Care Quality Commission

Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England. It was established in 2009 to ensure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and to encourage care services to improve.

History

The Care Quality Commission was established in 2009, replacing the Healthcare Commission, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Mental Health Act Commission. The CQC's role was expanded in 2010 to cover all health and social care in England, including NHS hospitals and private care providers.

Role and Responsibilities

The CQC has a wide range of powers to enforce standards and protect the rights of people who use services. These include the power to register and inspect services, to take enforcement action, and to protect the interests of people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act.

Inspection and Ratings

The CQC inspects services using a system of ratings. Services are rated as 'outstanding', 'good', 'requires improvement' or 'inadequate'. The ratings are based on a range of evidence, including inspections, information from people who use services, and information from the service provider.

Criticisms and Controversies

The CQC has faced criticism for its handling of inspections and its response to whistleblowers. In 2013, it was revealed that the CQC had suppressed a critical internal review into its handling of inspections at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

See Also

• Healthcare in the United Kingdom
• National Health Service
• Department of Health and Social Care