Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing providers no longer need to register with CQC.
On 15 December 2020, the law changed. Coronavirus testing has been exempted as a regulated activity under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
This means that any testing activity in relation to coronavirus has been taken out of scope of CQC registration. The new Coronavirus, Testing Requirements and Standards (England) Regulations 2020 require all private coronavirus test providers to become accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Care home providers
Under your existing regulated activities, care home providers can test residents, staff or visitors by taking and analysing swab specimens. You do not need to apply for diagnostic and screening procedures to carry out testing.