Health and care
What CQC expects when AI is used in adult social care
The Care Quality Commission published its first statement on AI on 21 May 2026. There is no separate AI rulebook, and that is the point.
Checked against the published sources on 2 October 2026.
The short answer
CQC will look at AI through the existing regulations and fundamental standards, particularly safe care and treatment and good governance. It expects AI to support human decisions and not replace them, people to be told and given a choice, staff to be trained, and providers to stay accountable. Using AI does not decide an inspection outcome. How it is governed and used does.
- CQC statement
- 21 May 2026
- Separate AI rules
- None. Existing regulations apply
- Expectation
- AI supports human decisions and does not replace them
- People using services
- Told, and given a choice
Monitoring and consent
People must be told what is being used and why, and given a choice, with an alternative that does not rely on the technology. If a person lacks capacity to decide, the Mental Capacity Act applies: a best interests decision, the least restrictive option, and consideration of whether the arrangements amount to a deprivation of liberty.
Notes the software drafted
CQC expects AI output to be monitored and evaluated by trained staff, and the record is yours once you save it. Check it says what actually happened, in particular anything about medicines, falls, food and fluids, and what the person said.
Your own phone
An app you chose yourself is not covered by your employer's data protection arrangements, and care notes are among the most sensitive information there is. Use only what your employer has approved.
This page explains what the rule says. It is not legal, regulatory, clinical or financial advice on your own position. Rules change, so read the sources listed beside it, and tell us at hello@wajd.co.uk if something here is out of date.
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AI at work, by industry · 1.5 CPD hours
AI in adult social care: what CQC expects, and where dignity comes first
- What CQC expects when AI is used in care 45 minutes
- Consent, dignity and saying no 45 minutes
Questions people ask
Does CQC have rules about AI?
Not a separate set. It looks at AI through the existing regulations and fundamental standards.
Can a care home fit sensors in a bedroom without asking?
No. People must be told and given a choice, and the Mental Capacity Act applies where a person lacks capacity to decide.
Do I need to check a note the care planning software wrote?
Yes. The record is yours once you save it.
Will using AI affect our inspection rating?
Using AI does not decide an inspection outcome. How it is governed and used does.