15(1)In addition to carrying out its other functions, an NHS trust may, as the provider, enter into NHS contracts.E+W
(2)An NHS trust may not, as the provider, enter into an NHS contract for the provision of high security psychiatric services (within the meaning of section 4) unless the NHS trust is approved for the purpose of this paragraph by the Secretary of State.
(3)Such approval—
(a)must be for a period specified in the approval,
(b)may be given subject to conditions, and
(c)may be amended or revoked at any time.