The rules here are for England.
Check whether your service needs registering
You must register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) before you carry on a regulated activity. Personal care is regulated when it is given to people who cannot provide it for themselves because of old age, illness or disability, and it is given where they live. Introducing carers to a person, without an ongoing role in directing the service, is outside the rule. So is a carer employed directly by the person, or by someone acting for them such as a person with power of attorney, and working wholly under their direction without an agency. If you offer only companionship or cleaning, ask CQC whether your service falls within its scope of registration.
Children's homes in England register with Ofsted, not CQC.
Carrying on a regulated activity without registration is an offence. On conviction you face an unlimited fine, up to 12 months' imprisonment, or both.
Get everything in place before you apply
CQC cannot hold an incomplete application, so apply only when you are ready to start providing the service. Have these in place first:
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A registered manager
If you are an organisation or partnership, or an individual who will not run the service day to day, decide who your registered manager will be. Their forms go in with your provider application.
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A DBS check for your main contact
CQC needs a DBS check for your main point of contact, and this can take up to 60 days.
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A statement of purpose
Write the statement of purpose CQC requires, and keep it under review. You must tell CQC about any revision within 28 days.
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Supporting documents
Prepare the supporting documents for the service you plan to provide, as the application form lists.
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Premises ready for a site visit
Make sure your premises are suitable, for example that you can keep people's records safe and secure. CQC can refuse an application if they are not.
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A controlled drugs licence, if needed
If you will use controlled drugs, apply to the Home Office for a licence as soon as possible. It can take up to 16 weeks for the Home Office to arrange a compliance visit.
Apply and wait for a decision
Apply to CQC yourself using its forms. If the application is complete, CQC may arrange a fit person interview, a site visit or a discussion with your nominated individual. If you cannot agree a date for these within 28 days of being contacted, your application may be returned or CQC may propose to refuse it. You cannot manage regulated activities until CQC confirms you are registered, which can take a few months.
CQC charges no application fee. After you register, you pay an annual fee that depends on the type and size of your service.
Appoint a registered manager
A registered manager is a named person who manages the regulated activity day to day, and must also apply to CQC and satisfy it about their fitness.
Expect inspection and a published rating
CQC assesses and rates registered services and publishes the results. You must show your latest rating on your website and on a sign at each location, and at your principal place of business.
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations