From 1 October 2010, under the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008, adult social care and independent health care providers that carry on regulated activities must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 

The Care Quality Commission (CQC)  is overseeing a new system of registration brought about by the Health and Social Care Act 2008.  

This legislation has changed how health and adult social care services in England are regulated and from 1 October 2010, all adult social care and independent healthcare providers that carry on ‘regulated activities’ must be registered with CQC. To be registered, providers must show that they are meeting new essential standards of quality and safety in all of the regulated activities that they provide.  

The NTA and CQC have developed a number of Frequently Asked Questions about the substance misuse service providers that have to register with CQC. This document provides further information on those services that are required to register and for more detailed definitions and guidance to establish whether your service provides ‘regulated activities’ please refer to ‘The scope of registration document’ at www.cqc.org.uk/scopeofregistration (pages 14, 20 & 22) 

It is important that all providers of substance misuse services check the information on CQC’s website and follow the relevant guidance. This can be accessed at: www.cqc.org.uk/guidanceforprofessionals/introductiontoregistration.cfm.

Any additional queries should be directed to CQC at www.cqc.org.uk/contactus.cfm.