The requirements set out the essential levels of safety and quality of care providers must deliver for people who use their services, but crucially gives them flexibility on how they do it. Subject to approval by Parliament, the new system will be introduced for NHS healthcare providers in April 2010 and for private and voluntary health care and adult social care providers from October 2010, making it illegal for organisations to provide services that fall under the new framework without registering. The system will be extended to providers of primary dental care and private ambulances in 2011 and to primary medical care in 2012.

The Care Quality Commission will develop guidance on how it will judge compliance with the regulations and take appropriate action against those who fail to meet the essential requirements. 

 Health Minister, Mike O’Brien said:

 'People rightly expect the same level of quality and safety of their care regardless of which organisation is providing it – this single registration framework gives them that assurance.

 'All providers of health and adult social care services can now use this framework to ensure they demonstrate an ongoing ability to meet all the requirements.'