CQC registration guide · England
How to Register a Nursing Home with CQC in England
A nursing home is a care home that also provides nursing care from registered nurses. As well as accommodation and personal care, you will usually need to register for treatment of disease, disorder or injury, and CQC will look closely at your clinical governance and nurse staffing.
Written by Sheref Ergun, Founder of MyCareAudit · 20+ years in health & social care compliance · Last updated
Regulated activity
- Accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care
- Treatment of disease, disorder or injury
- Diagnostic and screening procedures (where applicable)
Who this guide is for
- Operators opening a new nursing home
- Residential homes adding nursing
- Buyers taking over an existing nursing home
What CQC will expect
Clinical governance
Clear clinical leadership, medicines management, infection prevention and control, and processes for responding to deterioration and working with GPs and community health services.
Registered nurse cover
A staffing plan showing registered nurses on duty around the clock, with checks that their professional registration is current.
Suitable premises and equipment
Premises safety evidence plus suitable clinical equipment, maintenance arrangements and storage for medicines.
Statement of Purpose
A legally required document setting out your aims and objectives, the regulated activities you will carry out, the people you will support and where the service is delivered from. CQC reads it closely and it must match everything else in your application.
Registered manager
Each regulated activity normally needs a registered manager. They apply to CQC separately, need an enhanced DBS check and must show they understand the regulations, safeguarding and how they will run the service day to day.
Policies and governance
CQC expects working policies (safeguarding, medicines, complaints, infection control, recruitment and more) and a clear plan for monitoring quality and improving the service (Regulation 17, good governance).
Startup steps
- 1Confirm which regulated activities you need
- 2Secure and certify the premises
- 3Appoint a registered manager and clinical lead
- 4Plan registered nurse recruitment and 24-hour cover
- 5Write your Statement of Purpose and clinical policies
- 6Submit your CQC applications
- 7Prepare for the registration interview and premises visit
Common pitfalls
- Missing the treatment of disease, disorder or injury activity
- Nurse staffing plan with gaps on nights or weekends
- Clinical policies copied from another setting
- No process for checking nurses’ professional registration
Two ways to get started
Done-with-you registration
From £1,995
Fixed-fee packages covering your applications, Statement of Purpose and policies. 50% deposit or 10% off paying in full.
Compare packagesDo-it-yourself with software
£59/month
Pre-CQC Starter: registration document pack, care records for up to 5 people and a readiness audit. Move to Solo (£87/month) once registered.
See the Starter planCQC's own annual registration fee is set by CQC and paid directly to CQC.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a care home and a nursing home?
Both provide accommodation and personal care. A nursing home also provides nursing from registered nurses and usually registers for treatment of disease, disorder or injury as well.
Can a residential home add nursing later?
Yes, but you must apply to CQC to add the new regulated activity and show you have the clinical staffing and governance in place.
How much does nursing home registration support cost?
Our fixed-fee packages start at £1,995. More complex applications often suit the Professional (£3,995) or Complete Business Launch (£5,995) packages.
Related registration guides
CQC registration for care homes
Register a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care.
CQC registration for learning disability & autism
Register services for autistic people and people with a learning disability.
CQC registration for domiciliary care
Register a home care agency that provides personal care in people’s own homes.
Local CQC registration support
Not sure where to start?
Book a free call and we'll tell you which regulated activities you need and what your application should include.