The use of do-not-attempt-resuscitate (DNAR) orders is to be reviewed after a number were wrongly applied in care homes at the start of the pandemic.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will investigate concerns that some care homes still have blanket orders in place covering groups of residents.
It became clear that blanket use was in place in some care homes in the early weeks of the pandemic.
But it was widely condemned by the CQC and medical bodies.
The decision about whether or not to attempt resuscitation if a very sick person falls dangerously ill is supposed to be discussed with the individual, or family members if they are too sick.
Doctors can make a decision on the spot without consultation in exceptional circumstances.
However, the decisions are always supposed to be made on an individual case-by-case basis.
The health minister Lord Bethell has asked the CQC to investigate the latest claims. He told the House of Lords that blanket use of DNARs was “unacceptable”.
Extraordinary pressures
Dr Rosie Benneyworth, CQC chief inspector of primary medical services and integrated care, said: “Health and social care providers have faced extraordinary pressures this year. Both staff, and people using services and their loved ones, have at times raised concerns with us about care.
“It is vital that we take this opportunity to learn from what has happened – challenging poor care and sharing the ways that providers have put people’s needs at the heart of their care so that others can learn from them.”