CQC to Regulate Autism and ADHD Diagnostic Assessments: What Providers Need to Know

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is set to regulate all diagnostic assessments for autism and ADHD, closing a gap in its current oversight. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has asked CQC to take on this role once new regulations are in place. For any provider offering or planning to offer these assessments, this is a change worth understanding early.

What has been announced

On 9 October 2026, CQC confirmed that DHSC has asked it to regulate all diagnostic assessments for autism and ADHD. The announcement follows the publication of an independent review chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy into the prevalence of, and support for, mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.

What is the gap being closed?

At present, CQC regulates services that offer both diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and autism. Current legislation does not allow it to regulate services that offer diagnosis only. Once the new regulations are in place, those diagnosis-only services will also come under CQC regulation.

What CQC has said

Adrian James, interim Chief Inspector of Mental Health Care, said the new responsibility will widen the scope of CQC’s regulation and close a significant gap in oversight, so that people receiving these diagnoses can have far greater confidence in the service they receive. Arun Chopra, interim Chief Executive, said CQC welcomes the opportunity to help improve the quality of diagnostic support and care, and will work closely with stakeholders as this work develops.

What this could mean for providers

The detail is not yet known. The new regulations still need to be put in place, and CQC has said it will develop this work with stakeholders. Providers should avoid assuming what the requirements will look like. That said, there are sensible steps to take now:

• Work out whether any of your services carry out autism or ADHD diagnostic assessments without offering treatment, as these are the services that currently sit outside CQC regulation.
• Review your clinical governance, record keeping and quality assurance so you understand where you stand today.
• Follow CQC and DHSC announcements so you can act as soon as the registration requirements and timescales are published.
• Think about how you would evidence that your service is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, the five key questions CQC uses to assess services.

How HLTH Compliance can help

If you are unsure whether this change will affect your service, or want support preparing for CQC registration and inspection, get in touch with HLTH Compliance at hlth-compliance.com.

Source: CQC announcement, published 9 October 2026.