The Healthcare Commission has said it will use 'enhanced enforcement powers' to inspect and regulate GP practices when it becomes the Care Quality Commission.

It means GPs in England will face inspection by three different bodies by 2010.

MPS medical director Dr Priya Singh said: 'We are concerned that the demands of yet another regulatory body will be intrusive, and may interfere with the running of already over-stretched GP practices.'

The Care Quality Commission will form next year when the Healthcare Commission, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Mental Health Commission merge.

The new watchdog will extend its current regulation of trusts and hospitals to undertake inspections of private and public primary care providers.

GPs also face revalidation of their licence to practise by the GMC, and Local Improvement Networks will have the power to enter premises and observe certain activities.

tom.ireland@haymarket.com

Healthcare Commission proposals

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