Practicing Privileges and CQC Registration – what are the differences?

Practicing privileges and registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are distinct processes in healthcare compliance in England.

The key differences between practicing privileges and CQC registration lie in their scope, process, and the level of authority or responsibility they grant.

Practicing Privileges:

• Definition: Practicing privileges refer to the authorisation granted to individual healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses and other registered professionals) to practice within a specific healthcare facility or organisation. This is typically granted by the facility or organisation itself (such as a hospital or clinic).
• Purpose: These privileges define the extent of a professional's clinical responsibilities within that specific healthcare setting. They can include permissions to perform certain procedures, admit patients, or provide treatment within the agreed location.

CQC Registration:

• Definition: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. CQC registration is required for healthcare organisations or services (e.g., hospitals, clinics, care homes) to legally operate
• Purpose: It ensures that healthcare organisations meet specific safety and quality standards and that they comply with regulations set out by CQC to protect patients and improve service delivery.

Practicing Privileges:

• Applies to individual healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors and other registered medical professionals) rather than the organisation as a whole
• These privileges are often based on individual qualifications, experience, and the assessment of competence by the healthcare provider.

CQC Registration:

• Applies to healthcare organisations or providers rather than individual practitioners
• It is the organisation or provider (such as a hospital, nursing home, or GP practice) that must be registered with the CQC to legally deliver care.

Practicing Privileges:

• Healthcare professionals apply for practicing privileges with a specific institution or healthcare provider
• The institution assesses the individual's qualifications, experience, competence, and professional standing to determine whether to grant these privileges.
• Practicing privileges can be granted or revoked by the healthcare facility based on performance, professional conduct, or changes in the professional's qualifications or status.

CQC Registration:

• Healthcare organisations must apply for registration with the CQC before they can provide regulated care services
• The CQC assesses the organisation's compliance with a series of standards and regulations related to care quality, safety, staffing, governance, and more
• Once registered, the organisation is regularly inspected by the CQC to ensure ongoing compliance with these standards.

Practicing Privileges:

• These privileges are generally managed internally by the healthcare organisation, though there are certain national or regional standards that might influence the process (e.g., Medical Council guidelines)
• The healthcare organisation can require documentation such as proof of qualifications, background checks, malpractice insurance, and evidence of competence in the relevant field.

CQC Registration:

• The CQC sets out specific regulations and standards, known as the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, which cover areas such as safety, care quality, staffing, and management
• CQC inspections and ratings ensure that the organisation adheres to these standards
• Non-compliance with CQC regulations can lead to sanctions, fines, or even closure of the service.

• • Practicing privileges can be revoked or suspended by the healthcare organisation if there are concerns about the professional’s competence, conduct, or any other breach of policy. This can occur without affecting the individual's overall professional standing.

• • CQC can suspend or remove the registration of a healthcare organisation if it fails to meet required standards, putting patients at risk. This has a much broader impact, potentially affecting the entire organization and its ability to operate.

• • Practicing privileges are often not legally required by law but are necessary for healthcare professionals to work at certain facilities. They are a matter of institutional policy

• • CQC registration is a legal requirement for healthcare providers in England to operate legally. Without CQC registration, the organisation cannot deliver regulated care services, regardless of whether individual practitioners have practicing privileges.

In Summary:

• Practicing privileges are an internal mechanism used by healthcare organisations to allow individual professionals to practice within their facilities. They are based on individual qualifications and are typically revocable at the organisation's discretion.
• CQC registration is a formal legal requirement for healthcare organizations in the UK to operate. It ensures compliance with national care standards and protects patient safety.

Both concepts aim to ensure safety and quality in healthcare, but they operate at different levels (individual vs. organisational) and for different purposes.

If you would like to find out more about how to register with the CQC, get in touch for an initial discussion https://www.baxendale.co.uk/baxcqc