The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is tasked with registering, reviewing, inspecting and reporting on health and social care standards in England. They provide standards under the Fundamental Standards of Quality and Safety. The following standards are inspected as part of an external audit which can be planned or unannounced:

• Accessing up-to-date policies
• Staff training
• Ordering medication
• Receiving medication
• Appropriateness od medication storage
• The administration of medicines including self-administration
• Evidence that manufacturers policies are being followed
• Information exchange when administering medication
• Records associated with medication
• Disposal of medication