The CQC can ask a GP Practice to provide it with information and documentation (which includes medical records) under Section 64 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 if it considers it necessary or expedient to have for the purposes of any of its regulatory functions. This is a wide remit and failure to comply with a request under Section 64 is an offence punishable with a fine.
The request for information is usually because the CQC has a concern about the Practice. It is therefore important for a GP Practice to consider how that information is presented to the CQC to assure the CQC, whilst complying with the request. It is also important to understand what information is being supplied and how this may impact the Practice should the CQC use it to take action against it.
Ridouts can help by:
- Assisting GP Practices to determine what falls within the scope of the request;
- Compile the requested information and present it in an appropriate format;
- Advising GP Practices what the request might mean for possible future action.
