Do You Need to Register Your Private GP Service with the CQC?
If you're considering operating a private GP service, you might wonder whether you need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The answer largely depends on the specifics of your practice, including its nature, location, and scope. Let’s explore the key requirements and exemptions.
Exemptions to CQC Registration
Whilst most private clinics are required to register with the CQC, certain private GP services may qualify for exemptions from CQC registration.
For example:
NHS Clinicians offering private services: If you're working within the NHS and providing private GP services alongside NHS duties, you may not need to register separately. The NHS offers a decision tool titled "Registration Exemption for Independent Medical Practitioners Working in Private Practice" to help assess your eligibility for exemption.
Other specific situations: Additional exemptions may apply based on the nature of the service provided.
Always check the latest CQC guidance or consult their resources to confirm whether your service falls under an exemption category.
Setting Up a Private Clinic
If you're establishing a private GP practice, registering with the CQC is generally a necessary step. As we all know, the CQC has a rather large backlog on registrations currently, and the wait time can be months long, so we advise you kickstart your registration journey as soon as possible and ensure that you get it right the first time.
Once registered, your service will be subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. These inspections typically occur every 1-2 years, but again with systematic delays occurring within the CQC, the frequency of inspections has decreased.
The CQC provides detailed pre-application guidance to help practitioners navigate the process.
Key Steps for CQC Registration:
Prepare Your Application: Complete the required application forms and gather supporting documents.
Submit Online: Applications must be submitted digitally. As of November 2024, applications via the portal are no longer supported and must instead be completed via the CQC website. And something to note - postal submissions are also not accepted.
Allocate Sufficient Time: The registration process requires a significant amount of time to collect the necessary documents and answer the CQC’s questions. We always advise that new businesses plan accordingly.
If you are registering a new private clinic with the CQC and don’t know where to start – get in touch with one of our expert CQC Healthcare advisors today.
Expedited Applications
In cases where your private GP service is deemed critical to the health and social care system - for example, helping to alleviate pressures or support recovery efforts—the CQC may offer an expedited application process. If applicable, this could significantly shorten the usual registration timeline. However, this is a rare occurrence that we observed during the COVID-19 pandemic and isn’t something most new businesses could viably pursue.
How to Check Your Exemption Status
If you're uncertain about whether you need to register, resources such as the CQC’s exceptions and exemptions guides are particularly useful. We advise that you always review the most up-to-date information to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
By understanding the registration requirements and exemptions for private GP services, you can ensure your practice operates in full compliance with the CQC’s regulations.
Key Takeaways:
Most private GP services must register with the CQC unless exemptions apply (e.g. NHS clinicians providing private care).
Use the NHS decision tool to check if your service qualifies for registration exemption.
New practices must register and undergo regular CQC inspections.
For more detailed guidance, get in touch with our advisory team today. Our knowledgeable and friendly CQC Healthcare experts are here to help.
