The NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Checklist is the first step to finding out whether someone may be eligible for fully funded NHS care. It’s a quick screening tool completed by a trained professional to determine whether a person should move forward to a full CHC assessment.
The CHC checklist is designed to be quick and simple to complete. It looks at different areas of need, such as mobility, behaviour, nutrition, and cognition and gives each one an A, B, or C score. It will then determine if the individual is positive or negative and therefore should or shouldn’t move forward in the process.
A positive checklist indicates that the person should proceed to a full CHC assessment by the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
A negative checklist means the person does not progress to the next stage, although they may still be eligible for other support, such as NHS‑funded Nursing Care.
Why is the CHC Checklist used?
The checklist is used as the starting stage in the continuing healthcare assessment process. The purpose is to decide whether someone has significant enough needs to warrant a full eligibility assessment. The checklist is in place to ensure that everyone is screened consistently and no one is overlooked.
It also means the NHS can identify people who should be referred to their Integrated Care Board for a detailed CHC assessment using the Decision Support Tool (DST).
It is important to note that the CHC Checklist is not a final decision, and it only determines whether a full assessment is required.
Who completes the CHC Checklist?
The CHC checklist can be completed by several different people, including:
- District nurses
- Social workers
- Other trained healthcare professionals within health and social care teams.
How the CHC Checklist works
The CHC Checklist is a structured, scored screening tool used to determine whether someone should proceed to a full NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment.
Step 1: It assesses the person in several areas of need, and the professional completing the checklist reviews the person’s needs across multiple domains.
- Mobility
- Cognition
- Behaviour
- Nutrition
- Continence
- Breathing
- Skin integrity
- And other key health and care areas.
Each domain is scored A, B or C:
- A = High level of need
- B = Moderate level of need
- C = Low or no need.
Step 2: The scores determine whether the person moves forward. A person will usually be referred for a full CHC assessment if they have:
- Two or more A scores,
- Five or more B scores, or
- One A score and four B scores,
- Or if professionals believe the assessment is appropriate based on overall need.
Step 3: It must be completed by a trained professional. Typically:
- District nurses
- Social workers
- Hospital discharge teams
- Care‑home nurses
- Other trained healthcare professionals
- The person and/or a family member should be involved where possible.
Step 4: It leads to one of two outcomes:
- Positive Checklist – The person is referred to their Integrated Care Board for a full CHC assessment using the Decision Support Tool
- Negative Checklist – CHC does not progress, but the person may still be considered for NHS‑funded Nursing Care or other support.
Learn more: What is a fast-track assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare?
What happens after the Checklist?
After the checklist process has been completed, one of two things will happen, depending on the outcome of the decision:
- If positive – it will be referred to the Integrated Care Board for a full CHC assessment
- If negative – alternative support options such as NHS‑funded nursing care may be considered.
If you have received a negative decision and want some help and guidance on the next steps, or want to look to appeal the decision, we’re here to help you through the process. Contact us today for the support and guidance you’re looking for.
Unsure if you or a loved one qualifies?
If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for CHC funding, don’t delay. We’re here to guide you through every step.
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