Any provider who provides regulated services as defined by the CQC, needs to be registered with the CQC. The provider is a legal entity who holds responsibility for the services you provide. If you are a sole practitioner that will be you, if you are a working for a partnership or organisation someone will need to assume that responsibility. If you are working under practicing privileges from a larger organisation, they may provide CQC registration for you but you need to check as delivering a regulated service without registration is unlawful.
If you are unsure if your working circumstances require you to register with the CQC as a private GP, you can get more information from:
To register your private GP services with the CQC you will need to apply on their website. They do not accept applications via post. You will need to either use the provider portal or email all your complete application forms and supporting documents them.
It can take around 8 hours to submit your application so ensure you set aside plenty of time to do this.
The CQC also offer urgent applications if your service is critical to increasing the capacity in the health and social care system or supporting recovery.
Once you have been successfully registered with the CQC you will fall into the inspection cycle where you will be inspected within 5 years.
It is important to note that you may be inspected at any time, particularly if any reviews or complaints have been submitted to the CQC.
If during your inspection you receive a rating of inadequate, you will be visited again six months later to see if the service has improved.
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