Regulator Profile
CQC
Care Quality Commission
Enforcement Regulator4
Areas of regulation
10
Laws enforced
UK-wide
Quick links
Enforcement
Inspection
Quality Standards
Registration
What CQC does
Independent regulator of health and social care in England. Registers, monitors, inspects and rates hospitals, care homes, GP practices, dental surgeries, and other care services. Ensures services meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. Can take enforcement action against providers failing to meet standards.
Additional information
All regulated activities (healthcare, nursing, personal care) require CQC registration. Publishes inspection reports and ratings (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate).
Legal framework
Legislation that CQC enforces.
Primary legislation
- Care Act 2014 Act 2014
- Dentists Act 1984 Act 1984
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 Act 2008
- Human Tissue Act 2004 Act 2004
- Mental Capacity Act 2005 Act 2005
Secondary legislation
- Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009 UK Statutory Instrument 2009
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 UK Statutory Instrument 2014
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, Regulation 5 UK Statutory Instrument 2014
- Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 UK Statutory Instrument 2025
- Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 UK Statutory Instrument 2002