Challenging CQC Inspection Reports

Challenging CQC Inspection Reports

After an inspection by CQC, a draft report is prepared and sent to the provider to check the factual accuracy and completeness of the information used to reach judgements and ratings of a service. If a provider does not challenge any inaccuracies, they will be stuck with the rating that CQC deems appropriate. 

Despite challenging a draft inspection report, providers can still sometimes remain unhappy with the outcome of the factual accuracy process and be given a rating that they disagree with. In that situation, a provider can request a review of CQC’s rating decision.

Our Healthcare Team is a dedicated group of lawyers who can provide you with concise, comprehensive and practical advice. Our qualified and experienced solicitors will be happy to assist you.

Current Position

The Importance of CQC Inspection Reports 

We are all living longer and over a quarter of our population are now aged over 65. The health and social care sector has grown at the same rate with an increased development of specialist care services.

As a result, more people are paying much closer attention to the inspection reports of CQC when deciding which care service to send themselves or their loved ones to. A bad inspection report from CQC can have a significant detrimental impact on the success of a care service.

Your service may have been assessed based on factually inaccurate information or without considering key additional information and, as a result, may be given a lower rating by CQC than you had hoped. We can advise you as to whether there may be potential merit in challenging a draft CQC inspection report or the subsequent rating if already published.

The factual accuracy form must be returned to CQC within 10 working days from receipt by a provider of a draft inspection report. A ratings review request must be submitted within 15 working days of publication of an inspection report. There are therefore very tight deadlines for dealing with these issues. Don’t let the opportunity to challenge a report or rating that you are unhappy with pass you by.