Written question asked by Lord Ashley of Stoke (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 May 2009.

Social Care: Inspectors

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what powers social care inspectors have.

Answer: The regulation of adult social care is now the responsibility of the new independent regulator, the Care Quality Commission, which took over from the Commission for Social Care Inspection, the Healthcare Commission and the Mental Health Act Commission on 1 April 2009. Under the Care Standards Act 2000, the commission's inspectors have powers to: require a provider of a regulated activity to provide information, whether registered with the commission or not; enter and inspect premises which they believe to be used for a regulated activity; examine the state and management of any relevant premises; examine the treatment and care of patients or people using the service; inspect and take copies of documents and records; interview the manager, staff or people using the service; examine patients or people using the service; seize documents, materials or other things; require any person to help with the investigation; and take measurements and photographs that may be necessary in carrying out the above powers. Any person who intentionally obstructs the exercise of these powers, or fails to comply without reasonable excuse is guilty of an offence.

Secondary information