Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972

PART II N.I. MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE MINISTRY

General duty of Ministry N.I.

4.  F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1 Art. 4 repealed (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 3(3), Sch. 7; S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

Provision of accommodation and medical services, etc. N.I.

5.—(1) The Ministry shall provide throughout Northern Ireland, to such extent as it considers necessary, accommodation and services of the following descriptions—

(a) hospital accommodation, including accommodation within the meaning of[F2 Article 110 of the Mental Health Order];

(b) premises, other than hospitals, at which facilities are available for all or any of the services provided under this Order [F3 or the 2009 Act];

(c) medical, nursing and other services whether in such accommodation or premises, in the home of the patient or elsewhere.

(2) In addition to its functions under paragraph (1), the Ministry may provide such other accommodation and services not otherwise specifically provided for by this Order [F3 or the 2009 Act] as it considers conducive to efficient and sympathetic working of any hospital or service under its control, and, in relation to any person and notwithstanding anything contained in [F4 section 2(1)(a) of the 2009 Act], to provide or arrange for the provision of such accommodation or services, and in connection therewith, to incur such expenditure as is necessary or expedient on medical grounds.

(3) Where accommodation or premises provided under this Article afford facilities for the provision of[F5 primary medical services, of general] dental or ophthalmic services or of pharmaceutical services, they shall be made available for those services on such terms and conditions as the Ministry may determine.

(4) The Ministry may permit any person to whom this paragraph applies to use for the purpose of private practice, on such terms and conditions as the Ministry may determine, the facilities available at accommodation or premises provided under this Article.

(5) The persons to whom paragraph (4) applies, being persons who provide services under this Order [F3 or the 2009 Act], are as follows:—

(a) medical practitioners;

[F5 (aa) persons providing primary medical services under a general medical services contract or in accordance with Article 15B arrangements;]

(b) dental practitioners;

(c) ophthalmicF6 . . . opticians;

(d) pharmacists; and

(e) such other persons as the Ministry may determine.

F2 1986 NI 4

F3 Words in art. 5 inserted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 3(4)(a); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F4 Words in art. 5(2) substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 3(4)(b); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F5 2004 NI 2

F6 1984 NI 8

Provision of general [F7 health care] N.I.

6.— [F8 (1)] The Ministry shall secure the provision of[F8 primary medical services, of general] dental and ophthalmic services and of pharmaceutical services in accordance with Part VI.

[F8 (2) Services provided under Article 56(2) or under a general medical services contract are to be regarded as provided by the Department in pursuance of its functions under paragraph (1).]

F7 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(b); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F8 2004 NI 2

Prevention of illness, care and after-care N.I.

7.—(1) The Ministry shall make arrangements, to such extent as it considers necessary, for the purposes of the prevention of illness, the care of persons suffering from illness or the after-care of such persons.

(2) The Ministry may recover from persons availing themselves of any service provided by the Ministry under this Article, otherwise than in a hospital, such charges (if any) in respect of the service as the Ministry considers appropriate.

[F9 (3) No arrangements made under paragraph (1) may be given effect to in relation to a person to whom section 115 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 applies solely—

(a) because he is destitute; or

(b) because of the physical effects, or anticipated physical effects, of his being destitute.

F10 (3A) Subsections (3) and (5) to (8) of section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and paragraph 2 of Schedule 8 to that Act, apply for the purposes of paragraph (3) as they apply for the purposes of that section, but for the references in subsections (5) and (7) of that section and in paragraph 2 of that Schedule to the Secretary of State substitute references to the Department.]

F9 1999 c.33

F10 prosp. subst. by 2002 c. 41

Care of mothers and young children N.I.

8.—(1) The Ministry shall make arrangements, to such extent as it considers necessary, for the care, including in particular the medical and dental care, of expectant and nursing mothers, and of young children.

(2) The Ministry may recover from persons availing themselves of any service provided by the Ministry under this Article, otherwise than in a hospital, such charges (if any) in respect of the service or articles provided in connection with the service as the Ministry considers appropriate.

Medical and dental inspection, etc., of school children and young persons N.I.

9.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), the Ministry shall provide for the medicalF11 . . . inspection, at appropriate intervals, and for the medicalF11 . . . supervision of persons—

(a) in full-time attendance at any grant-aided school or for whom special arrangements have been made[F12 under[F13 Article 86 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998] or Article 10(1)(b) of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996];

Sub-para. (b) rep. by 1987 NI 2

[F11 (1A) Subject to paragraph (4), the Department shall provide, to such extent as it considers necessary to meet all reasonable requirements—

(a) for the dental inspection of such persons as are mentioned in paragraph (1);

(b) for the dental supervision of such persons; and

(c) for the education of such persons in dental health.]

(2) For the purpose of securing the proper medical and dental inspection of persons such as are mentioned in paragraph (1)( a) the Ministry may require the parents of any such persons to submit the persons for medical or dental inspection in accordance with arrangements made by the Ministry, and any parent who fails without reasonable excuse to comply with any such requirement shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding[F14 £50].

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the Ministry shall make such arrangements as are necessary for securing that there are available for persons such as are mentioned in paragraph (1) comprehensive facilities for medical and dental treatment.

(4) [F11 Paragraphs (1), (1A)] and (3) shall not apply in the case of persons in attendance at any voluntary grammar school the managers of which have, by means of a scheme framed by them and approved by the Ministry, made provision for the medical and dental inspection, supervision and treatment of persons in attendance at that school[F11 and for the education of such persons in dental health].

(5) The managers of a voluntary grammar school to which paragraph (4) applies shall keep such records, and shall make such returns, as the Ministry may prescribe or direct.

(6) In any case where the managers of a voluntary grammar school[F11 make, by means of a scheme approved by the Department, such provision as is mentioned in paragraph (4), then, in respect of each person for whom any service is provided under such provision,] the Ministry shall pay to the managers such sum as it may determine.

(7) The Ministry may, with the consent of the proprietor of any independent school, and on such financial and other terms (if any) as may be agreed between the Ministry and the proprietor of the school, make arrangements for the provision of medical and dental inspection, supervision and treatment of persons in attendance at the school[F11 and for the education of such persons in dental health]; so however that any such arrangements shall be such as to secure, so far as is practicable, that the expense incurred by the Ministry in connection with the provision under the arrangements of any service shall not exceed the expense which would have been incurred by it in the provision thereof if the persons had been persons in attendance at a grant-aided school.

(8) In this Article—

• “dental inspection” and “dental supervision” mean, respectively, inspection and supervision by a dental practitioner;

• “dental treatment” includes prevention and treatment of dental disease by or (so far as permitted by law) under the direction of a dental practitioner and the supply of appliances on the recommendation of such practitioner, but does not, in relation to any person other than a person for whom special arrangements have been made[F12 as mentioned in paragraph (1)(a)]F15 . . . , include treatment in that person's home;

• “medical inspection” and “medical supervision” mean, respectively, inspection and supervision by or under the direction of a medical practitioner;

• “medical treatment” includes prevention and treatment of disease by a medical practitioner, and the supply of appliances on the recommendation of such practitioner, but does not, in relation to any person other than a person for whom special arrangements have been made[F12 as mentioned in paragraph (1)(a)]F15 . . . , include treatment in that person's home.

F11 1988 NI 24

F12 1996 NI 1

F13 1998 NI 13

F14 1984 NI 3

F15 1987 NI 2

Ancillary services N.I.

10.—(1) Without prejudice to the generality of Article 5 the Ministry shall make arrangements, to such extent as it considers necessary, for—

(a) providing or securing the provision of ambulances and other means of transport for the conveyance of persons suffering from illness, expectant or nursing mothers or of other persons for whom such transport is reasonably required in order to avail themselves of any service under this Order [F16 or the 2009 Act];

(b) providing or securing the provision of a laboratory service for the purpose of the prevention or cure or restriction of the incidence of disease, or the promotion of the health of the people;

(c) providing or securing the provision of a service of diagnostic radiology; and

(d) making available to medical practitioners and other persons who require them supplies of human blood for the purpose of carrying out blood transfusion or supplies of any other substances or preparations not readily obtainable.

(2) The Ministry shall determine the terms, including terms as to the payment of charges, and conditions on which the several services referred to in paragraph (1) shall be provided.

F16 Words in art. 10(1)(a) inserted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 3(5); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

Vaccination and immunisation N.I.

11.—(1) The Ministry may make arrangements with medical practitioners for the vaccination or immunisation of persons against any disease, either by medical practitioners or by persons acting under their direction and control.

(2) In making arrangements under this Article, the Ministry shall, in so far as is reasonably practicable, give every medical practitioner providing[F17 primary medical services] under Part VI[F18 and every person providing, and every medical practitioner performing,[F17 primary medical services] in accordance with Article 15B arrangements] an opportunity to provide services under this Article.

(3) The Ministry may, either directly or by entering into arrangements with such persons as it thinks fit, supply free of charge to medical practitioners providing services under this Article vaccines, sera or other substances for vaccinating or immunising persons against any disease.

F17 2004 NI 2

F18 1997 NI 7

Family planning N.I.

12.—(1) The Ministry shall make arrangments, to such extent as it considers necessary, for the giving of advice on contraception, the medical examination of persons seeking advice on contraception, the treatment of such persons and the supply of contraceptive substances or appliances.

(2) The Ministry may recover from persons availing themselves of any service under this Article such charges (if any) as the Ministry considers appropriate.

Educational and research facilities N.I.

13.  The Ministry shall make available such facilities, in any premises provided by it under this Order [F19 or the 2009 Act], as appear to the Ministry to be reasonably required for under-graduate and post-graduate clinical teaching and research.

F19 Words in art. 13 inserted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 3(5); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

Health education N.I.

14.  The Ministry may disseminate, by whatever means it thinks fit, information relating to the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention of illness.

[F20 Arrangements for provision of [F21 health care] by other bodies or persons N.I.

14A.— (1) The Department may make arrangements for the provision by any other body or person of any of the [F21 health care] on such terms and conditions as may be agreed between the Department and that other body or person.

(2) The Department may assist any body or person carrying out any arrangements under paragraph (1) by—

(a) permitting that body or person to use premises belonging to the Department;

(b) making available vehicles, equipment, goods or materials; and

(c) making available the services of any staff who are employed in connection with the premises or other things which the Department permits the body or person to use,

on such terms and conditions as may be agreed between the Department and that body or person.]

F20 1992 NI 20

F21 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(b); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

Reimbursement of the cost of health care services secured in another EEA state where expenditure was incurred on or after 10th May 2012 but before 27th December 2013 N.I.

F22 14B.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F22 Arts. 14B-14E omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Health Services (Cross-Border Health Care and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/784), regs. 1(1), 2(3) (with regs. 11, 12) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1348, regs. 14, 16); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Prior authorisation for the purposes of Article 14B(3)(b) or (c) N.I.

F22 14C.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F22 Arts. 14B-14E omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Health Services (Cross-Border Health Care and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/784), regs. 1(1), 2(3) (with regs. 11, 12) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1348, regs. 14, 16); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Reimbursement of the cost of health services secured in another EEA state where expenditure occurred on or after 27th December 2013 N.I.

F22 14D.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F22 Arts. 14B-14E omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Health Services (Cross-Border Health Care and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/784), regs. 1(1), 2(3) (with regs. 11, 12) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1348, regs. 14, 16); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Prior authorisation for the purposes of Article 14D(5)(c) and (7) N.I.

F22 14E.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F22 Arts. 14B-14E omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Health Services (Cross-Border Health Care and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/784), regs. 1(1), 2(3) (with regs. 11, 12) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1348, regs. 14, 16); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

General social welfare N.I.

15.—F23 (1) In the exercise of its functions under [F24 section 2(1)(b) of the 2009 Act] the Ministry shall make available advice, guidance and assistance, to such extent as it considers necessary, and for that purpose shall make such arrangements and provide or secure the provision of such facilities (including the provision or arranging for the provision of residential or other accommodation, home help and laundry facilities) as it considers suitable and adequate.

[F25 (1A) Arrangements under paragraph (1) may include arrangements for the provision by any other body or person of any of the [F26 social care] on such terms and conditions as may be agreed between the Department and that other body or person.

(1B) The Department may assist any body or person carrying out any arrangements under paragraph (1) by—

(a) permitting that body or person to use premises belonging to the Department;

(b) making available vehicles, equipment, goods or materials; and

(c) making available the services of any staff who are employed in connection with the premises or other things which the Department permits the body or person to use,

on such terms and conditions as may be agreed between the Department and that body or person.]

(2) Assistance under paragraph (1) may be given to, or in respect of, a person in need requiring assistance in kind or, in exceptional circumstances constituting an emergency, in cash; so however that before giving assistance to, or in respect of, a person in cash the Ministry shall have regard to his eligibility for receiving assistance from any other statutory body, and, if he is so eligible, to the availability to him of that assistance in his time of need.

(3) Where under paragraph (1) the Ministry makes arrangements or provides or secures the provision of facilities for the engagement of persons in need (whether under a contract of service or otherwise) in suitable work, the Ministry may assist such persons in disposing of the produce of their work.

(4) F27 . . . the Ministry may recover in respect of any assistance, help or facilities under this Article such charges (if any) as the Ministry considers appropriate.

[F27 (5) In so far as it relates to the provision of accommodation, this Article is subject to Articles 36,F28 . . . and 99.]

[F29 (6) Assistance may not be provided under paragraph (1) in respect of any person to whom section 115 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 applies if his need for assistance has arisen solely—

(a) because he is destitute, or

(b) because of the physical effects, or anticipated physical effects, of his being destitute.

F30 (7) Subsections (3) to (8) of section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and paragraph 2 of Schedule 8 to that Act, apply for the purposes of paragraph (6) as they apply for the purposes of that section, but for references to the Secretary of State in subsections (5) and (7) of that section and in paragraph 2 of that Schedule substitute references to the Department.]

F23 1978 NI 26; 1978 c.53

F24 Words in art. 15(1) substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 3(6); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F25 1992 NI 20

F26 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(a); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F27 1991 NI 1

F28 2002 c. 5 (NI)

F29 1999 c.33

F30 prosp. subst. by 2002 c. 41

Art. 15A. rep. by 2002 c.6(NI)

[F31 Provision of primary medical services or personal dental services] N.I.

F31 2004 N.I. 2

[F32 Primary medical services or personal dental services] N.I.

15B.—(1) A Health and Social Services Board may make one or more agreements with respect to its area, in accordance with the provisions of regulations under Article 15D, under which—

(a) [F33 primary medical services] are provided (otherwise than by the Board); or

(b) personal dental services are provided (otherwise than by the Board).

(2) An agreement made under this Article—

(a) may not combine arrangements for the provision of [F33 primary medical services] with arrangements for the provision of personal dental services; but

(b) may include arrangements for the provision of [F34 health care]—

(i) which are not [F33 primary medical services] or personal dental services; but

(ii) which may be provided under this Part.

(3) Except to such extent as may be prescribed—

sub-para. (a) rep. by 2004 NI 2

(b) a patient for whom personal dental services are provided under an agreement made under this Article is not to count as a person for whom arrangements must be made by the Health and Social Services Board concerned under Article 61.

(4) This Order has effect, in relation to F33 . . . personal dental services provided under an agreement made under this Article, as if those services were provided as a result of the delegation by the Department (by directions given under Article 17) of functions of the Department F35 . . . .

(5) The functions of a Health and Social Services Board in relation to an agreement made under this Article are primary functions of the Board for the purposes of Article 9 of the 1991 Order.

(6) For the purposes of this Article—

• Definition rep. by 2004 NI 2

• "personal dental services" means dental services of a kind that may be provided by a general dental practitioner in accordance with arrangements made under Part VI.

F32 Arts. 15B, 15C and preceding cross-heading inserted (1.4.2004 for certain purposes) by Health Services (Primary Care) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/1177), arts. 1(2), 21; S.R. 2004/133, art. 2(1)

F33 2004 NI 2

F34 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(b); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F35 Words in art. 15B(4) repealed (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 7; S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

[F36 Persons with whom agreements may be made N.I.

15C.— (1) A Health and Social Services Board may make an agreement under Article 15B only with one or more of the following—

(a) an [F37 HSC trust];

(b) in the case of an agreement under which primary medical services are provided—

(i) a medical practitioner who satisfies the prescribed conditions;

(ii) a health care professional who satisfies the prescribed conditions;

(iii) an individual who is providing services—

(A) under a general medical services contract;

(B) in accordance with Article 15B arrangements, section 28C arrangements or Article 17C arrangements; or

(C) under section 28Q of the National Health Service Act 1977 or section 19 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978;

or has so provided them within such period as may be prescribed;]

(c) in the case of an agreement under which personal dental services are provided—

(i) a qualifying dental practitioner;

(ii) an individual who is providing personal dental services in accordance with Article 15B arrangements;

(d) an [F38 HSC employee] or an Article 15B employee;

(e) a qualifying body.

[F39 (1A) The power under paragraph (1) to make an agreement with a person falling within sub-paragraph (b)(iii), or (in the case of an agreement under which primary medical services are provided), sub-paragraph (d), of that paragraph is subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.]

(2) In this Article—

• [F39 “Article 15B employee” means a person who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with Article 15B arrangements, is employed by an individual providing or performing those services;]

• [F39 “health care professional” means a member of a profession which is regulated by a body mentioned (at the time the agreement is made) in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17);]

• “ [F38 HSC employee]” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of [F40 health care][F39 in Northern Ireland, England and Wales or Scotland], is employed by—

  (a)

  an [F37 HSC trust][F39 in Northern Ireland, or an NHS trust or NHS foundation trust in England and Wales];

  (b)

  [F39 a Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland, F41 ... a Local Health Board in Wales or a Health Board in Scotland;

  (bb)

  a person who is providing services under a general medical services contract;

  (bc)

  an individual who is providing services as specified in paragraph [F42 (1)(b)(iii)(C)] ;]

  (c)

  in the case of an agreement under which personal dental services are provided—

  (i)

  a dental practitioner whose name is included in a list prepared in accordance with regulations made under Article 61(2)(a); or

  (ii)

  a dental practitioner who is providing personal dental services in accordance with Article 15B arrangements;

• “qualifying body” means—

  (a)

  a company which is limited by shares all of which are legally and beneficially owned by persons falling within sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of paragraph (1); and also

  (b)

  in the case of an agreement under which personal dental services are provided, a body corporate which, in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Dentists Act 1984, is entitled to carry on the business of dentistry;

• “qualifying dental practitioner” means a dental practitioner who satisfies the conditions imposed by regulations made under Article 15D(2)(b);

• F39 . . .

• [F39 “section 17C employee” means a person who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with arrangements under section 17C of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, is employed by an individual providing or performing those services;]

• [F39 “section 28C employee” means a person who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with arrangements under section 28C of the National Health Service Act 1977, is employed by an individual providing or performing those services;]

• F39 . . .

F36 Arts. 15B, 15C and preceding cross-heading inserted (1.4.2004 for certain purposes) by Health Services (Primary Care) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/1177), arts. 1(2), 21; S.R. 2004/133, art. 2(1)

F37 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(d); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F38 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(f); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F39 2004 NI 2

F40 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(b); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F41 Words in art. 15C(2) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The National Treatment Agency (Abolition) and the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/235), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 2

F42 Word in art. 15C(2) substituted (13.6.2016) by Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 26), ss. 13(3)(a)(i), 20(2)

[F43 [F44 Primary medical services or personal] dental services: regulations N.I.

15D.— (1) The Department may make regulations with respect to the provision of services in accordance with Article 15B arrangements.

(2) The regulations must—

(a) include provision for participants other than Health and Social Services Boards to withdraw from Article 15B arrangements if they wish to do so;

(b) impose conditions (including conditions as to qualifications and experience) to be satisfied byF45 . . . dental practitioners performing personal dental services, in accordance with Article 15B arrangements.

In sub-paragraph (b) “practitioner” does not include a practitioner who is undergoing training of a prescribed description.

(3) The regulations may, in particular—

(a) provide that Article 15B arrangements may be made only in prescribed circumstances;

(b) provide that Article 15B arrangements may be made only in prescribed areas;

(c) provide that only prescribed services, or prescribed categories of service, may be provided in accordance with Article 15B arrangements;

[F46 (ca) impose conditions (including conditions as to qualifications and experience) to be satisfied by persons performing primary medical services in accordance with Article 15B arrangements;]

(d) require details of Article 15B arrangements to be published;

(e) make provision with respect to the variation and termination of Article 15B arrangements;

sub-paras. (f) and (g) rep. by 2004 NI 2

(h) provide for parties to Article 15B arrangements to be treated, in such circumstances and to such extent as may be prescribed, as [F47 health care] bodies for the purposes of Article 8 of the 1991 Order;

(i) provide for directions, as to payments, made under Article 8(8) of the 1991 Order (as it has effect as a result of regulations made by virtue of sub-paragraph (h)) to be enforceable in a county court (if the court so orders) as if they were judgments or orders of that court;

(j) authorise Health and Social Services Boards to make[F48 with respect to the provision of personal dental services] payments of financial assistance for prescribed categories of preparatory work undertaken⿿

(i) in connection with preparing proposals for Article 15B arrangements; or

(ii) in preparation for the provision of services under proposed Article 15B arrangements.

[F49 (3A) The regulations may also require payments to be made under Article 15B arrangements in accordance with directions given for the purpose by the Department.

(3B) A direction under paragraph (3A) may make provision having effect from a date before the date of the direction, provided that, having regard to the direction as a whole, the provision is not detrimental to the persons to whose remuneration it relates.

(3C) The regulations may also include provision requiring a Health and Social Services Board, in prescribed circumstances and subject to prescribed conditions, to enter into a general medical services contract on prescribed terms with any person providing services under Article 15B arrangements who so requests.

(3D) The regulations may also include provision for the resolution of disputes as to the terms of any proposed Article 15B arrangements, and in particular may make provision—

(a) for the referral of the terms of the proposed arrangements to the Department; and

(b) for the Department, or a person appointed by it, to determine the terms on which the arrangements may be entered into.

(3E) The regulations shall provide for the circumstances in which a person providing primary medical services under Article 15B arrangements—

(a) shall or may accept a person as a patient to whom such services are so provided;

(b) may decline to accept a person as such a patient;

(c) may terminate his responsibility for a patient.

(3F) The regulations shall make provision as to the right of patients to choose the persons from whom they are to receive services under Article 15B arrangements.]

• Para. (4) rep. by 2001 c.3 (NI)

• Para. (5) rep. by 2004 NI 2

(6) Regulations which impose conditions on persons performing[F50 primary medical services] or persons performing personal dental services (whether made by virtue of paragraph (2)(b) or otherwise) may, in particular, include provision of a kind that may be made by regulations under Article 8 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

Para. (7) rep. by 2004 NI 2]

F43 1997 NI 7

F44 2004 NI 2

F45 2004 NI 2

F46 2004 NI 2

F47 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), s. 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(b); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F48 2004 NI 2

F49 2004 NI 2

F50 2004 NI 2

Art. 15E rep. by 2004 NI 2

[F51 Right to choose dental practitioner N.I.

15F.— (1) Provision shall be made in regulations for conferring a right on any person to choose the dental practitioner from whom he is to receive primary dental services, subject to the consent of the practitioner concerned.

(2) The regulations shall, in particular, prescribe the procedure for choosing a practitioner.

(3) In this Article “primary dental services” means dental services which are—

(a) provided, in accordance with Article 15B arrangements, as personal dental services; or

(b) provided under Part VI as general dental services.]

F51 1997 NI 7