44.This section sets out the framework for applications for registration. Subsection (1) requires that the application for registration must be made to the Commission. Subsection (2) sets out what an application must include. For the purposes of the Act “person” does not only mean an individual but includes, for example, a company or firm.
45.Subsection (3) requires a person providing more than one care service to apply for registration for both services. This would mean, for example, that someone who provides a care home and a separate home care service would have to make a separate application for each. But someone who provides a care home which includes some day care provision might only need to apply once. Scottish Ministers will issue detailed guidance to the Commission on how to register different branches of care services, but it will be for the Commission to decide on receipt of applications whether services could be registered as one or not.
46.Subsections (4) and (5) require that where a person is providing a care service from two or more settings, each setting must be registered as a separate service ie a provider who has more than one care home has to register each. This is to cover situations whereby an organisation or business operates a number of care services but effectively manages them each individually on a day to day basis.
47.Subsection (7) provides that section 7 does not apply to local authority adoption and fostering services and any other care services registered under Part 2 of the Act.