PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Electroconvulsive Therapy: Regulation (19 February 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 6 January 2021 to Question 109529 on Electroconvulsive Therapy, who has overall responsibility for regulating electroconvulsive therapy; and what enforcement powers they have when breaches in guidance occurs.

Asked by:
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour)

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for assessing whether service providers are following the current standards and guidelines on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), including those developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

If the CQC becomes aware of concerns about the use of ECT which may lead to potential regulatory breaches, the CQC may its enforcement powers derived from the Health and Social Care Act 2008. The CQC’s inspectors would review the risk and decide on the appropriate regulatory response, which may include enforcement action.

In addition, the professional regulators set the standards of conduct and performance that regulated professionals must meet to safely practise. Professional regulators have a duty to investigate whether someone on their register is fit to practice if an allegation is made that they do not meet the required standards. Where necessary, the regulator will take action to ensure public safety including restricting or removing a professionals’ right to practise.

Answered by:
Ms Nadine Dorries (Conservative)
25 February 2021