What is the CHC Checklist — and What Happens After It?

The CHC Checklist is the first stage of the NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment process. It is a brief screening tool completed by a healthcare professional — typically a nurse, social worker or occupational therapist — to determine whether a person should proceed to a full Multidisciplinary Team Assessment for CHC eligibility.

Who completes it?

Any healthcare professional involved in a person's care can complete a CHC Checklist — including hospital staff, community nurses, GPs, or social workers. Families can also request that a checklist is completed if they believe their loved one may be eligible and no one has initiated the process.

What does it cover?

The checklist reviews 11 care domains, rating the level of need in each. If two or more domains are rated at the highest level, or five or more domains at the second-highest level, the checklist is considered positive and a full MDT assessment must be arranged. A positive checklist does not confirm CHC eligibility — it simply triggers the next stage.

What if the checklist is negative?

If the checklist is negative, no full MDT assessment takes place. However, families have the right to request a review of the checklist decision if they believe the person's needs were underrepresented. A negative checklist should be accompanied by a clear explanation of the decision.

The most important thing to know

Many people who should have a checklist completed never have one — particularly during hospital discharge, when the process is overlooked under time pressure. Requesting a checklist proactively is your right, and it costs nothing.

We help families understand whether a CHC Checklist should be requested and what to do if the outcome does not reflect your loved one's genuine needs. Speak to us →