000 companies had still not signed up.

"And to make matters worse, the Care Quality Commission has been forced to reject thousands more applications after mistakes were made on the registration forms.

"This means many homecare companies could find they are not covered by their usual insurance policies, as they have failed to apply successfully to be registered."

Pam said any companies who were having trouble with the registration process should check with their insurance broker to ensure they were not breaking the rules.

"Each company needs to meet strict criteria to maintain ongoing insurance cover, and any changes to their status could severely affect their protection.

"Given that companies like this are often dealing with the most vulnerable people in society, usually elderly people, it's vital that all insurance is correct and up-to-date, for the sake of both clients and carers."

Pam said as well as the 9000 extra care organisations who had been required to apply, companies already registered with the Care Quality Commission had been through the process too.

"It's clear that the new rules are in place to protect everyone involved in the care industry, and although the process is complicated, it's a valuable step towards ensuring strict standards are maintained across the UK."