Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Registration Support
Help is at hand for registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)!
The CQC is a government “QUANGO” which replaced the Healthcare Commission on the 1st April 2009. The function of the CQC is to oversee the registration and running of health and social care in England (and also to administer the legal functions of the former Mental Health Commission).
From 1st April 2010 was a fundamental change to the regulation of healthcare in England. The Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (as amended) meant that all Healthcare Professionals (with the exception of physiotherapists) were required to register with the CQC if they undertook any treatments for any “disease, disorder or injury”, diagnostic or screening or surgical procedures. The way in which something is treated is no longer relevant as all types and modes of treatment are included in requirement including lasers, peels, acupuncture, osteopathy, surgery or even prescription of medications.
Carrying out regulated activities after the 1st of October 2010 without registration is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £50,000.00 or six months in prison or both!
All previously registered establishments, clinics, hospitals etc must have re-registered with the CQC before 1st October 2010. From 1st April 2011 all dental practices (both private and NHS) in England also require registration.
Only when all of the registration requirements are satisfied will the CQC grant the registration and only then may establishments provide services to the public
Application for Registration
Application for registration with the Care Quality Commission must be made on the form provided by the CQC. The form and details can be submitted either online or in hard copy.
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LCS will provide advice, support and guidance with completion of the application form and provide a management and checking service of the evidence to be submitted to ensure that the pack is complete.
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You must make a full copy of the pack before you submit it to the CQC.
Policies and Procedures
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Clinical Registry Documentation:
LCS will produce, with you, the necessary policies and procedures to assist you in demonstrating that your establishment complies with the Fundamental Standards (FS) - this is essential for CQC registration.
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The policy manuals cover the requirements of the regulations which apply to quality assessment and patient safety.
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The policies form part of the process by which providers are expected to confirm and certify compliance against the FS.
Clinical Registry Documentation
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LCS provides the support documentation to enable you demonstrate that you, as a provider are able to gather the necessary evidence to prove compliance, this includes clinical governance, audit, human resources, quality assurance etc.
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The CQC requires for initial registration and for its on going assessment of providers.
The Clinical Registry focuses on the key features of the regulatory framework ensuring that all of the important information is gathered and audited.
Additional Services
In addition to assisting you with the process of registration and initial compliance, LCS is able to provide a number of additional services which can help to simplify the on going requirements of being registered with the Care Quality Commission: ​
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Infection Control Assessment: Our staff can visit you premises and carry out a full independent risk assessment in respect of the prevention and control of infection. We will produce a detailed report and analysis together with an action plan to identify necessary remedial action allowing you to take action before an unannounced CQC inspection could render you liable to an enforcement notice or even a prohibition notice that could close your establishment.
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Audit: As detailed above we provide advice and support on audit and clinical governance compliance, however if required we are able to offer an onsite service to carry out audits on a yearly, biannual or quarterly basis. We can provide the necessary action plans for you to take forward with practitioners and staff to meet compliance requirements
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Laser Protection Advice & Expert Protocols: We are able to provide expert advice in respect of laser and IPL safety for users of these technologies. We can act as Laser Protection Advisers (LPA) producing risk assessments and writing Local Rules for use of systems within your establishment.
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LCS Client Website: In addition, as an LCS client, you will be given access to the Client Section of the LCS HealthCare Website with its information resources and tools to assist in you in staying up to date with regulatory issues.