Q. I am an associate and my practice principal has shown me a copy of his CQC provider application. I am concerned that he has declared himself to be ‘non-compliant’ with a number the registration requirements that are relevant to the services (regulated activities) that are provided in our practice, nor has he submitted a plan to achieve compliance. Although I am not a provider I am still worried about how the principal’s application will affect me.

It is entirely appropriate that you are concerned. Although only the provider is registered with CQC and accountable to them, the continued ability for other team members (eg, associates and DCPs) to practise - is dependent upon the compliance of those owning/managing the facility in which they work. If the provider’s CQC registration is refused then the whole practice will be affected by that decision because they would not be permitted to carry on any regulated activities on and after 1 April 2011.

If a provider declares non compliance in his/her application and does not submit an appropriate action plan CQC has indicated that it will make further enquiries of the applicant by way of a ‘conversation’ and a practice visit. If no appropriate action plan is subsequently submitted then it is likely that registration will be refused.

You may wish to discuss this matter further with your principal and direct him to the CQC guidance documents including Guidance about compliance: Summary of regulations, outcomes and judgment framework

Further information is also available here