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.
All regulated activities (healthcare, nursing, personal care) require CQC registration. Publishes inspection reports and ratings (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate).
Contact CQC
- enquiries@cqc.org.uk
- Phone
- 03000 616161
Official guidance from CQC
Curated guidance documents to help you understand your obligations.
Dental mythbuster 18: Decontamination in the dental treatment room - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance · England
Good governance of medicines - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance · England
Reporting medicine related incidents - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance · England
Appropriate use of psychotropic medicines in adult social care - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance · England
Consent to care and treatment - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance · England
Consent to care and treatment: good - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance · England
Consent to care and treatment: inadequate - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance · England
Consent to care and treatment: outstanding - Care Quality Commission (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance · England
View all 846 guidance documents (opens in a new tab)
Legal framework
Legislation that CQC directly enforces.
Primary legislation
Secondary legislation
Related legislation
Legislation connected to CQC’s remit but not directly enforced — establishing Acts, amendments, referenced legislation, and context.