Watch out for watchdog
Posted on: Friday 7th May 2010
Independent practitioners will get a specific 28-day ‘application window’ between now and 1 September to submit applications for registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC is overseeing a new system of registration, which brings the NHS, independent healthcare and adult social care under a single set of essential standards of quality and safety for the first time.
This new system brings significant changes – and as yet unannounced new registration fees – for independent healthcare providers.
Now registered under the Care Standards Act 2000, private doctors must apply to be registered under new legislation coming into effect on 1 October 2010.
CQC director of registration Linda Hutchinson (right) said: ‘We are writing to providers in a series of groups over the coming weeks to request confirmation of their email address.
‘Once a provider has confirmed this information, we will send them a legal notification to confirm the dates of their 28-day application window. If we receive the application by the deadline given, then the provider is able to continue to operate legally after 1 October 2010 even if CQC has not processed its application.
’We recognise that the time-scales are tight and have kept the application form as simple as possible while discharging our statutory responsibilities. Providers can contact CQC at any time if they need information or support on any aspect of the application process.’
Read the CQC's 'frequently-asked questions' to get advice on registering
- See our February report ‘Do I need to sign on with the watchdog?’