Confirmed by CQC inspector: A CODE member has recently been interviewed by a CQC inspector over the phone. The inspector requested proof of Enhanced CRB checks for all clinical and reception staff. So, if you haven’t arranged for enhanced CRB checks for all your team members we advise you to do so now.
The CQC recently wrote to CODE "Our guidance on the need for CRBs for registered managers and providers (individual dentists, partners in a partnership, and nominated individual in an organisation) is unchanged. Generic guidance can be found here, and guidance specifically for dentistry can be found here."
Also on the CQC website there are some FAQs on filling in the application form, with some guidance by the CRB on their requirements for other staff in the practice here.
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Members can read the complete CRB module (M 228) on CRB Checks here
Who needs a CRB check for CQC Registration?
All staff who have contact with patients or see patients’ records, or their financial arrangements must have an enhanced CRB check for CQC registration. This includes associates, therapists, hygienists, dental nurses, receptionists, practice managers and office staff. However only designated people will need to/can have an enhanced CRB check, countersigned by the CQC (as the umbrella body). These are:
- The provider
- The nominated individual of an organisation (or a limited liability partnership)
- All partners in an formal partnership
If the provider or partners have a countersigned enhanced CRB check from the PCT it can be used. However the registered manager must always obtain a new CRB check.
CRB Checks for team members
When applying for a CRB check (also called disclosure) team members must apply in conjunction with an Umbrella Body. You can find one on the CRB website here.
Sequence of application
If you are a provider – apply first for a CRB check then apply for CQC registration, you don’t need to wait for the CRB certificate before you apply for CQC registration.
Where you are required to have a registered manager, you should not submit his or her application until you have received their disclosure certificate from the CRB. If this delays a registered manager’s application beyond 1 April 2011, it would not prevent your registration as a provider, but the registration would be subject to a compliance condition that requires you to submit an application for a registered manager within a prescribed period of time.
How to arrange a CRB check through the CQC
The provider, the nominated individual of an organisation (or a limited liability partnership) and all partners in a formal partnership can/must apply for their CRB checks through the CQC:
- Obtain your CRB disclosure application form from the Criminal Records Bureau on 0870 90 90 811
- Quote the registered body name and number for the Care Quality Commission, which is 232 443 00 003
- Request a criminal record disclosure check at an enhanced level
- The CRB will post an application form to your home address
Verify your CRB application form at one of the crown post offices with:
- Proof of Identity and address as required by CRB
- A cheque or postal order payable to CRB for the fee, currently £36.00
- Payment of £20.05 in cash or card to pay the Post Office for this service. Inform the Post Office Clerk to send Royal Mail Special delivery to the ‘Care Quality Commission, Registrations CRB, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4PA.
- The post office will verify your identity as well as the information on your form and issue you with a receipt that has details of how you can track your CRB application
If your CRB form should be returned for any reason, complete any missing information and take to one of the crown post offices with your receipt and you will not be charged again.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has worked with the Post Office to increase the number of post offices available to process Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) disclosures for providers of dental services. Download the addresses of the Crown Post Offices here.
If requesting a CRB check for a potential potential new member of staff
Follow the CRB’s Code of Practice when making an appointment decision, it will guide you on how to handle, consider, use and store disclosure information when you make the decision whether or not to offer the job.
New policies and procedures from CODE
The latest practice policeis and procedures have now been released free to members. They include a new policy 'Recruitement of ex-offenders'.
Further details and guidance are available from:
Criminal Records Bureau , CRB’s Code of Practice, CQC Guide for Primary Dental Care, Care Quality Commission guidance on CRB
Clinical Governance Made Simple (CGMS) has the solution
CGMS leads you to compliance with Care Quality Regulations in easy steps. You can read more about it here.
