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Cynthia Bower, CQC Chief Executive, has welcomed the publication of the Department of Health’s Arm's Length Bodies review, saying:

“I'm pleased the Department has underlined the importance of integrated health and social care regulation, which we believe can be a real lever to improve the quality of care. The report recognises the hard work CQC has put in to deliver registration of the NHS on time while moving to a more cost effective model.

“In taking on the licensing functions of the HFEA and HTA, we will be looking to preserve the specialist expertise within these bodies. We already regulate a number of sectors where it’s vital to have in-depth knowledge – the rights of people detained under the Mental Health Act, for example – and are confident we can build on what these two bodies have achieved so far.

“We look forward to working with the Department to develop these proposals in more detail, and will be working with Monitor in particular on the single licence for all care providers.”

• Read the department's full press release and report of the ALB review
• Read the department's consultation paper on expanding Monitor's remit; 'Regulating Healthcare Providers'