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DO I NEED TO REGISTER WITH THE CQC?

Aug 23, 2020
If you are thinking about setting up a new healthcare business or becoming a self-employed carer, it's important you understand what the rules are for registering with the CQC. 
 
Unlike some other industries, healthcare is regulated. This means that setting up a new healthcare business isn't as easy as just choosing a company name and starting to trade – you must make sure you are compliant. 
 
This article explains the role of the CQC, who needs to register and how to register. 
 

What Is CQC?

 
The CQC is the Care Quality Commission – the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Their role is to register care companies, monitor, inspect and rate services and take action to protect the people who use the services.  
 
When the CQC assess a service provider, they want to know:
 
  • Are they safe?
  • Are they effective?
  • Are they caring?
  • Are they responsive to people's needs? 
  • Are they well-led?
To answer these questions, they use key lines of enquiry (KLOE) as prompts and sources of evidence. 
 
Services that are consistently rated as inadequate will be placed in special measures. If the service puts individuals at risk, the CQC can exercise enforcement powers to force the service provider to improve.
 

Who Needs To Register With The CQC?

 
Any person or company who provides regulated activity in England must register with the CQC, whether they are an individual, organization or partnership. 
You must register for each regulated activity that you will carry out. Regulated activities include:
 
• Personal care
• Nursing care
• Accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care
• Accommodation and nursing or personal care in the further education sector
• Treatment of disease, disorder or injury
• Assessment or medical treatment for persons detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
• Surgical procedures
• Diagnostic and screening procedures
• Management of supply of blood and blood-derived products
• Transport services, triage and medical advice provided remotely
• Maternity and midwifery services
• Termination of pregnancies
• Services in slimming clinics
• Family planning services
 
Any service provider that is an organisation (incorporated or unincorporated), must have a registered manager for every regulated activity. 
 

Do Self-Employed Carers Need To Be Registered With CQC?

 
There are some exemptions to registration when it comes to providing personal care. If you are a self-employed career that is employed directly by the service user, then you may not need to register with the CQC. 

This will depend on how the arrangement is managed and the services you provide. It is an offence to carry out regulated activities without registration, so if you are unsure, check out the CQC's guidance on scope of registration or seek expert advice.  
 

Does The CQC Cover Wales, Scotland Or Northern Ireland?

 
No. The CQC is the independent regulator for England. If you are starting a healthcare business in another part of the UK, then you need to register with your respective body as follows:
 
  • Wales - The CIW (Care Inspectorate Wales) 
  • Scotland - The Care Inspectorate 
  • Northern Ireland – RQIA (The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority)

How To Register With The CQC

 
If you wish to register as a new service provider or as a registered manager, you must make an application to the CQC. You can apply via their Provider Portal, or by email or post. You must complete the application and enclose a DBS certificate. You must also have references, ID and other documents available if the CQC requests it. 

Help With CQC Registration

 
The CQC application process can feel daunting and confusing if you have never completed it before. 
 
At Healthcare Business School, we help you navigate registration and ensure that you apply for the right registrations at the right time. 
 
If you are just getting started with your new healthcare business, why not enrol on one of our start a healthcare business courses or work with a 1-2-1 mentor who will guide you through the process?
 
If you have any questions about CQC registration, or need support starting your new healthcare business, get in touch with one of our friendly consultants. 

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