CQC seek opinion on the regulation of independent doctor services

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is seeking views on the regulation of independent doctor services via a consultation published today.

Services in this sector include remote consultation and  provision of treatment, travel vaccination clinics, slimming clinics, private GP services and family planning services (but not in vitro fertilisation or termination of pregnancy services).

The CQC have worked closely with providers and stakeholders to develop the consultation document and welcome public responses to their questions.

The organisation is interested in whether – and how – you think the CQC should regulate this sector and whether these services should be rated. Other questions include how the CQC can identify and share notable practice.

The planned approach builds on the 2013 consultation A New Start, which set out how the CQC will inspect and regulate all services. When the CQC regulates care they ask five key questions about services; whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.