CQC Regulation: Consultation 3, Independent health care
The CQC want to hear from anyone who has an interest.
Today, (26th January 2018), the CQC publish plans to evolve regulation of independent healthcare services in England.
The proposals in this consultation document represent the evolution of the CQC’s approach, rather than introducing new methods. It builds on our knowledge of independent healthcare services and our specialist expertise. It will enable a more targeted, responsive and collaborative approach, in line with their strategy.
CQC has been given the power to award ratings to some of these services for the first time. This is important for people who use services, as it will provide more transparency about the quality and safety of services provided by the independent healthcare sector.
Independent healthcare services include:
• Community health services
• Diagnostic imaging, dialysis services, and refractive eye surgery, termination of pregnancy services (laser eye surgery)
• Hospices
• Acute hospitals
• Ambulances
• Doctors and clinics
• Mental health care
• Substance misuse services
• Online/digital services
The CQC believe that we should take a consistent approach and regulate all services as far as possible in the same way, irrespective of the type of organisation they are or how they are funded.
The CQC would like your views on their proposals to:
• Rate independent healthcare services using our new powers.
• Evolve their approach to regulating independent healthcare over time to be more focused, targeted and intelligence driven in line with their strategy.
How to give your views
Read the consultation document and tell the CQC what you think using the online form.
Online: Complete the next phase consultation form
Easy to read version: You can use the full online form or you can copy or print the easy read document, fill it in and send it to us.
Email: nextphase@cqc.org.uk – if you have any questions about this consultation
The consultation closes on at 3pm on Friday 23 March 2018.
You can find all the information relating to our consultations, including how to respond at www.cqc.org.uk/nextphase .
If you have any questions about this consultation, please email us at nextphase@cqc.org.uk.