Health and Social Care Act 2008

53 Information and advice

(1) The Commission must keep the Secretary of State informed about the following matters—

(a) the provision of NHS care;

(b) the provision of adult social services;

(c) the carrying on of regulated activities.

(2) The Commission may at any time give the Secretary of State advice on anything connected with those matters.

(3) Advice under subsection (2) may in particular include advice on any changes that the Commission thinks should be made to—

(a) regulations under section 20 (regulation of regulated activities),

(b) a code of practice under section 21 (code of practice relating to health care associated infections), or

(c) a statement of standards under section 45 (health care standards set by the Secretary of State).

(4) When requested to do so by the Secretary of State, the Commission must give the Secretary of State such advice or information in connection with a matter mentioned in subsection (1) as may be specified in the request.

(5) The Commission may give advice—

(a) to the Secretary of State or an English NHS body about the establishment or conduct of any inquiry held, or to be held, by the Secretary of State or NHS body in relation to the provision of health care by or pursuant to arrangements made by that body;

(b) to the Secretary of State or an English local authority about the establishment or conduct of any inquiry held, or to be held, by the Secretary of State or local authority in relation to the provision of adult social services by or pursuant to arrangements made by that authority.