NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment request

Letter requesting a Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Checklist assessment for someone with complex health needs, the first step toward fully NHS-funded care.

Draft template. This letter is being reviewed by a regulated solicitor before publication. You can use it now as a starting point, but read the surrounding guide carefully and consider getting free legal advice before sending.

CHC is free, fully NHS-funded, and not means-tested. Many self-funders should be CHC-funded but never had an assessment — particularly people in care homes with complex/dementia/end-of-life needs. Send to the ICB Continuing Healthcare team (find your ICB at nhs.uk/find-icb). The National Framework 2022 governs the process. Refusals can be appealed via Local Resolution → NHS England Independent Review Panel.

AI cross-check (2026-06-15) — pending regulated solicitor sign-off

This letter cites the following authority, which the AI has checked against current GOV.UK / legislation.gov.uk:

  • National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded Nursing Care (2022 revised): confirmed as the current governing framework. DHSC publishes the Framework and the 2022 edition is currently in force. The four key indicators (Nature, Complexity, Intensity, Unpredictability) are correctly stated.
  • 28-day CHC Checklist timeline: the National Framework recommends this as a target rather than a hard statutory deadline — correctly characterised as an expectation in the letter.
  • 12 care domains: confirmed as the domains used in the Decision Support Tool (DST) under the 2022 National Framework.
  • Fast Track Pathway Tool: confirmed as the correct mechanism for rapidly deteriorating conditions with terminal prognosis; should not require a full DST.
  • NHS England Independent Review Panel: the appeals route is Local Resolution then NHS England's Independent Review Panel — confirmed as the current route. Note that following the NHS reorganisation under the Health and Care Act 2022, NHS England took on some functions previously held by CCGs (which were abolished and replaced by ICBs in July 2022).

Reviewer focus areas: (1) Confirm whether there has been any update to the National Framework since the 2022 revision. (2) The letter references ICBs (Integrated Care Boards) — confirm that this is the correct addressee following the 2022 NHS reorganisation (abolished CCGs). (3) The Fast Track paragraph should clarify that a Fast Track assessment does not require a DST; reviewer should confirm the current process has not changed. (4) Verify the current NHS England Independent Review Panel process and contact details are up to date.

This AI cross-check is an aid only; final sign-off requires a regulated solicitor.

Your details

10-digit number, on prescription forms or NHS letters.

For example: "NHS South West London Integrated Care Board". Find at nhs.uk/find-icb.

Conditions, nature/complexity/intensity/unpredictability of needs.

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek qualified legal help if your situation requires it.