The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. They make sure that health and social care services provide people with the care they need, when they need it, and that they are safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs, and well-led.
The CQC regulates all registered health and social care services in England. This includes hospitals, GPs, care homes, and home care services. registered social workers, and registered nurses.
The CQC has a range of powers it can use to make sure that people are getting the care they need and that services are improved. These include:
Asking courts to close down services that are breaking the law
Prosecuting people who have committed offenses
Issuing fines
Putting services into special measures
The CQC also has the power to suspend or cancel the registration of health and social care providers, and to stop them from providing care.
The CQC publishes ratings for all registered health and social care services in England. These ratings tell people how well services are meeting the CQC’s standards.