National Health Service Act 2006

Part 1 Promotion and provision of the health service in England

The Secretary of State and the health service in England

1 Secretary of State’s duty to promote health service

(1) The Secretary of State must continue the promotion in England of a comprehensive health service designed to secure improvement—

(a) in the physical and mental health of the people of England, and

(b) in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness.

(2) The Secretary of State must for that purpose provide or secure the provision of services in accordance with this Act.

(3) The services so provided must be free of charge except in so far as the making and recovery of charges is expressly provided for by or under any enactment, whenever passed.

General power to provide services

2 Secretary of State’s general power

(1) The Secretary of State may—

(a) provide such services as he considers appropriate for the purpose of discharging any duty imposed on him by this Act, and

(b) do anything else which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the discharge of such a duty.

(2) Subsection (1) does not affect—

(a) the Secretary of State’s powers apart from this section,

(b) Chapter 1 of Part 7 (pharmaceutical services).

Provision of particular services

3 Secretary of State’s duty as to provision of certain services

(1) The Secretary of State must provide throughout England, to such extent as he considers necessary to meet all reasonable requirements—

(a) hospital accommodation,

(b) other accommodation for the purpose of any service provided under this Act,

(c) medical, dental, ophthalmic, nursing and ambulance services,

(d) such other services or facilities for the care of pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding and young children as he considers are appropriate as part of the health service,

(e) such other services or facilities for the prevention of illness, the care of persons suffering from illness and the after-care of persons who have suffered from illness as he considers are appropriate as part of the health service,

(f) such other services or facilities as are required for the diagnosis and treatment of illness.

(2) For the purposes of the duty in subsection (1), services provided under—

(a) section 83(2) (primary medical services), section 99(2) (primary dental services) or section 115(4) (primary ophthalmic services), or

(b) a general medical services contract, a general dental services contract or a general ophthalmic services contract,

must be regarded as provided by the Secretary of State.

(3) This section does not affect Chapter 1 of Part 7 (pharmaceutical services).

4 High security psychiatric services

(1) The Secretary of State’s duty under section 1 includes a duty to provide hospital accommodation and services for persons who—

(a) are liable to be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20), and

(b) in the opinion of the Secretary of State require treatment under conditions of high security on account of their dangerous, violent or criminal propensities.

(2) The hospital accommodation and services mentioned in subsection (1) are referred to in this section and paragraph 15 of Schedule 4 (NHS trusts) as “high security psychiatric services”.

(3) High security psychiatric services may be provided only at hospital premises at which services are provided only for the persons mentioned in subsection (1).

(4) “Hospital premises” means—

(a) a hospital, or

(b) any part of a hospital which is treated as a separate unit.

5 Other services

Schedule 1 makes further provision about the Secretary of State and services under this Act.

Provision of services otherwise than in England

6 Performance of functions outside England

(1) The Secretary of State may provide or secure the provision of anything mentioned in section 3(1) outside England.

(2) The Secretary of State’s functions may be performed outside England and Wales, in so far as they relate to—

(a) holidays for patients,

(b) the transfer of patients to or from Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, or

(c) the return of patients who have received treatment in England and Wales, to countries or territories outside the British Islands (including for this purpose the Republic of Ireland).

Exercise and distribution of functions

7 Distribution of health service functions

(1) The Secretary of State may direct a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust or a Special Health Authority to exercise any of his functions relating to the health service which are specified in the directions.

(2) The Secretary of State may direct a Special Health Authority to exercise any functions of a Strategic Health Authority or a Primary Care Trust which are specified in the directions.

(3) The functions which may be specified in directions include functions under enactments relating to mental health and care homes.

8 Secretary of State’s directions to health service bodies

(1) The Secretary of State may give directions to any of the bodies mentioned in subsection (2) about its exercise of any functions.

(2) The bodies are—

(a) Strategic Health Authorities,

(b) Primary Care Trusts,

(c) NHS trusts, and

(d) Special Health Authorities.

(3) Nothing in provision made by or under this or any other Act affects the generality of subsection (1).

NHS contracts

9 NHS contracts

(1) In this Act, an NHS contract is an arrangement under which one health service body (“the commissioner”) arranges for the provision to it by another health service body (“the provider”) of goods or services which it reasonably requires for the purposes of its functions.

(2) Section 139(6) (NHS contracts and the provision of local pharmaceutical services under pilot schemes) makes further provision about acting as commissioner for the purposes of subsection (1).

(3) Paragraph 15 of Schedule 4 (NHS trusts and NHS contracts) makes further provision about an NHS trust acting as provider for the purposes of subsection (1).

(4) “Health service body” means any of the following—

(a) a Strategic Health Authority,

(b) a Primary Care Trust,

(c) an NHS trust,

(d) a Special Health Authority,

(e) a Local Health Board,

(f) a Health Board constituted under section 2 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29),

(g) a Health and Social Services Board constituted under the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)),

(h) the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service,

(i) the Wales Centre for Health,

(j) the Health Protection Agency,

(k) the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection,

(l) the Scottish Dental Practice Board,

(m) the Secretary of State,

(n) the Welsh Ministers,

(o) the Northern Ireland Central Services Agency for the Health and Social Services established under the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972,

(p) a special health and social services agency established under the Health and Personal Social Services (Special Agencies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 (S.I. 1990/247 (N.I.3)),

(q) a Health and Social Services trust established under the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/194 (N.I.1)),

(r) the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

(5) Whether or not an arrangement which constitutes an NHS contract would apart from this subsection be a contract in law, it must not be regarded for any purpose as giving rise to contractual rights or liabilities.

(6) But if any dispute arises with respect to such an arrangement, either party may refer the matter to the Secretary of State for determination under this section.

(7) If, in the course of negotiations intending to lead to an arrangement which will be an NHS contract, it appears to a health service body—

(a) that the terms proposed by another health service body are unfair by reason that the other is seeking to take advantage of its position as the only, or the only practicable, provider of the goods or services concerned or by reason of any other unequal bargaining position as between the prospective parties to the proposed arrangement, or

(b) that for any other reason arising out of the relative bargaining position of the prospective parties any of the terms of the proposed arrangement cannot be agreed,

that health service body may refer the terms of the proposed arrangement to the Secretary of State for determination under this section.

(8) Where a reference is made to the Secretary of State under subsection (6) or (7), he may determine the matter himself or appoint a person to consider and determine it in accordance with regulations.

(9) “The appropriate person” means the Secretary of State or the person appointed under subsection (8).

(10) By the determination of a reference under subsection (7) the appropriate person may specify terms to be included in the proposed arrangement and may direct that it be proceeded with.

(11) A determination of a reference under subsection (6) may contain such directions (including directions as to payment) as the appropriate person considers appropriate to resolve the matter in dispute.

(12) The appropriate person may by the determination in relation to an NHS contract vary the terms of the arrangement or bring it to an end (but this does not affect the generality of the power of determination under subsection (6)).

(13) Where an arrangement is so varied or brought to an end—

(a) subject to paragraph (b), the variation or termination must be treated as being effected by agreement between the parties, and

(b) the directions included in the determination by virtue of subsection (11) may contain such provisions as the appropriate person considers appropriate in order to give effect to the variation or to bring the arrangement to an end.

10 Provision for bodies in Northern Ireland

(1) Subsection (2) applies where a Health and Social Services Board constituted under the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)) or a body mentioned in paragraph (o), (p), (q) or (r) of section 9(4) is a party or prospective party to an arrangement or proposed arrangement which—

(a) falls within the definition of NHS contract in section 9(1), and

(b) also falls within the definition of HSS contract in Article 8 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/194 (N.I.1)).

(2) Subsections (5) to (13) of section 9 apply in relation to the arrangement or proposed arrangement with the substitution for references to the Secretary of State of references to the Secretary of State and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety acting jointly.

11 Arrangements to be treated as NHS contracts

(1) This section applies to any arrangement under which a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust or such other health service body as may be prescribed arrange for the provision to it—

(a) by a contractor under a general ophthalmic services contract,

(b) by a person on an ophthalmic list,

(c) by a person on a pharmaceutical list, or

(d) by a person who has entered into a pharmaceutical care services contract under section 17Q of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29),

of the goods or services mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) The goods or services are those that the body reasonably requires for the purposes of its functions, other than functions under—

(a) section 115 (primary ophthalmic services),

(b) Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 7 (pharmaceutical services and local pharmaceutical services under pilot schemes), or

(c) Part 6 of, or Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 7 of, the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42) (general ophthalmic services and pharmaceutical services and local pharmaceutical services under pilot schemes).

(3) Any such arrangement must be treated as an NHS contract for the purposes of section 9 (other than subsections (7) and (10)).

(4) “Health service body” means a body which is a health service body for the purposes of section 9.

(5) “Ophthalmic list” means a list published in accordance with regulations made under—

(a) section 72(1)(a) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006,

(b) section 26(2)(a) of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, or

(c) Article 62(2)(a) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)).

(6) The reference to a list published in accordance with regulations made under paragraph (a) of section 26(2) of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 is a reference to the first part of the list (referred to in sub-paragraph (i) of that paragraph) which is published in accordance with regulations under that paragraph.

(7) “Pharmaceutical list” includes a list published in accordance with regulations made under—

(a) section 83(2)(a) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, or

(b) Article 63(2A)(a) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972.

Provision of services otherwise than by the Secretary of State

12 Secretary of State’s arrangements with other bodies

(1) The Secretary of State may arrange with any person or body to provide, or assist in providing, any service under this Act.

(2) Arrangements may be made under subsection (1) with voluntary organisations.

(3) The Secretary of State may make available any facilities provided by him for any service under this Act—

(a) to any person or body carrying out any arrangements under subsection (1), or

(b) to any voluntary organisation eligible for assistance under section 64 or section 65 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 (c. 46).

(4) Where facilities are made available under subsection (3), the Secretary of State may make available the services of any person employed in connection with the facilities by—

(a) the Secretary of State,

(b) a Strategic Health Authority,

(c) a Primary Care Trust,

(d) a Special Health Authority, or

(e) a Local Health Board.

(5) Powers under this section may be exercised on such terms as may be agreed, including terms as to the making of payments by or to the Secretary of State.

(6) Goods or materials may be made available either temporarily or permanently.

(7) Any power to supply goods or materials under this section includes—

(a) a power to purchase and store them, and

(b) a power to arrange with third parties for the supply of goods or materials by those third parties.

Part 2 Health service bodies

Chapter 1 Strategic Health Authorities

13 Strategic Health Authorities

(1) The Strategic Health Authorities established by the Secretary of State continue in existence.

(2) But the Secretary of State may by order—

(a) vary the area in England for which a Strategic Health Authority is established,

(b) abolish a Strategic Health Authority,

(c) establish a new Strategic Health Authority for an area in England,

(d) change the name by which a Strategic Health Authority is known.

(3) A Strategic Health Authority is called such name, in addition to the title “Strategic Health Authority”, as—

(a) appears to the Secretary of State appropriately to signify the connection of the authority with the area for which it is established, and

(b) is specified in the order establishing the authority or in an order changing the name by which the authority is known.

(4) No order may be made under this section until after the completion of such consultation as may be prescribed.

(5) Consultation requirements in regulations under subsection (4) are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other consultation requirements which may apply.

(6) The Secretary of State must act under this section so as to ensure that the areas for which Strategic Health Authorities are at any time established together comprise the whole of England.

(7) The power under section 272(8) to make incidental or supplemental provision includes, in particular, in its application to orders made under this section, power to make provision for the transfer of staff, property and liabilities.

(8) The liabilities which may be transferred by virtue of this section and section 272(8) to a relevant transferee on the abolition of a Strategic Health Authority include criminal liabilities.

(9) “Relevant transferee” means—

(a) another Strategic Health Authority,

(b) a Primary Care Trust,

(c) an NHS trust,

(d) a Special Health Authority, or

(e) an NHS foundation trust.

(10) Schedule 2 makes further provision about Strategic Health Authorities.

14 Exercise of Strategic Health Authority functions

(1) This section applies to functions exercisable by a Strategic Health Authority under or by virtue of this Act (including this section) or any prescribed provision of any other Act.

(2) Regulations may provide for any of the functions to be exercised—

(a) by another Strategic Health Authority,

(b) by a Special Health Authority, or

(c) jointly with any one or more of the bodies mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) The bodies are—

(a) Primary Care Trusts,

(b) Local Health Boards,

(c) other Strategic Health Authorities.

(4) Regulations may provide—

(a) for any functions to which this section applies to be exercised, on behalf of the Strategic Health Authority by whom they are exercisable, by a committee, sub-committee or officer of the Strategic Health Authority,

(b) for any functions exercisable jointly under subsection (2)(c) to be exercised, on behalf of the health service bodies in question, by a joint committee or joint sub-committee.

15 Strategic Health Authorities' directions

(1) A Strategic Health Authority may, in relation to any specified function of the Strategic Health Authority, direct a Primary Care Trust any part of whose area falls within the Strategic Health Authority’s area to exercise the function.

(2) But a Strategic Health Authority may not so direct a Primary Care Trust in relation to any functions of the Strategic Health Authority arising under section 92 arrangements or section 107 arrangements if the Primary Care Trust is providing any services in accordance with those arrangements.

(3) The Secretary of State may direct Strategic Health Authorities that specified functions of theirs—

(a) are exercisable, or exercisable to (or only to) any specified extent, by Primary Care Trusts, or

(b) are not exercisable by Primary Care Trusts,

and that the power in subsection (1) must be exercised accordingly.

(4) Directions under subsection (3)(a) may include directions that any of the specified functions must be exercised (or exercised to, or only to, any specified extent) jointly with the Strategic Health Authority, or jointly by two or more Primary Care Trusts.

(5) But such directions may be given only if regulations providing for the joint exercise of those functions have been made under section 14 or 19.

(6) “Specified” means specified in the directions.

16 Section 92 arrangements and section 107 arrangements

(1) Each Strategic Health Authority must, in accordance with regulations, perform such functions in relation to section 92 arrangements and section 107 arrangements as may be prescribed.

(2) The regulations may, in particular—

(a) prescribe functions in relation to training,

(b) provide for appeals to the Secretary of State or a prescribed body in relation to prescribed functions.

17 Advice for Strategic Health Authorities

Each Strategic Health Authority must make arrangements with a view to securing that it receives advice appropriate for enabling it effectively to exercise the functions exercisable by it from persons with professional expertise relating to the physical or mental health of individuals.

Chapter 2 Primary Care Trusts

18 Primary Care Trusts

(1) The Primary Care Trusts established by the Secretary of State continue in existence.

(2) But the Secretary of State may by order (a “PCT order”)—

(a) vary the area in England for which a Primary Care Trust is established,

(b) abolish a Primary Care Trust,

(c) establish a new Primary Care Trust for the area in England specified in the order with a view to it exercising functions in relation to the health service.

(3) The Secretary of State must act under this section so as to ensure that the areas for which Primary Care Trusts are at any time established together comprise the whole of England.

(4) A Primary Care Trust must exercise its functions in accordance with any prohibitions or restrictions in a PCT order relating to it.

(5) If any consultation requirements apply, they must be complied with before a PCT order is made.

(6) “Consultation requirements” means requirements about consultation contained in regulations.

(7) Regulations must impose requirements about consultation where a PCT order establishes a Primary Care Trust.

(8) Schedule 3 makes further provision about Primary Care Trusts.

19 Exercise of Primary Care Trust functions

(1) This section applies to functions exercisable by a Primary Care Trust under or by virtue of this Act (including this section) or any prescribed provision of any other Act.

(2) Regulations may provide for any functions to which this section applies to be exercised—

(a) by another Primary Care Trust,

(b) by a Special Health Authority, or

(c) jointly with any one or more of the bodies mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) The bodies are—

(a) Strategic Health Authorities,

(b) NHS trusts,

(c) Local Health Boards, and

(d) other Primary Care Trusts.

(4) Regulations may provide—

(a) for any functions to which this section applies to be exercised, on behalf of the Primary Care Trust by whom they are exercisable, by a committee, sub-committee or officer of the Primary Care Trust,

(b) for any functions which, under this section, are exercisable by a Primary Care Trust jointly with one or more Strategic Health Authorities or other Primary Care Trusts (but not with any NHS trusts) to be exercised, on behalf of the health service bodies in question, by a joint committee or joint sub-committee.

(5) Subsection (6) applies where, by virtue of subsection (2)(b), a Special Health Authority exercises functions of a Primary Care Trust in relation to a general dental services contract.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order make provision for the transfer to the Special Health Authority of the rights and liabilities of the Primary Care Trust under the contract (and for their transfer back to the Primary Care Trust where the Special Health Authority ceases to exercise the functions).

20 Strategic Health Authority directions to Primary Care Trusts

(1) A Strategic Health Authority may give directions to a Primary Care Trust about its exercise of any function.

(2) Directions under this section are subject to any directions given under section 8.

21 Provision of services etc

(1) A Primary Care Trust may provide services under an agreement under—

(a) section 92 (primary medical services), or

(b) section 107 (primary dental services),

and may do so as a member of a qualifying body (within the meaning given by section 93 or section 108).

(2) A Primary Care Trust may arrange for the provision by it to another health service body of goods or services which are of the same description as those which, at the time of making the arrangement, the Primary Care Trust has power to provide in carrying out its other functions.

(3) A Primary Care Trust may provide premises for the use of persons—

(a) providing pharmaceutical services, or

(b) providing or performing primary medical services, primary dental services or primary ophthalmic services,

on any terms it considers appropriate.

(4) A Primary Care Trust which manages any health service hospital may make accommodation or services available there for patients who give undertakings (or for whom undertakings are given) to pay any charges imposed by the Primary Care Trust in respect of the accommodation or services.

(5) A Primary Care Trust has power to do anything specified in section 7(2) of the Health and Medicines Act 1988 (c. 49) (provision of goods, services etc), other than make accommodation or services available for patients at any health service hospital it manages, for the purpose of making additional income available for improving the health service.

(6) A Primary Care Trust may exercise a power conferred by subsection (4) or (5) only—

(a) to the extent that its exercise does not to any significant extent interfere with the performance by the Primary Care Trust of its functions or of its obligations under NHS contracts or under agreements or arrangements made with NHS foundation trusts, and

(b) in circumstances specified in directions under section 8, with the Secretary of State’s consent.

(7) In this section—

• “health service body” means a body which is a health service body for the purposes of section 9,

• “hospital” includes any establishment or facility managed for the purposes of the health service.

22 Administration and management of services

Each Primary Care Trust must, in accordance with regulations—

(a) administer the arrangements made in pursuance of this Act for the provision for its area of primary medical services, primary dental services, primary ophthalmic services, pharmaceutical services and local pharmaceutical services, and

(b) perform such management and other functions relating to those services as may be prescribed.

23 Advice for Primary Care Trusts

Each Primary Care Trust must make arrangements with a view to securing that it receives advice appropriate for enabling it effectively to exercise the functions exercisable by it from persons with professional expertise relating to the physical or mental health of individuals.

24 Plans for improving health etc

(1) Each Primary Care Trust must, at such times as the Secretary of State may direct, prepare a plan which sets out a strategy for improving—

(a) the health of the people for whom it is responsible, and

(b) the provision of health care to such people.

(2) Each Primary Care Trust must keep under review any plan prepared by it under this section.

(3) Each local authority whose area falls wholly or partly within the area of a Primary Care Trust must participate in the preparation or review by the Primary Care Trust of any plan under this section.

(4) In preparing or reviewing any plan under this section, a Primary Care Trust—

(a) must consult, or seek the participation of, such persons as the Secretary of State may direct, and

(b) may consult, or seek the participation of, such other persons as it considers appropriate.

(5) The Secretary of State may give directions as to—

(a) the periods to be covered by plans under this section,

(b) the action to be taken by Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and local authorities in connection with the preparation or review of plans under this section,

(c) the matters to be taken into account in connection with the preparation or review of plans under this section,

(d) the matters to be dealt with by plans under this section,

(e) the form and content of plans under this section,

(f) the publication of plans prepared or reviewed under this section,

(g) the sharing of information between Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, Local Health Boards and local authorities in connection with the preparation or review of plans under this section or section 17 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

(h) the provision by Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and Local Health Boards of reports or other information to the Secretary of State in connection with plans under this section or section 17 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42).

(6) In exercising its functions—

(a) a Primary Care Trust must have regard to any plan prepared or reviewed by it, and to any plan in relation to which it has participated by virtue of subsection (4).

(b) a Strategic Health Authority must have regard to any plan prepared or reviewed by a Primary Care Trust any part of whose area falls within its area, and

(c) a local authority must have regard to any plan in relation to which it has participated.

(7) For the purposes of this section, the persons for whom a Primary Care Trust is responsible are—

(a) the people in the area of the Primary Care Trust, and

(b) such of the people outside the area as may be specified in directions given by the Secretary of State.

(8) “Health care” means—

(a) services provided to individuals for or in connection with the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of illness, and

(b) the promotion and protection of public health.

Chapter 3 NHS trusts

25 NHS trusts

(1) The Secretary of State may by order establish bodies, called National Health Service trusts (“NHS trusts”), to provide goods and services for the purposes of the health service.

(2) An order under subsection (1) is referred to in this Act as “an NHS trust order”.

(3) No NHS trust order may be made until after the completion of such consultation as may be prescribed.

(4) Schedule 4 makes further provision about NHS trusts.

26 General duty of NHS trusts

An NHS trust must exercise its functions effectively, efficiently and economically.

27 Financial provisions relating to NHS trusts

Schedule 5 makes provision about the financing of NHS trusts.

Chapter 4 Special Health Authorities

28 Special Health Authorities

(1) The Secretary of State may by order establish special bodies for the purpose of exercising any functions which may be conferred on them by or under this Act.

(2) The Secretary of State may make such further provision relating to a body established under subsection (1) as he considers appropriate.

(3) A body established under this section is called a Special Health Authority.

(4) An order may, in particular, contain provisions as to—

(a) the membership of the body established by the order,

(b) the transfer to the body of officers, property and liabilities, and

(c) the name of the body.

(5) The liabilities which may be transferred by virtue of this section, section 272(8) and section 273(1) to an NHS body on the abolition of a Special Health Authority include criminal liabilities.

(6) In this Act (apart from in Schedule 15) “NHS body” means—

(a) a Strategic Health Authority,

(b) a Primary Care Trust,

(c) an NHS trust,

(d) a Special Health Authority,

(e) an NHS foundation trust, and

(f) a Local Health Board.

(7) The Secretary of State must, before he makes an order under this section, consult with respect to the order such bodies as he may recognise as representing officers who in his opinion are likely to be transferred or affected by transfers in pursuance of the order.

(8) Schedule 6 makes further provision about Special Health Authorities.

29 Exercise of Special Health Authority functions

(1) Regulations may provide for any functions which are exercisable by a Special Health Authority under section 7 to be exercised—

(a) by another Special Health Authority, or

(b) jointly with one or more other Special Health Authorities.

(2) Regulations may provide—

(a) for any functions which are exercisable by a Special Health Authority under section 7, section 14, section 19 or this section to be exercised on behalf of that Special Health Authority by a committee, sub-committee or officer of the Special Health Authority,

(b) for any functions exercisable jointly under subsection (1)(b) to be exercised, on behalf of the Special Health Authorities in question, by a joint committee or joint sub-committee.

Chapter 5 NHS foundation trusts

Introductory

30 NHS foundation trusts

(1) An NHS foundation trust is a public benefit corporation which is authorised under this Chapter to provide goods and services for the purposes of the health service in England.

(2) A public benefit corporation is a body corporate which, in pursuance of an application under this Chapter, is constituted in accordance with Schedule 7.

31 Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts

(1) There continues to be a body corporate known as the Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts (referred to in this Act as “the regulator”).

(2) Schedule 8 makes further provision about the regulator.

32 General duty of regulator

The regulator must exercise its functions in a manner consistent with the performance by the Secretary of State of his duties under sections 1, 3 and 258.

Authorisation

33 Applications by NHS trusts

(1) An NHS trust may make an application to the regulator for authorisation to become an NHS foundation trust, if the application is supported by the Secretary of State.

(2) The application must—

(a) describe the goods and services which the applicant proposes should be provided by the NHS foundation trust, and

(b) be accompanied by a copy of the proposed constitution of the NHS foundation trust,

and must give any further information which the regulator requires the applicant to give.

(3) The applicant may modify the application with the agreement of the regulator at any time before authorisation is given under section 35.

(4) Once an NHS trust has made the application—

(a) the provisions of the proposed constitution which give effect to paragraphs 3 to 19 of Schedule 7 have effect, but only for the purpose of establishing the initial membership of the NHS foundation trust and of the board of governors, and the initial directors, and enabling the board of governors and board of directors to make preparations for the performance of their functions,

(b) the NHS trust may do anything (including the things mentioned in paragraph 14 of Schedule 4) which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of preparing it for NHS foundation trust status.

34 Other applications

(1) An application may be made to the regulator by persons (other than an NHS trust) to be incorporated as a public benefit corporation and authorised to become an NHS foundation trust, if the application is supported by the Secretary of State.

(2) The application must—

(a) describe the goods and services which the applicants propose should be provided by the NHS foundation trust, and

(b) be accompanied by a copy of the proposed constitution of the NHS foundation trust,

and must give any further information which the regulator requires the applicants to give.

(3) If it appears to the regulator that—

(a) provision of the goods and services described in the application is likely to assist in the performance of the duties mentioned in section 32,

(b) the trust as proposed to be constituted will be able to provide those goods and services, and

(c) the proposed constitution accords with Schedule 7 and is otherwise appropriate,

the regulator may issue a certificate of incorporation.

(4) The applicants may modify the application with the agreement of the regulator at any time before the certificate is issued.

(5) On the issue of the certificate, the applicants are incorporated as a public benefit corporation.

(6) The certificate is conclusive evidence of incorporation.

(7) Once the certificate has been issued—

(a) the proposed constitution has effect, but the applicants may exercise the functions of the corporation on its behalf until a board of directors is appointed in accordance with the constitution,

(b) the corporation may do anything (including the things mentioned in section 47) which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of preparing it for NHS foundation trust status.

35 Authorisation of NHS foundation trusts

(1) The regulator may give an authorisation under this section—

(a) to an NHS trust which has applied under section 33, or

(b) to a public benefit corporation,

if the regulator is satisfied as to the following matters.

(2) The matters are that—

(a) the applicant’s constitution will be in accordance with Schedule 7 and will otherwise be appropriate,

(b) the applicant has taken steps to secure that (taken as a whole) the actual membership of any public constituency, and (if there is one) of the patients' constituency, will be representative of those eligible for such membership,

(c) there will be a board of governors, and a board of directors, constituted in accordance with the constitution,

(d) the steps necessary to prepare for NHS foundation trust status have been taken,

(e) the applicant will be able to provide the goods and services which the authorisation will require it to provide, and

(f) any other requirements which the regulator considers appropriate are met.

(3) In deciding whether it is satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (2)(e), the regulator must consider (among other things)—

(a) any report or recommendation in respect of the applicant made by the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection,

(b) the financial position of the applicant.

(4) The authorisation may be given on any terms the regulator considers appropriate.

(5) The regulator must not give an authorisation unless it is satisfied that the applicant has sought the views about the application of the following—

(a) if the applicant is an NHS trust, the Patients' Forum for the NHS trust and the staff employed by the NHS trust,

(b) individuals who live in any area specified in the proposed constitution as the area for a public constituency,

(c) any local authority that would be authorised by the proposed constitution to appoint a member of the board of governors,

(d) if the proposed constitution provides for a patients' constituency, individuals who would be able to apply to become members of that constituency,

(e) any prescribed persons.

(6) If regulations make provision about consultation, the regulator may not give an authorisation unless it is satisfied that the applicant has complied with the regulations.

(7) The generality of the power in subsection (4) is not affected by the following provisions of this Chapter.

36 Effect of authorisation

(1) On an authorisation being given to a body corporate which is an NHS trust—

(a) it ceases to be an NHS trust and becomes an NHS foundation trust,

(b) the proposed constitution has effect, and

(c) any order under section 25(1) is revoked.

(2) On an authorisation being given to a body corporate which is a public benefit corporation, it becomes an NHS foundation trust.

(3) The authorisation is conclusive evidence that the body in question is an NHS foundation trust.

(4) Subsections (1) to (3) do not affect the continuity of the body or of its property or liabilities (including its criminal liabilities).

(5) The validity of any act of an NHS foundation trust is not affected by any vacancy among the directors or by any defect in the appointment of any director.

(6) An NHS foundation trust must not be regarded as the servant or agent of the Crown or as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown; and an NHS foundation trust’s property must not be regarded as property of, or property held on behalf of, the Crown.

37 Amendments of constitution

An NHS foundation trust may make amendments of its constitution with the approval of the regulator.

38 Variation of authorisation

(1) The regulator may vary an authorisation.

(2) In deciding whether or not to vary an authorisation, the regulator must have regard (among other things) to—

(a) any report or recommendation made to it by virtue of section 21(2)(f) of the Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) (overview and scrutiny committees),

(b) any report or recommendation made to it by the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health under section 243(5)(b) or (6).

39 Register of NHS foundation trusts

(1) The regulator must continue to maintain a register of NHS foundation trusts.

(2) The register must contain in relation to each NHS foundation trust—

(a) a copy of the current constitution,

(b) a copy of the current authorisation,

(c) a copy of the latest annual accounts and of any report of the auditor on them,

(d) a copy of the latest annual report,

(e) a copy of the latest document sent to the regulator under paragraph 27 of Schedule 7 (forward planning),

(f) a copy of any notice given under section 52 (failing NHS foundation trusts).

(3) In relation to any time before an NHS foundation trust is first required to send an annual report to the regulator, the register must contain a list of the persons who were first elected or appointed as—

(a) the members of the board of governors,

(b) the directors.

(4) Members of the public may inspect the register at any reasonable time.

(5) Any person who requests it must be provided with a copy of, or extract from, any document contained in the register on payment of a reasonable charge.

Financial matters

40 Power of Secretary of State to give financial assistance

(1) The Secretary of State may give financial assistance to any NHS foundation trust.

(2) The financial assistance may be given by way of loan, public dividend capital, grant or other payment.

(3) The Secretary of State may guarantee the payment of any amount payable by an NHS foundation trust under an externally financed development agreement.

(4) “Externally financed development agreement” has the same meaning as in paragraph 23 of Schedule 4, reading references in sub-paragraphs (3) and (5) of that paragraph to the NHS trust as references to the NHS foundation trust.

41 Prudential borrowing code

(1) The regulator may revise the code made under section 12(1) of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43) for determining the limit on the total amount of the borrowing of any NHS foundation trust.

(2) In revising the code the regulator must have regard (among other things) to any generally accepted principles used by financial institutions to determine the amounts of loans to non profit making bodies.

(3) A body is non profit making if it does not carry on activities for the purpose of making profits for distribution to its members or others.

(4) Before revising the code, the regulator must consult—

(a) the Secretary of State,

(b) each NHS foundation trust,

(c) each NHS trust intending to make an application to become an NHS foundation trust,

(d) such other persons as the regulator considers appropriate.

(5) The regulator must lay a copy of the revised code before Parliament.

42 Public dividend capital

(1) Where an NHS trust becomes an NHS foundation trust, the amount which was the public dividend capital of the NHS trust immediately before the giving of the authorisation continues as public dividend capital of the NHS foundation trust held on the same conditions (“initial public dividend capital”), but subject to this section.

(2) Any amount issued to an NHS foundation trust as public dividend capital under section 40 is (like initial public dividend capital) an asset of the Consolidated Fund.

(3) The Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, decide the terms on which any public dividend capital of an NHS foundation trust must be treated as having been issued.

(4) But the dividend to be paid by the trust must be the same as that payable by NHS trusts in England under paragraph 1(6) of Schedule 5.

(5) Before exercising the power in subsection (3), the Secretary of State must consult the regulator.

(6) Any amount paid to the Secretary of State by an NHS foundation trust by way of repayment of public dividend capital must be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Functions

43 Authorised services

(1) An authorisation must authorise the NHS foundation trust to provide goods and services for purposes related to the provision of health care.

(2) But the authorisation must secure that the principal purpose of the NHS foundation trust is the provision of goods and services for the purposes of the health service in England.

(3) The NHS foundation trust may also carry on activities other than those mentioned in subsection (1), subject to any restrictions in the authorisation, for the purpose of making additional income available in order better to carry on its principal purpose.

(4) The authorisation may require the provision, wholly or partly for the purposes of the health service in England, of goods and services by the NHS foundation trust.

(5) The authorisation must authorise and may require the NHS foundation trust—

(a) to carry out research in connection with the provision of health care,

(b) to make facilities and staff available for the purposes of education, training or research carried on by others,

and, in deciding how to exercise its functions under this subsection in a case where any of the corporation’s hospitals includes a medical or dental school provided by a university, the regulator must have regard to the need to establish and maintain appropriate arrangements within the university.

(6) In deciding whether or not to require the NHS foundation trust to provide, wholly or partly for the purposes of the health service in England, any goods or services the regulator must have regard (among other things) to—

(a) the need for the provision of goods or services in the area in question,

(b) any provision of goods or services by other health service bodies in the area in question,

(c) any other provision by the NHS foundation trust with which the provision of the goods or services is connected,

(d) any agreement or arrangement to which the body corporate which is the NHS foundation trust is or was a party.

(7) Such a requirement as is mentioned in subsection (4) may be framed by reference (among other things) to—

(a) goods or services in general or of a particular description,

(b) goods or services required to meet the needs of health service bodies in general or those of a particular description,

(c) goods or services required to meet the needs of other persons of a particular description,

(d) the volume of goods or services provided,

(e) the place where goods or services are provided,

(f) the period within which goods or services are provided.

44 Private health care

(1) An authorisation may restrict the provision, for purposes other than those of the health service in England, of goods and services by an NHS foundation trust.

(2) The power must be exercised, in particular, with a view to securing that the proportion of the total income of an NHS foundation trust which was an NHS trust in any financial year derived from private charges is not greater than the proportion of the total income of the NHS trust derived from such charges in the base financial year.

(3) “Base financial year” means the first financial year throughout which the body corporate was an NHS trust or, if it was an NHS trust throughout the financial year ending with 31st March 2003, that year.

(4) “Private charges” means charges imposed in respect of goods and services provided to patients other than patients being provided with goods and services for the purposes of the health service.

(5) Section 43(7) applies for the purposes of this section.

(6) According to the nature of its functions, an NHS foundation trust may, in the case of patients being provided with goods and services for the purposes of the health service, make accommodation or further services available for patients who give undertakings (or for whom undertakings are given) to pay any charges imposed by the NHS foundation trust in respect of the accommodation or services.

(7) An NHS foundation trust may exercise the power conferred by subsection (6) only to the extent that its exercise does not to any significant extent interfere with the performance by the NHS foundation trust of its functions.

45 Protection of property

(1) An NHS foundation trust may not dispose of any protected property without the approval of the regulator.

(2) Disposing of property includes disposing of part of it or granting an interest in it.

(3) Protected property is property of the trust designated as protected in its authorisation.

(4) The regulator may designate property as protected if it considers it is needed—

(a) for the purposes of any goods or services which the authorisation requires the trust to provide wholly or partly for the purposes of the health service in England, or

(b) for the purpose of doing anything which the trust is required to do under section 43(5).

(5) The regulator may give approval under subsection (1) on any terms it considers appropriate.

(6) An NHS foundation trust may not create a floating charge on its property.

46 Financial powers

(1) An NHS foundation trust may borrow money for the purposes of or in connection with its functions.

(2) But the total amount of the NHS foundation trust’s borrowing is subject to the limit imposed by its authorisation.

(3) The limit must be reviewed annually by the regulator.

(4) An NHS foundation trust may invest money (other than money held by it as trustee) for the purposes of or in connection with its functions.

(5) The investment may include investment by—

(a) forming, or participating in forming, bodies corporate,

(b) otherwise acquiring membership of bodies corporate.

(6) An NHS foundation trust may give financial assistance (whether by way of loan, guarantee or otherwise) to any person for the purposes of or in connection with its functions.

47 General powers

(1) An NHS foundation trust may do anything which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of or in connection with its functions.

(2) In particular it may—

(a) acquire and dispose of property,

(b) enter into contracts,

(c) accept gifts of property (including property to be held on trust for the purposes of the NHS foundation trust or for any purposes relating to the health service),

(d) employ staff.

(3) Any power of the NHS foundation trust to pay remuneration and allowances to any person includes power to make arrangements for providing, or securing the provision of, pensions or gratuities (including those payable by way of compensation for loss of employment or loss or reduction of pay).

(4) “The purposes of the NHS foundation trust” means the general or any specific purposes of the trust (including the purposes of any specific hospital at or from which services are provided by the trust).

48 Information

(1) An authorisation—

(a) must require an NHS foundation trust to disclose such information to the regulator as the Secretary of State specifies,

(b) may require an NHS foundation trust to disclose other information to the regulator.

(2) The regulator may require any other health service body to disclose any information which the regulator requires for the purposes of its functions.

49 Entry and inspection of premises

An authorisation may require an NHS foundation trust to allow the regulator to enter and inspect premises owned or controlled by the trust.

50 Fees

An authorisation may require an NHS foundation trust to pay a reasonable annual fee to the regulator.

51 Trust funds and trustees

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide for the appointment of trustees for an NHS foundation trust to hold property on trust—

(a) for the purposes of the NHS foundation trust, or

(b) for any purposes relating to the health service.

(2) The order may—

(a) make provision as to the persons by whom trustees must be appointed and generally as to the method of their appointment,

(b) make any appointment subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order (including conditions requiring the consent of the Secretary of State),

(c) make provision as to the number of trustees to be appointed, including provision under which that number may from time to time be determined by the Secretary of State after consultation with such persons as he considers appropriate,

(d) make provision with respect to the term of office of any trustee and his removal from office.

(3) Where trustees have been appointed for an NHS foundation trust under this section, the Secretary of State may by order provide for the transfer of any trust property from the NHS foundation trust to the trustees.

(4) Where an NHS trust for which trustees have been appointed under paragraph 10 of Schedule 4 is given an authorisation, the order appointing the trustees has effect as an order under this section.

(5) “The purposes of the NHS foundation trust” means the general or any specific purposes of the trust (including the purposes of any specific hospital at or from which services are provided by the trust).

Failure

52 Failing NHS foundation trusts

(1) If the regulator is satisfied—

(a) that an NHS foundation trust is contravening, or failing to comply with, any term of its authorisation or any requirement imposed on it under any enactment and that the contravention or failure is significant, or

(b) that an NHS foundation trust has contravened, or failed to comply with, any such term or requirement and is likely to do so again and that the contravention or failure was significant,

the regulator may by a notice to the trust exercise one or more of the powers in subsections (3) and (4).

(2) The regulator may also by a notice to the trust exercise one or more of those powers if the regulator is satisfied that the trust has contravened or failed to comply with a previous notice.

(3) The regulator may require the trust, the directors or the board of governors to do, or not to do, specified things or things of a specified description within a specified period.

(4) The regulator may remove any or all of the directors or members of the board of governors and appoint interim directors or members of the board.

(5) The regulator’s power to remove a director, or member of the board of governors, of the trust includes power to suspend him from office, or to disqualify him from holding office, as a director or member of the board of governors of the trust for a specified period.

53 Voluntary arrangements

(1) If the regulator is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to do so, it may by a notice to an NHS foundation trust require the directors—

(a) to take steps to obtain a moratorium, or

(b) to make a proposal for a voluntary arrangement.

(2) An order may provide for Part 1 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45) (company voluntary arrangements), including any related provision of that Act, to apply with modifications in relation to NHS foundation trusts.

(3) References in this Chapter to a moratorium are to a moratorium under section 1A of that Act as modified by the order.

(4) References in this Chapter to a voluntary arrangement are to a voluntary arrangement under Part 1 of that Act as modified by the order.

54 Dissolution etc

(1) The powers conferred by this section are exercisable where—

(a) an NHS foundation trust contravenes or fails to comply with a notice under section 52 or 53 or the trust’s compliance with a notice under section 53 does not result in the implementation of a voluntary arrangement, and

(b) the regulator considers that further exercise of any of the powers conferred by those sections would not be likely to secure the provision of the goods and services which the authorisation requires the trust to provide.

(2) Before the powers conferred by this section are exercised, the regulator must consult specified persons about specified matters.

(3) “Specified” means specified in an order.

(4) An order may transfer, or provide for the transfer of, any property or liabilities of the trust to—

(a) another NHS foundation trust,

(b) a Primary Care Trust,

(c) an NHS trust,

(d) the Secretary of State.

(5) The liabilities which may be transferred by virtue of subsection (4) to any of the bodies mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) of that subsection include criminal liabilities.

(6) Schedule 9 makes provision for the transfer of employees.

(7) An order may provide for the dissolution of the trust.

(8) An order may apply any provision of Part 4 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45) (winding up of companies), including any related provision of that Act, with modifications.

(9) Where the regulator refuses to give an authorisation to a public benefit corporation—

(a) the powers conferred by this section are also exercisable, and

(b) references in this section and Schedule 9 to an NHS foundation trust are references to the corporation.

55 Sections 53 and 54: supplementary

(1) In sections 53 and 54, an order means an order made by the Secretary of State.

(2) The modifications of the Insolvency Act 1986 that may be made by an order include—

(a) provision for securing that the goods and services which the trust is required by the authorisation to provide continue to be provided (whether by the trust or another),

(b) provision for securing the protection of property needed for the purposes of those goods and services.

(3) The power conferred by section 54(3) must be exercised with a view to securing the provision of the goods and services which the authorisation requires the trust to provide.

(4) That power must also be exercised (together, if required, with the power conferred by section 40(2)) with a view to securing that any transfer of property in pursuance of the exercise of the power does not result in a net loss of value to the trust; and the question whether a transfer would result in a net loss of value must be determined in accordance with regulations.

(5) The Insolvency Act 1986 may not be modified under section 54(8) so as to alter the priority of debts or the ranking of debts between themselves.

Mergers

56 Mergers

(1) An application may be made jointly by—

(a) an NHS foundation trust, and

(b) another NHS foundation trust or an NHS trust,

to the regulator for authorisation of the dissolution of the trusts and the transfer of some or all of their property and liabilities to a new NHS foundation trust established under this section.

(2) The application must—

(a) be supported by the Secretary of State if one of the parties to it is an NHS trust,

(b) specify the property and liabilities proposed to be transferred to the new NHS foundation trust,

(c) describe the goods and services which it is proposed should be provided by the new trust, and

(d) be accompanied by a copy of the proposed constitution of the new trust,

and must give any further information which the regulator requires the applicants to give.

(3) The applicants may modify the application with the agreement of the regulator at any time before authorisation is given under this section.

(4) The regulator may—

(a) issue a certificate incorporating the directors of the applicants as a public benefit corporation, and

(b) give an authorisation under this section to the corporation to become an NHS foundation trust,

if the regulator is satisfied as to the following matters.

(5) The matters are that—

(a) the constitution of the new trust will be in accordance with Schedule 7 and will otherwise be appropriate,

(b) the applicants have taken steps to secure that (taken as a whole) the actual membership of any public constituency, and (if there is one) of the patients' constituency, will be representative of those eligible for such membership,

(c) the new trust will be able to provide the goods and services which the authorisation will require it to provide, and

(d) any other requirements which the regulator considers appropriate are met.

(6) In deciding whether it is satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (5)(c), the regulator must consider (among other things)—

(a) any report or recommendation in respect of either of the applicants made by the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection,

(b) the financial position of the applicants.

(7) The applicants must consult about the application in accordance with regulations.

(8) In the course of the consultation the applicants must seek the views of—

(a) any Patients' Forum for an applicant,

(b) the staff employed by the applicants,

(c) individuals who live in any area specified in the proposed constitution as the area for a public constituency,

(d) any local authority that would be authorised by the proposed constitution to appoint a member of the board of governors,

(e) if the proposed constitution provides for a patients' constituency, individuals who would be able to apply to become members of that constituency,

(f) any prescribed persons.

(9) The regulator may not give an authorisation under this section unless it is satisfied that the applicants have complied with the regulations.

(10) The certificate is conclusive evidence of incorporation; and the authorisation is conclusive evidence that the corporation is an NHS foundation trust.

(11) On an authorisation being given under this section, the proposed constitution of the NHS foundation trust has effect, but the directors of the applicants may exercise the functions of the trust on its behalf until a board of directors is appointed in accordance with the constitution.

57 Section 56: supplementary

(1) Where an authorisation is given under section 56, the regulator must specify the property and liabilities to be transferred to the new NHS foundation trust.

(2) Where such an authorisation is given, the Secretary of State must make an order—

(a) dissolving the trusts in question, and

(b) transferring, or providing for the transfer of, the property and liabilities specified by the regulator to the new NHS foundation trust.

(3) The order may—

(a) transfer, or provide for the transfer of, any of the remaining property or liabilities to the persons mentioned in section 54(3),

(b) include provisions corresponding to those of Schedule 9.

(4) In section 56(1) and (2), and subsections (1) and (2) of this section, “liabilities” includes criminal liabilities; and an order under subsection (3) of this section may transfer any remaining criminal liabilities to any of the bodies mentioned in section 54(4)(a) to (c).

(5) Where one of the parties to an application under section 56 is an NHS trust, the powers conferred on the Secretary of State by Part 3 of Schedule 4 are not exercisable in relation to the trust.

(6) Section 35(4) applies to an authorisation under section 56 as it does in relation to an authorisation under that section.

Miscellaneous

58 Taxation

Section 61(3) of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 (c. 19) (health service bodies: stamp duty) applies to an NHS foundation trust as it applies to an NHS trust.

59 Conduct of elections

(1) Regulations may make provision as to the conduct of elections for membership of the board of governors of an NHS foundation trust.

(2) The regulations may in particular provide for—

(a) nomination of candidates and obligations to declare their interests,

(b) systems and methods of voting, and the allocation of places on the board of governors, at contested elections,

(c) filling of vacancies,

(d) supervision of elections,

(e) elections expenses and publicity,

(f) questioning of elections and the consequences of irregularities.

(3) Regulations under this section may create offences punishable on summary conviction with a maximum fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(4) An NHS foundation trust must secure that its constitution is in accordance with regulations under this section.

(5) Pending the coming into force of regulations under this section, elections for membership of the board of governors of an NHS foundation trust, if contested, must be by secret ballot.

60 Voting and standing for election

(1) A person may not vote at an election for the board of governors of an NHS foundation trust unless, within the specified period, he has made a declaration in the specified form of the particulars of his qualification to vote as a member of the constituency, or class within a constituency, for which the election is being held.

(2) A person may not stand for election to the board unless—

(a) he has within the specified period made a declaration in the specified form of the particulars of his qualification to vote as a member of the constituency, or class within a constituency, for which the election is being held, and

(b) he is not prevented from being a member of the board by paragraph 8 of Schedule 7.

(3) A person elected to the board may not vote at a meeting of the board unless—

(a) he has within the specified period made a declaration in the specified form of the particulars of his qualification to vote as a member of the trust, and

(b) he is not prevented from being a member of the board by paragraph 8 of Schedule 7.

(4) This section does not apply to an election held for the staff constituency.

(5) “Specified” means specified in the trust’s constitution.

(6) A person is guilty of an offence if he—

(a) makes a declaration under this section which he knows to be false in a material particular, or

(b) recklessly makes such a declaration which is false in a material particular.

(7) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

61 Representative membership

An authorisation may require an NHS foundation trust to take steps to secure that (taken as a whole) the actual membership of any public constituency and (if there is one) of the patients' constituency is representative of those eligible for such membership.

62 Audit

Schedule 10 makes provision in relation to the audit of accounts of NHS foundation trusts.

63 General duty of NHS foundation trusts

An NHS foundation trust must exercise its functions effectively, efficiently and economically.

Supplementary

64 Orders and regulations under this Chapter

(1) Any power under this Chapter to make an order or regulations is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), a statutory instrument made by virtue of this Chapter is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3) A statutory instrument containing—

(a) the first regulations under section 55(4) or 59, or

(b) an order or regulations under this Chapter making, by virtue of subsection (5)(b), provision which amends or repeals any part of the text of an Act,

may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(4) Subsection (2) does not apply to a statutory instrument containing an order under—

(a) section 51,

(b) section 54(4), or

(c) section 57.

(5) Any order or regulations under this Chapter—

(a) may make different provision for different purposes, and

(b) may make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitory or transitional or saving provision.

(6) Any power under this Chapter to make an order or regulations (as well as being exercisable in relation to all cases to which it extends) may be exercised in relation to all those cases subject to exceptions or in relation to any particular case or class of case.

65 Interpretation of this Chapter

(1) In this Chapter—

• “authorisation” means an authorisation under section 35 or 56,

• “health service body” means a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust, a Special Health Authority or an NHS foundation trust.

(2) Any references in this Chapter to goods and services include, in particular, facilities, education and training.

Chapter 6 Miscellaneous

Intervention orders and default powers

66 Intervention orders

(1) This section applies to NHS bodies other than NHS foundation trusts.

(2) If the Secretary of State—

(a) considers that a body to which this section applies is not performing one or more of its functions adequately or at all, or that there are significant failings in the way the body is being run, and

(b) is satisfied that it is appropriate for him to intervene under this section,

he may make an order under this section in respect of the body (an “intervention order”).

(3) An intervention order may make any provision authorised by section 67 (including any combination of such provisions).

67 Effect of intervention orders

(1) In this section—

(a) “member” means a member of a Strategic Health Authority, Primary Care Trust, Special Health Authority or Local Health Board, or a member of the board of directors of an NHS trust,

(b) “employee member” means a member of a Strategic Health Authority, Primary Care Trust, Special Health Authority or Local Health Board who is an officer of the body, or an executive director of an NHS trust.

(2) An intervention order may provide for the removal from office of—

(a) all the members, or

(b) those specified in the order,

and for their replacement with individuals specified in or determined in accordance with the order (who need not be the same in number as the removed individuals).

(3) An intervention order may provide for the suspension (either wholly, or in respect only of powers and duties specified in or determined in accordance with the order) of—

(a) all the members, or

(b) those specified in the order,

and for the powers of the suspended members to be exercised, and their duties performed, during their suspension by individuals specified in or determined in accordance with the order (who need not be the same in number as the suspended individuals).

(4) The powers and duties referred to in subsection (3) are, in the case of an employee member, only those which he has in his capacity as a member.

(5) An intervention order may contain directions to the body to which it relates to secure that a function of the body specified in the directions—

(a) is performed, to the extent specified in the directions, on behalf of the body and at its expense, by such person as is specified in the directions, and

(b) is so performed in such a way as to achieve such objectives as are so specified,

and the directions may require that any contract or other arrangement made by the body with that person contains such terms and conditions as may be so specified.

(6) If the person referred to in subsection (5)(a) is a body to which section 66 applies, the functions of that body include the performance of the functions specified in the directions under subsection (5).

(7) Subsection (8) applies in relation to any provision in this Act, or in any order or regulations made, or directions given, under this Act, relating to—

(a) the membership of the body to which an intervention order relates (or in the case of an NHS trust to the membership of its board of directors), or

(b) the procedure of the body.

(8) The intervention order may provide in relation to any provision specified in the order—

(a) that it does not apply in relation to the body while the order remains in force, or

(b) that it applies in relation to the body, while the order remains in force, with modifications specified in the order.

(9) An intervention order may contain such supplementary directions to the body to which it relates as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the purpose of giving full effect to the order.

68 Default powers

(1) This section applies to NHS bodies other than NHS foundation trusts.

(2) If the Secretary of State considers that a body to which this section applies—

(a) has failed to carry out any functions conferred or imposed on it by or under this Act, or

(b) has in carrying out those functions failed to comply with any regulations or directions relating to those functions,

he may after such inquiry as he considers appropriate make an order declaring it to be in default.

(3) The members of the body in default must immediately vacate their office, and the order—

(a) must provide for the appointment, in accordance with the provisions of this Act, of new members of the body, and

(b) may contain such provisions as seem to the Secretary of State expedient for authorising any person to act in the place of the body pending the appointment of new members.

(4) An order under this section may contain such supplementary and incidental provisions as appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary or expedient, including—

(a) provision for the transfer to the Secretary of State of property and liabilities of the body in default, and

(b) where any such order is varied or revoked by a subsequent order, provision in the subsequent order for the transfer to the body in default of any property or liabilities acquired or incurred by the Secretary of State in discharging any of the functions transferred to him.

Protection of members and officers of health service bodies

69 Protection from personal liability

(1) Section 265 of the Public Health Act 1875 (c. 55) (which relates to the protection of members and officers of certain authorities) has effect as if there were included in the authorities referred to in that section a reference to an NHS body.

(2) Any reference in that section to the Public Health Act 1875 has effect as if it included a reference to this Act and the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42).

Transfer of residual liabilities

70 Transfer of residual liabilities

(1) If a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust or a Special Health Authority ceases to exist, the Secretary of State must exercise his functions so as to secure that all of the body’s liabilities (other than any criminal liabilities) are dealt with.

(2) A liability is dealt with by being transferred to an NHS body, the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers.

Losses and liabilities of certain health service bodies

71 Schemes for meeting losses and liabilities etc of certain health service bodies

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations made with the consent of the Treasury establish a scheme whereby any of the bodies specified in subsection (2) may make provision to meet—

(a) expenses arising from any loss of or damage to their property, and

(b) liabilities to third parties for loss, damage or injury arising out of the carrying out of the functions of the bodies concerned.

(2) The bodies referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a) Strategic Health Authorities,

(b) Primary Care Trusts,

(c) NHS trusts,

(d) Special Health Authorities,

(e) NHS foundation trusts,

(f) the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection, and

(g) the Health Protection Agency,

but a scheme under this section may limit the class or description of bodies which are eligible to participate in it.

(3) A scheme under this section may, in particular—

(a) provide for the scheme to be administered by the Secretary of State or by a Strategic Health Authority, Primary Care Trust, NHS trust, Special Health Authority or NHS foundation trust specified in the scheme,

(b) require any body which participates in the scheme to make payments in accordance with the scheme, and

(c) provide for the making of payments for the purposes of the scheme by the Secretary of State.

(4) If the Secretary of State so directs, a body which is eligible to participate in a scheme must do so.

(5) The Secretary of State may not make a direction under subsection (4) in relation to an NHS foundation trust.

(6) Where a scheme provides for the scheme to be administered by the Secretary of State, a Strategic Health Authority, Primary Care Trust, NHS trust, Special Health Authority or NHS foundation trust must carry out such functions in connection with the administration of the scheme by the Secretary of State as he may direct.

(7) Subsections (4) and (6) do not affect any other power of direction of the Secretary of State.

(8) A person or body administering a scheme under this section does not require permission under any provision of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (c. 8) as respects activities carried out under the scheme.

Co-operation between NHS bodies

72 Co-operation between NHS bodies

It is the duty of NHS bodies to co-operate with each other in exercising their functions.

Directions and regulations under this Part

73 Directions and regulations under this Part

(1) This section applies to directions and regulations under any of—

(a) section 7,

(b) section 8,

(c) section 14,

(d) section 15,

(e) section 19,

(f) section 20,

(g) section 29.

(2) Except in prescribed cases, the directions and regulations must not preclude a person or body by whom the function is exercisable apart from the directions or regulations from exercising the function.

Part 3 Local authorities and the NHS

74 Supply of goods and services by local authorities

(1) In the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970 (c. 39) the expression “public body” includes—

(a) any Strategic Health Authority, Special Health Authority or Primary Care Trust, and

(b) so far as relates to his functions under this Act, the Secretary of State.

(2) Subsection (1) has effect as if made by an order under section 1(5) of the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970 and may be varied or revoked by such an order.

(3) Each local authority must make services available to each NHS body acting in its area, so far as is reasonably necessary and practicable to enable the NHS body to discharge its functions under this Act.

(4) “Services” means the services of persons employed by the local authority for the purposes of its functions under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42).

75 Arrangements between NHS bodies and local authorities

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for or in connection with enabling prescribed NHS bodies (on the one hand) and prescribed local authorities (on the other) to enter into prescribed arrangements in relation to the exercise of—

(a) prescribed functions of the NHS bodies, and

(b) prescribed health-related functions of the local authorities,

if the arrangements are likely to lead to an improvement in the way in which those functions are exercised.

(2) The arrangements which may be prescribed include arrangements—

(a) for or in connection with the establishment and maintenance of a fund—

(i) which is made up of contributions by one or more NHS bodies and one or more local authorities, and

(ii) out of which payments may be made towards expenditure incurred in the exercise of both prescribed functions of the NHS body or bodies and prescribed health-related functions of the authority or authorities,

(b) for or in connection with the exercise by an NHS body on behalf of a local authority of prescribed health-related functions of the authority in conjunction with the exercise by the NHS body of prescribed functions of the NHS body,

(c) for or in connection with the exercise by a local authority on behalf of an NHS body of prescribed functions of the NHS body in conjunction with the exercise by the local authority of prescribed health-related functions of the local authority,

(d) as to the provision of staff, goods or services in connection with any arrangements mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c),

(e) as to the making of payments by a local authority to an NHS body in connection with any arrangements mentioned in paragraph (b),

(f) as to the making of payments by an NHS body to a local authority in connection with any arrangements mentioned in paragraph (c).

(3) Regulations under this section may make provision—

(a) as to the cases in which NHS bodies and local authorities may enter into prescribed arrangements,

(b) as to the conditions which must be satisfied in relation to prescribed arrangements (including conditions in relation to consultation),

(c) for or in connection with requiring the consent of the Secretary of State to the operation of prescribed arrangements (including provision in relation to applications for consent, the approval or refusal of such applications and the variation or withdrawal of approval),

(d) in relation to the duration of prescribed arrangements,

(e) for or in connection with the variation or termination of prescribed arrangements,

(f) as to the responsibility for, and the operation and management of, prescribed arrangements,

(g) as to the sharing of information between NHS bodies and local authorities.

(4) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsection (3)(f) includes provision in relation to—

(a) the formation and operation of joint committees of NHS bodies and local authorities,

(b) the exercise of functions which are the subject of prescribed arrangements (including provision in relation to the exercise of such functions by joint committees or employees of NHS bodies and local authorities),

(c) the drawing up and implementation of plans in respect of prescribed arrangements,

(d) the monitoring of prescribed arrangements,

(e) the provision of reports on, and information about, prescribed arrangements,

(f) complaints and disputes about prescribed arrangements,

(g) accounts and audit in respect of prescribed arrangements.

(5) Arrangements made by virtue of this section do not affect—

(a) the liability of NHS bodies for the exercise of any of their functions,

(b) the liability of local authorities for the exercise of any of their functions, or

(c) any power or duty to recover charges in respect of services provided in the exercise of any local authority functions.

(6) The Secretary of State may issue guidance to NHS bodies and local authorities in relation to consultation or applications for consent in respect of prescribed arrangements.

(7) The reference in subsection (1) to an improvement in the way in which functions are exercised includes an improvement in the provision to any individuals of any services to which those functions relate.

(8) In this section—

• “health-related functions”, in relation to a local authority, means functions of the authority which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State—

  (a)

  have an effect on the health of any individuals,

  (b)

  have an effect on, or are affected by, any functions of NHS bodies, or

  (c)

  are connected with any functions of NHS bodies,

• “NHS body” does not include a Special Health Authority.

(9) Schedule 18 makes provision with respect to the transfer of staff in connection with arrangements made by virtue of this section.

76 Power of local authorities to make payments

(1) A local authority may make payments to a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust or a Local Health Board towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by the body in connection with the performance by it of prescribed functions.

(2) A payment under this section may be made in respect of expenditure of a capital or of a revenue nature or in respect of both kinds of expenditure.

(3) The Secretary of State may by directions prescribe conditions relating to payments under this section.

(4) The power under subsection (3) may in particular be exercised so as to require, in such circumstances as may be specified—

(a) repayment of the whole or part of a payment under this section, or

(b) in respect of property acquired with payments under this section, payment of an amount representing the whole or part of an increase in the value of the property which has occurred since its acquisition.

(5) No payment may be made under this section in respect of any expenditure unless the conditions relating to it conform with the conditions prescribed for payments of that description under subsection (3).

77 Care Trusts

(1) Where—

(a) a Primary Care Trust or an NHS trust is, or will be, a party to any existing or proposed LA delegation arrangements, and

(b) the Secretary of State considers that designation of the body as a Care Trust would be likely to promote the effective exercise by the body of prescribed health-related functions of a local authority (in accordance with the arrangements) in conjunction with prescribed NHS functions of the body,

the Secretary of State may designate the body as a Care Trust.

(2) A Primary Care Trust or NHS trust may, however, be designated only in pursuance of an application made to the Secretary of State jointly by each prescribed body.

(3) If the application under subsection (2) requests the Secretary of State to do so, he may when designating a body as a Care Trust make a direction under subsection (4).

(4) The direction is that while the body is designated it may (in addition to exercising health-related functions of the local authority as mentioned in subsection (1)(b)) exercise such prescribed health-related functions of the local authority as are specified in the direction in relation to persons in any area so specified, even though it does not exercise any NHS functions in relation to persons in that area.

(5) Where a body is designated as a Care Trust under this section—

(a) its designation may be revoked by the Secretary of State at any time—

(i) of the Secretary of State’s own motion, and

(ii) after such consultation as he considers appropriate,

(b) if an application for the revocation of its designation is made to the Secretary of State by one or more of the parties to the LA delegation arrangements, its designation must be revoked by the Secretary of State at the earliest time at which he considers it practicable to do so, having regard, in particular, to any steps that need to be taken in relation to those arrangements in connection with the revocation.

(6) The designation of a body as a Care Trust under this section must be effected by an order under section 18 or 25 which—

(a) (in the case of an existing body) amends the order establishing the body so as to change its name to one that includes the words “Care Trust”, or

(b) (in the case of a new body) establishes the body with a name that includes those words,

and any revocation of its designation must be effected by a further order under section 18 or 25 which makes such provision for changing the name of the body as the Secretary of State considers expedient.

(7) The power of the Secretary of State to dissolve a Primary Care Trust or an NHS trust includes power to dissolve such a Primary Care Trust or NHS trust where he considers that it is appropriate to do so in connection with the designation of any other such body (whether existing or otherwise) as a Care Trust.

(8) Regulations may make such incidental, supplementary or consequential provision (including provision amending, repealing or revoking enactments) as the Secretary of State considers expedient in connection with the preceding provisions of this section.

(9) Regulations under subsection (8) may, in particular, make provision—

(a) prescribing—

(i) the manner and circumstances in which, and

(ii) any conditions which must be satisfied before,

an application may be made for a body to be designated as a Care Trust under this section, or to cease to be so designated, and the information to be supplied with such an application,

(b) enabling the Secretary of State to terminate appointments of persons as members of a Primary Care Trust or of the board of directors of an NHS trust (or of a committee of such a Primary Care Trust or NHS trust) where he considers that it is appropriate to do so in connection with the designation of the Primary Care Trust or NHS trust as a Care Trust,

(c) requiring the consent of the Secretary of State to be obtained before any prescribed change is made with respect to the governance of a body so designated,

(d) for supplementing or modifying, in connection with the operation of subsection (3), any provision made by regulations under section 75.

(10) The designation of a body as a Care Trust under this section does not affect any of the functions, rights or liabilities of that body in its capacity as a Primary Care Trust or NHS trust.

(11) In connection with the exercise by a body so designated of any relevant social services functions under LA delegation arrangements—

(a) section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42) (authorities to exercise social services functions under guidance), and

(b) section 7A of that Act (directions as to exercise of such functions),

apply to the body as if it were a local authority within the meaning of that Act.

(12) In this section—

• “health-related functions” has the meaning given by section 75(8),

• “LA delegation arrangements” means arrangements falling within section 75(2)(b), whether or not made in conjunction with any pooled fund arrangements,

• “NHS functions” means functions exercisable by a Primary Care Trust or NHS trust in its capacity as such,

• “pooled fund arrangements” means arrangements falling within section 75(2)(a),

• “relevant social services functions” means health-related functions which are social services functions within the meaning of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970.

78 Directed partnership arrangements

(1) If the Secretary of State is of the opinion—

(a) that a body to which this section applies (“the failing body”) is not exercising any of its functions adequately, and

(b) that it would be likely to lead to an improvement in the way in which that function is exercised if it were to be exercised—

(i) by another body to which this section applies under delegation arrangements, or

(ii) in accordance with pooled fund arrangements made with another such body,

the Secretary of State may direct those bodies to enter into such delegation arrangements or pooled fund arrangements in relation to the exercise of the appropriate function or functions as are specified in the direction.

(2) In subsection (1) “the appropriate function or functions” means—

(a) the function of the failing body mentioned in that subsection, and

(b) such other function of that body (if any) as the Secretary of State considers would, if exercised under or in accordance with the arrangements in question, be likely to contribute to an improvement in the exercise of the function referred to in paragraph (a).

(3) The bodies to which this section applies are—

(a) Strategic Health Authorities,

(b) Primary Care Trusts,

(c) NHS trusts,

(d) Local Health Boards, and

(e) local authorities,

but in subsections (1) and (2) any reference to functions is, in relation to a local authority, a reference only to relevant social services functions of the authority.

(4) In this section any reference to an improvement in the way in which any function is exercised includes an improvement in the provision to any individuals of any services to which that function relates.

(5) In this section—

• “delegation arrangements” means arrangements falling within section 75(2)(b) or (c), whether or not made in conjunction with any pooled fund arrangements,

• “health-related functions” has the meaning given by section 75(8),

• “pooled fund arrangements” means arrangements falling within section 75(2)(a),

• “relevant social services functions” means health-related functions which are social services functions within the meaning of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42).

79 Further provision about directions and directed partnership arrangements

(1) A direction under section 78(1) (a “principal direction”) may make provision with respect to—

(a) any of the matters with respect to which provision is required to be made by the specified arrangements by virtue of regulations under section 75, and

(b) such other matters as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(2) The Secretary of State may in particular (either in a principal direction or in any subsequent direction) make provision—

(a) for the determination, whether—

(i) by agreement, or

(ii) (in default of agreement) by the Secretary of State or an arbitrator appointed by him,

of the amount of any payments which need to be made by one body to another for the purposes of the effective operation of the specified arrangements, and for the variation of any such determination,

(b) specifying the manner in which the amount of any such payments must be so determined (or varied),

(c) requiring a body specified in the direction to supply to the Secretary of State or an arbitrator, for the purpose of enabling any such amount to be so determined (or varied), such information or documents as may be so specified,

(d) requiring any amount so determined (or varied) to be paid by and to such bodies as are specified in the direction,

(e) requiring capital assets specified in the direction to be made available by and to such bodies as are so specified.

(3) The Secretary of State may, when giving a principal direction to any bodies to which section 78 applies, give such directions to any other such body as he considers appropriate for or in connection with securing that full effect is given to the principal direction.

(4) Before giving a principal direction to any bodies to which section 78 applies, the Secretary of State may—

(a) direct either or both of the bodies in question to take such steps specified in the direction, or

(b) give such other directions,

as he considers appropriate with a view to enabling him to determine whether the principal direction should be given.

(5) The revocation of a principal direction does not affect the continued operation of the specified arrangements.

(6) “The specified arrangements”, in relation to a principal direction, means the arrangements specified in the direction in pursuance of section 78(1).

80 Supply of goods and services by the Secretary of State

(1) The Secretary of State may supply to—

(a) local authorities, and

(b) such public bodies or classes of public bodies as he may determine,

any goods or materials of a kind used in the health service.

(2) In subsection (1) “public bodies” includes public bodies in Northern Ireland.

(3) The Secretary of State may make available to persons falling within subsection (1)—

(a) any facilities provided by him or by a Primary Care Trust for any service under this Act, and

(b) the services of persons employed by the Secretary of State or by a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust, a Special Health Authority or a Local Health Board.

(4) The Secretary of State may carry out maintenance work (including minor renewals, minor improvements and minor extensions) in connection with any land or building for the maintenance of which a local authority is responsible.

(5) The Secretary of State may supply or make available to persons—

(a) providing pharmaceutical services,

(b) providing services under a general medical services contract, a general dental services contract or a general ophthalmic services contract,

(c) providing services in accordance with section 92 arrangements or section 107 arrangements, or

(d) providing services under a pilot scheme or an LPS scheme,

such goods, materials or other facilities as may be prescribed.

(6) The Secretary of State must make available to local authorities—

(a) any services (other than the services of any person) or other facilities provided under this Act,

(b) the services provided as part of the health service by any person employed by the Secretary of State, a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust, a Special Health Authority or a Local Health Board, and

(c) the services of any medical practitioner, dental practitioner or nurse employed by the Secretary of State, a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust, a Special Health Authority or a Local Health Board otherwise than to provide services which are part of the health service,

so far as is reasonably necessary and practicable to enable local authorities to discharge their functions relating to social services, education and public health.

(7) The Secretary of State may arrange to make available to local authorities the services of persons—

(a) providing pharmaceutical services,

(b) performing services under a general medical services contract, a general dental services contract or a general ophthalmic services contract,

(c) providing services in accordance with section 92 arrangements or section 107 arrangements,

(d) performing services under a pilot scheme or an LPS scheme, or

(e) providing Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, Special Health Authorities or Local Health Boards with services of a kind provided as part of the health service,

so far as is reasonably necessary and practicable to enable local authorities to discharge their functions relating to social services, education and public health.

81 Conditions of supply under section 80

(1) The Secretary of State must, before he makes available the services of any officer under subsection (3)(b) of section 80, or subsection (6)(b) or (c) of that section—

(a) consult the officer or a body recognised by the Secretary of State as representing the officer, or

(b) satisfy himself that the body who employs the officer has consulted the officer about the matter.

(2) The Secretary of State may disregard the provisions of subsection (1) in a case where he—

(a) considers it necessary to make the services of an officer available for the purpose of dealing temporarily with an emergency, and

(b) has previously consulted a body such as is mentioned in subsection (1)(b) about making services available in an emergency.

(3) The Secretary of State may, for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) of section 80, or subsection (6)(b) or (c) of that section, give such directions to Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, Special Health Authorities and Local Health Boards to make the services of their officers available as he considers appropriate.

(4) Powers under this section and section 80 may be exercised on such terms as may be agreed, including terms as to the making of payments to the Secretary of State.

(5) The Secretary of State may make such charges in respect of services or facilities provided under section 80(6) as may be agreed between the Secretary of State and the local authority or, in default of agreement, as may be determined by arbitration.

(6) Any power to supply goods or materials under section 80 includes—

(a) a power to purchase and store them, and

(b) a power to arrange with third parties for the supply of goods or materials by those third parties.

82 Co-operation between NHS bodies and local authorities

In exercising their respective functions NHS bodies (on the one hand) and local authorities (on the other) must co-operate with one another in order to secure and advance the health and welfare of the people of England and Wales.

Part 4 Medical services

Duty of Primary Care Trusts in relation to primary medical services

83 Primary medical services

(1) Each Primary Care Trust must, to the extent that it considers necessary to meet all reasonable requirements, exercise its powers so as to provide primary medical services within its area, or secure their provision within its area.

(2) A Primary Care Trust may (in addition to any other power conferred on it)—

(a) provide primary medical services itself (whether within or outside its area),

(b) make such arrangements for their provision (whether within or outside its area) as it considers appropriate, and may in particular make contractual arrangements with any person.

(3) Each Primary Care Trust must publish information about such matters as may be prescribed in relation to the primary medical services provided under this Act.

(4) Each Primary Care Trust must co-operate with each other Primary Care Trust and each Local Health Board in the discharge of their respective functions relating to the provision of primary medical services under this Act and the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42).

(5) Regulations may provide that services of a prescribed description must, or must not, be regarded as primary medical services for the purposes of this Act.

(6) Regulations under this section may in particular describe services by reference to the manner or circumstances in which they are provided.

General medical services contracts

84 General medical services contracts: introductory

(1) A Primary Care Trust may enter into a contract under which primary medical services are provided in accordance with the following provisions of this Part.

(2) A contract under this section is called in this Act a “general medical services contract”.

(3) A general medical services contract may make such provision as may be agreed between the Primary Care Trust and the contractor or contractors in relation to—

(a) the services to be provided under the contract,

(b) remuneration under the contract, and

(c) any other matters.

(4) The services to be provided under a general medical services contract may include—

(a) services which are not primary medical services,

(b) services to be provided outside the area of the Primary Care Trust.

(5) In this Part, “contractor”, in relation to a general medical services contract, means any person entering into the contract with the Primary Care Trust.

85 Requirement to provide certain primary medical services

(1) A general medical services contract must require the contractor or contractors to provide, for his or their patients, primary medical services of such descriptions as may be prescribed.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular describe services by reference to the manner or circumstances in which they are provided.

86 Persons eligible to enter into GMS contracts

(1) A Primary Care Trust may, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, enter into a general medical services contract with—

(a) a medical practitioner,

(b) two or more individuals practising in partnership where the conditions in subsection (2) are satisfied, or

(c) a company limited by shares where the conditions in subsection (3) are satisfied.

(2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(b) are that—

(a) at least one partner is a medical practitioner, and

(b) any partner who is not a medical practitioner is either—

(i) an NHS employee,

(ii) a section 92 employee, section 107 employee, section 50 employee, section 64 employee, section 17C employee or Article 15B employee,

(iii) a health care professional who is engaged in the provision of services under this Act or the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), or

(iv) an individual falling within section 93(1)(d).

(3) The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(c) are that—

(a) at least one share in the company is legally and beneficially owned by a medical practitioner, and

(b) any share which is not so owned is legally and beneficially owned by a person referred to in subsection (2)(b).

(4) Regulations may make provision as to the effect, in relation to a general medical services contract entered into by individuals practising in partnership, of a change in the membership of the partnership.

(5) In this section—

• “health care professional”, “NHS employee”, “section 92 employee”, “section 107 employee”, “section 50 employee”, “section 64 employee”, “section 17C employee” and “Article 15B employee” have the meaning given by section 93.

87 GMS contracts: payments

(1) The Secretary of State may give directions as to payments to be made under general medical services contracts.

(2) A general medical services contract must require payments to be made under the contract in accordance with directions under this section.

(3) Directions under subsection (1) may in particular—

(a) provide for payments to be made by reference to compliance with standards or the achievement of levels of performance,

(b) provide for payments to be made by reference to—

(i) any scheme or scale specified in the direction, or

(ii) a determination made by any person in accordance with factors specified in the direction,

(c) provide for the making of payments in respect of individual practitioners,

(d) provide that the whole or any part of a payment is subject to conditions (and may provide that payments are payable by a Primary Care Trust only if it is satisfied as to certain conditions),

(e) 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.

(4) Before giving a direction under subsection (1), the Secretary of State—

(a) must consult any body appearing to him to be representative of persons to whose remuneration the direction would relate, and

(b) may consult such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(5) “Payments” includes fees, allowances, reimbursements, loans and repayments.

88 GMS contracts: prescription of drugs, etc

(1) A general medical services contract must contain provision requiring the contractor or contractors to comply with any directions given by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section as to the drugs, medicines or other substances which may or may not be ordered for patients in the provision of medical services under the contract.

(2) A direction under this section must, subject to subsection (3), be given by regulations.

(3) A direction under this section may be given by an instrument in writing where it gives effect to a request made in writing to the Secretary of State by a person who is a holder of a Community marketing authorization or United Kingdom marketing authorisation in respect of the drug, medicine or other substance to which the request relates.

(4) “Community marketing authorization” and “United Kingdom marketing authorisation” have the meaning given by regulation 1 of the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/3144).

89 GMS contracts: other required terms

(1) A general medical services contract must contain such provision as may be prescribed (in addition to the provision required by the preceding provisions of this Part).

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular make provision as to—

(a) the manner in which, and standards to which, services must be provided,

(b) the persons who perform services,

(c) the persons to whom services will be provided,

(d) the variation of contract terms (other than terms required by or under this Part),

(e) rights of entry and inspection (including inspection of clinical records and other documents),

(f) the circumstances in which, and the manner in which, the contract may be terminated,

(g) enforcement,

(h) the adjudication of disputes.

(3) Regulations making provision under subsection (2)(c) may make provision as to the circumstances in which a contractor or contractors—

(a) must or may accept a person as a patient to whom services are provided under the contract,

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

(c) may terminate his or their responsibility for a patient.

(4) Regulations under subsection (2)(d) may—

(a) make provision as to the circumstances in which a Primary Care Trust may impose a variation of contract terms,

(b) make provision as to the suspension or termination of any duty under the contract to provide services of a prescribed description.

(5) Regulations making provision of the kind described in subsection (4)(b) may prescribe services by reference to the manner or circumstances in which they are provided.

(6) Regulations under subsection (1) must make provision as to the right of patients to choose the persons from whom they receive services.

90 GMS contracts: disputes and enforcement

(1) Regulations may make provision for the resolution of disputes as to the terms of a proposed general medical services contract.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision—

(a) for the referral of the terms of the proposed contract to the Secretary of State, and

(b) for the Secretary of State, or a person appointed by him, to determine the terms on which the contract may be entered into.

(3) Regulations may make provision for a person or persons entering into a general medical services contract to be regarded as a health service body for any purposes of section 9, in circumstances where he or they so elect.

(4) Regulations under subsection (3) may include provision as to the application of section 9 in cases where—

(a) persons practising in partnership elect to become a health service body, and

(b) there is a change in the membership of the partnership.

(5) Where—

(a) by virtue of regulations under subsection (3), section 9(11) applies in relation to a general medical services contract, and

(b) a direction as to payments is made under that subsection in relation to the contract,

the direction is enforceable in a county court (if the court so orders) as if it were a judgment or order of that court.

Performance of primary medical services

91 Persons performing primary medical services

(1) Regulations may provide that a health care professional of a prescribed description may not perform any primary medical service for which a Primary Care Trust is responsible unless he is included in a list maintained under the regulations by a Primary Care Trust.

(2) For the purposes of this section—

(a) “health care professional” means a person who is a member of a profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17),

(b) a Primary Care Trust is responsible for a medical service if it provides the service, or secures its provision, by or under any enactment.

(3) Regulations under this section may make provision in relation to lists under this section and in particular as to—

(a) the preparation, maintenance and publication of a list,

(b) eligibility for inclusion in a list,

(c) applications for inclusion (including provision as to the Primary Care Trust to which an application must be made, and for the procedure for applications and the documents to be supplied on application),

(d) the grounds on which an application for inclusion may or must be granted or refused,

(e) requirements with which a person included in a list must comply (including the declaration of financial interests and gifts and other benefits),

(f) suspension or removal from a list (including provision for the grounds for, and consequences of, suspension or removal),

(g) circumstances in which a person included in a list may not withdraw from it,

(h) payments to be made in respect of a person suspended from a list (including provision for the amount of the payment, or the method of calculating the payment, to be determined by the Secretary of State or a person appointed by him),

(i) the criteria to be applied in making decisions under the regulations,

(j) appeals against decisions made by a Primary Care Trust under the regulations, and

(k) disclosure of information about applicants for inclusion, grants or refusals of applications or suspensions or removals,

and may make any provision corresponding to anything in sections 151 to 159.

(4) Regulations under this section may, in particular, also provide for—

(a) a person’s inclusion in a list to be subject to conditions determined by a Primary Care Trust,

(b) a Primary Care Trust to vary the conditions or impose different ones,

(c) the consequences of failing to comply with a condition (including removal from a list),

(d) the review by a Primary Care Trust of decisions made by it by virtue of the regulations.

(5) The imposition of such conditions must be with a view to—

(a) preventing any prejudice to the efficiency of the services to which a list relates, or

(b) preventing fraud.

(6) Regulations making provision as to the matters referred to in subsection (3)(k) may in particular authorise the disclosure of information—

(a) by a Primary Care Trust to the Secretary of State, and

(b) by the Secretary of State to a Primary Care Trust.

Other arrangements for the provision of primary medical services

92 Arrangements by Strategic Health Authorities for the provision of primary medical services

(1) A Strategic Health Authority may make one or more agreements with respect to its area under which primary medical services are provided (otherwise than by the Strategic Health Authority).

(2) An agreement must be in accordance with regulations under section 94.

(3) An agreement may not combine arrangements for the provision of primary medical services with arrangements for the provision of primary dental services.

(4) An agreement may not combine arrangements for the provision of primary medical services with arrangements for the provision of local pharmaceutical services.

(5) But an agreement may include arrangements for the provision of services which are not primary medical services but which may be provided under this Act, other than under Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 7 (pharmaceutical services and local pharmaceutical services under pilot schemes).

(6) This Act has effect, in relation to primary medical services provided under an agreement, as if those services were provided as a result of the delegation by the Secretary of State of his functions (by directions given under section 7).

(7) Regulations may provide—

(a) for functions which are exercisable by a Strategic Health Authority in relation to an agreement to be exercisable on behalf of the Strategic Health Authority by a Health Board, and

(b) for functions which are exercisable by a Health Board in relation to an agreement made under section 17C of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29) to be exercisable on behalf of the Board by a Strategic Health Authority.

(8) In this Act, arrangements for the provision of services made under this section are called “section 92 arrangements”.

93 Persons with whom agreements may be made under section 92

(1) A Strategic Health Authority may make an agreement under section 92 only with one or more of the following—

(a) an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust,

(b) a medical practitioner who meets the prescribed conditions,

(c) a health care professional who meets the prescribed conditions,

(d) an individual who is providing services—

(i) under a general medical services contract or a general dental services contract or a Welsh general medical services contract or a Welsh general dental services contract,

(ii) in accordance with section 92 arrangements, section 107 arrangements, section 50 arrangements, section 64 arrangements, section 17C arrangements or Article 15B arrangements, or

(iii) under section 17J or 25 of the 1978 Act or Article 57 or 61 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)),

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

(e) an NHS employee, a section 92 employee, a section 107 employee, a section 50 employee, a section 64 employee, a section 17C employee or an Article 15B employee,

(f) a qualifying body,

(g) a Primary Care Trust or Local Health Board.

(2) The power under subsection (1) to make an agreement with a person falling within paragraph (d) or (e) of that subsection is subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.

(3) In this section—

• “the 1978 Act” means the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29),

• “Article 15B arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under Article 15B of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)),

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

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

• “NHS employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in the health service, the Scottish health service or the Northern Ireland health service, is employed by—

  (a)

  an NHS trust, an NHS foundation trust or (in Northern Ireland) a Health and Social Services Trust,

  (b)

  a Primary Care Trust or Local Health Board,

  (c)

  a person who is providing services under a general medical services contract or a general dental services contract or a Welsh general medical services contract or a Welsh general dental services contract,

  (d)

  an individual who is providing services as specified in subsection (1)(d)(iii),

• “the Northern Ireland health service” means the health service within the meaning of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972,

• “qualifying body” means a company which is limited by shares all of which are legally and beneficially owned by persons falling within paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (g) of subsection (1),

• “the Scottish health service” means the health service within the meaning of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978,

• “section 17C arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under section 17C of the 1978 Act,

• “section 17C employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 17C arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “section 50 arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under section 50 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

• “section 64 arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under section 64 of that Act,

• “section 107 employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 107 arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “section 92 employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 92 arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “section 50 employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 50 arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “section 64 employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 64 arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “Welsh general medical services contract” means a contract under section 42(2) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), and

• “Welsh general dental services contract” means a contract under section 57(2) of that Act.

94 Regulations about section 92 arrangements

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations about the provision of services in accordance with section 92 arrangements.

(2) The regulations must include provision for participants other than Strategic Health Authorities to withdraw from section 92 arrangements if they wish to do so.

(3) The regulations may, in particular—

(a) provide that section 92 arrangements may be made only in prescribed circumstances,

(b) provide that section 92 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 section 92 arrangements,

(d) impose conditions (including conditions as to qualifications and experience) to be satisfied by persons performing services in accordance with section 92 arrangements,

(e) require details of section 92 arrangements to be published,

(f) make provision with respect to the variation and termination of section 92 arrangements,

(g) provide for parties to section 92 arrangements to be treated, in such circumstances and to such extent as may be prescribed, as health service bodies for the purposes of section 9,

(h) provide for directions, as to payments, made under section 9(11) (as it has effect as a result of regulations made by virtue of paragraph (g)) to be enforceable in a county court (if the court so orders) as if they were judgments or orders of that court.

(4) The regulations may also require payments to be made under the arrangements in accordance with directions given for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

(5) A direction 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.

(6) The regulations may also include provision requiring a Primary Care Trust, in prescribed circumstances and subject to prescribed conditions, to enter into a general medical services contract on prescribed terms with any person who is providing services under section 92 arrangements and who so requests.

(7) The regulations may also include provision for the resolution of disputes as to the terms of any proposed section 92 arrangements, and in particular may make provision—

(a) for the referral of the terms of the proposed arrangements to the Secretary of State, and

(b) for the Secretary of State or a person appointed by him to determine the terms on which the arrangements may be entered into.

(8) The regulations must provide for the circumstances in which a person providing primary medical services under section 92 arrangements—

(a) must 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.

(9) The regulations must make provision as to the right of patients to choose the persons from whom they receive services under section 92 arrangements.

95 Transfer of liabilities relating to section 92 arrangements

(1) The Secretary of State may by order make provision for any rights and liabilities arising under an agreement to provide primary medical services under section 92 to be transferred from Strategic Health Authorities to Primary Care Trusts and from Primary Care Trusts to Strategic Health Authorities.

(2) Subsection (1) does not affect any other power of the Secretary of State to transfer rights and liabilities under this Act.

Assistance and support

96 Assistance and support: primary medical services

(1) A Primary Care Trust may provide assistance or support to any person providing or proposing to provide—

(a) primary medical services under a general medical services contract, or

(b) primary medical services in accordance with section 92 arrangements.

(2) Assistance or support provided by a Primary Care Trust under subsection (1) is provided on such terms, including terms as to payment, as the Primary Care Trust considers appropriate.

(3) “Assistance” includes financial assistance.

Local Medical Committees

97 Local Medical Committees

(1) A Primary Care Trust may recognise a committee formed for its area, or for its area and that of one or more other Primary Care Trusts, which it is satisfied is representative of—

(a) the persons to whom subsection (2) applies, and

(b) the persons to whom subsection (3) applies.

(2) This subsection applies to—

(a) each medical practitioner who, under a general medical services contract entered into by him, is providing primary medical services in the area for which the committee is formed, and

(b) each medical practitioner who, under a general ophthalmic services contract entered into by him, is providing primary ophthalmic services in that area.

(3) This subsection applies to each other medical practitioner—

(a) who is performing primary medical services or primary ophthalmic services in the area for which the committee is formed—

(i) pursuant to section 83(2)(a) or section 115(4)(a),

(ii) in accordance with section 92 arrangements, or

(iii) under a general medical services contract or a general ophthalmic services contract, and

(b) who has notified the Primary Care Trust that he wishes to be represented by the committee (and has not notified it that he wishes to cease to be so represented).

(4) A committee recognised under this section is called the Local Medical Committee for the area for which it is formed.

(5) Any such committee may delegate any of its functions, with or without restrictions or conditions, to sub-committees composed of members of that committee.

(6) Regulations may require a Primary Care Trust, in the exercise of its functions relating to primary medical services, to consult any committee recognised by it under this section on such occasions and to such extent as may be prescribed.

(7) Regulations may require a Strategic Health Authority, in the exercise of any of its functions which relate to section 92 arrangements, to consult, on such occasions and to such extent as may be prescribed, any committee—

(a) which is recognised by a Primary Care Trust under this section for the area where the services are (or will be) provided under those arrangements, and

(b) which is representative of persons providing or performing those services under those arrangements.

(8) A committee recognised under this section has such other functions as may be prescribed.

(9) A committee recognised under this section must in respect of each year determine—

(a) the amount of its administrative expenses for that year attributable to persons of whom it is representative under subsection (1)(a), and

(b) the amount of its administrative expenses for that year attributable to persons of whom it is representative under subsection (1)(b).

(10) A Primary Care Trust may—

(a) on the request of a committee recognised by it, allot to that committee such sums for defraying the expenses referred to in subsection (9)(a) as the Primary Care Trust may determine, and

(b) deduct the amount of such sums from the remuneration of persons of whom the committee is representative under subsection (1)(a) under the general medical services contracts entered into by those persons with the Primary Care Trust.

(11) A committee recognised under this section must apportion the amount determined by it under subsection (9)(b) among the persons of whom it is representative under subsection (1)(b); and each such person must pay in accordance with the committee’s directions the amount so apportioned to him.

(12) The administrative expenses of a committee include the travelling and subsistence allowances payable to its members.

Provision of accommodation by the Secretary of State

98 Use of accommodation: provision of primary medical services

If the Secretary of State considers that any accommodation provided by him by virtue of this Act is suitable for use in connection with the provision of primary medical services, he may make the accommodation available on such terms as he considers appropriate to persons providing those services.

Part 5 Dental services

Duty of Primary Care Trusts in relation to primary dental services

99 Primary dental services

(1) Each Primary Care Trust must, to the extent that it considers necessary to meet all reasonable requirements, exercise its powers so as to provide primary dental services within its area, or secure their provision within its area.

(2) A Primary Care Trust may (in addition to any other power conferred on it) provide primary dental services itself (whether within or outside its area).

(3) Each Primary Care Trust must publish information about such matters as may be prescribed in relation to the primary dental services for which it makes provision under this Act.

(4) Each Primary Care Trust must co-operate with each other Primary Care Trust and each Local Health Board in the discharge of their respective functions relating to the provision of primary dental services under this Act and the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42).

(5) Regulations may provide that services of a prescribed description must, or must not, be regarded as primary dental services for the purposes of this Act.

(6) Regulations under subsection (5) may in particular describe services by reference to the manner or circumstances in which they are provided.

General dental services contracts

100 General dental services contracts: introductory

(1) A Primary Care Trust may enter into a contract under which primary dental services are provided in accordance with the following provisions of this Part.

(2) A contract under this section is called in this Act a “general dental services contract”.

(3) A general dental services contract may make such provision as may be agreed between the Primary Care Trust and the contractor in relation to—

(a) the services to be provided under the contract (which may include services which are not primary dental services),

(b) remuneration under the contract, and

(c) any other matters.

(4) In this Part, “contractor”, in relation to a general dental services contract, means any person entering into the contract with the Primary Care Trust.

101 Requirement to provide certain primary dental services

(1) A general dental services contract must require the contractor or contractors to provide, for his or their patients, primary dental services of such descriptions as may be prescribed.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular describe services by reference to the manner or circumstances in which they are provided.

102 Persons eligible to enter into GDS contracts

(1) A Primary Care Trust may, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, enter into a general dental services contract with—

(a) a dental practitioner,

(b) a dental corporation,

(c) two or more individuals practising in partnership where the conditions in subsection (2) are satisfied.

(2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(c) are that—

(a) at least one partner is a dental practitioner, and

(b) any partner who is not a dental practitioner is either—

(i) an NHS employee,

(ii) a section 92 employee, section 107 employee, section 50 employee, section 64 employee, section 17C employee or Article 15B employee,

(iii) a health care professional who is engaged in the provision of services under this Act or the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), or

(iv) an individual falling within section 108(1)(d).

(3) Regulations may make provision as to the effect, in relation to a general dental services contract entered into by individuals practising in partnership, of a change in the membership of the partnership.

(4) In this section—

• “dental corporation” means a body corporate which is carrying on the business of dentistry in accordance with the Dentists Act 1984 (c. 24)

• “health care professional”, “NHS employee”, “section 92 employee”, “section 107 employee”, “section 50 employee”, “section 64 employee”, “section 17C employee” and “Article 15B employee” have the meaning given by section 108.

103 GDS contracts: payments

(1) The Secretary of State may give directions as to payments to be made under general dental services contracts.

(2) A general dental services contract must require payments to be made under the contract in accordance with directions under this section.

(3) A direction under subsection (1) may in particular—

(a) provide for payments to be made by reference to compliance with standards or the achievement of levels of performance,

(b) provide for payments to be made by reference to—

(i) any scheme or scale specified in the direction, or

(ii) a determination made by any person in accordance with factors specified in the direction,

(c) provide for the making of payments in respect of individual practitioners,

(d) provide that the whole or any part of a payment is subject to conditions (and may provide that payments are payable by a Primary Care Trust only if it is satisfied as to certain conditions),

(e) 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.

(4) Before giving a direction under subsection (1), the Secretary of State—

(a) must consult any body appearing to him to be representative of persons to whose remuneration the direction would relate, and

(b) may consult such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(5) “Payments” includes fees, allowances, reimbursements, loans and repayments.

104 GDS contracts: other required terms

(1) A general dental services contract must contain such provision as may be prescribed (in addition to the provision required by the preceding provisions of this Part).

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular make provision as to—

(a) the manner in which, and standards to which, services must be provided,

(b) the persons who perform services,

(c) the persons to whom services will be provided,

(d) the variation of contract terms (other than terms required by or under this Part),

(e) rights of entry and inspection (including inspection of clinical records and other documents),

(f) the circumstances in which, and the manner in which, the contract may be terminated,

(g) enforcement,

(h) the adjudication of disputes.

(3) Regulations under subsection (2)(d) may make provision as to the circumstances in which a Primary Care Trust may impose a variation of contract terms.

(4) Regulations under subsection (1) must make provision as to the right of patients to choose the persons from whom they receive services.

105 GDS contracts: disputes and enforcement

(1) Regulations may make provision for the resolution of disputes as to the terms of a proposed general dental services contract.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision—

(a) for the referral of the terms of the proposed contract to the Secretary of State, and

(b) for the Secretary of State, or a person appointed by him, to determine the terms on which the contract may be entered into.

(3) Regulations may make provision for a person or persons entering into a general dental services contract to be regarded as a health service body for any purposes of section 9, in circumstances where he or they so elect.

(4) Regulations under subsection (3) may include provision as to the application of section 9 in cases where—

(a) persons practising in partnership elect to become a health service body, and

(b) there is a change in the membership of the partnership.

(5) Where—

(a) by virtue of regulations under subsection (3), section 9(11) applies in relation to a general dental services contract, and

(b) a direction as to payments is made under that provision in relation to the contract,

the direction is enforceable in a county court (if the court so orders) as if it were a judgment or order of that court.

Performance of primary dental services

106 Persons performing primary dental services

(1) Regulations may provide that a health care professional of a prescribed description may not perform any primary dental service for which a Primary Care Trust is responsible unless he is included in a list maintained under the regulations by a Primary Care Trust.

(2) For the purposes of this section—

(a) “health care professional” means a person who is a member of a profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17),

(b) a Primary Care Trust is responsible for a dental service if it provides the service, or secures its provision, by or under any enactment.

(3) Regulations under this section may make provision in relation to lists under this section and in particular as to—

(a) the preparation, maintenance and publication of a list,

(b) eligibility for inclusion in a list,

(c) applications for inclusion (including provision as to the Primary Care Trust to which an application must be made, and for the procedure for applications and the documents to be supplied on application),

(d) the grounds on which an application for inclusion may or must be granted or refused,

(e) requirements with which a person included in a list must comply (including the declaration of financial interests and gifts and other benefits),

(f) suspension or removal from a list (including provision for the grounds for, and consequences of, suspension or removal),

(g) circumstances in which a person included in a list may not withdraw from it,

(h) payments to be made in respect of a person suspended from a list (including provision for the amount of the payment, or the method of calculating the payment, to be determined by the Secretary of State or a person appointed by him),

(i) the criteria to be applied in making decisions under the regulations,

(j) appeals against decisions made by a Primary Care Trust under the regulations, and

(k) disclosure of information about applicants for inclusion, grants or refusals of applications or suspensions or removals,

and may make any provision corresponding to anything in sections 151 to 159.

(4) Regulations under this section may, in particular, also provide for—

(a) a person’s inclusion in a list to be subject to conditions determined by a Primary Care Trust,

(b) a Primary Care Trust to vary the conditions or impose different ones,

(c) the consequences of failing to comply with a condition (including removal from a list),

(d) the review by a Primary Care Trust of decisions made by it by virtue of the regulations.

(5) The imposition of such conditions must be with a view to—

(a) preventing any prejudice to the efficiency of the services to which a list relates, or

(b) preventing fraud.

(6) Regulations making provision as to the matters referred to in subsection (3)(k) may in particular authorise the disclosure of information—

(a) by a Primary Care Trust to the Secretary of State, and

(b) by the Secretary of State to a Primary Care Trust.

Other arrangements for the provision of primary dental services

107 Arrangements by Strategic Health Authorities for the provision of primary dental services

(1) A Strategic Health Authority may make one or more agreements with respect to its area under which primary dental services are provided (otherwise than by the Strategic Health Authority).

(2) An agreement must be in accordance with regulations under section 109.

(3) An agreement may not combine arrangements for the provision of primary dental services with arrangements for the provision of primary medical services.

(4) An agreement may not combine arrangements for the provision of primary dental services with arrangements for the provision of local pharmaceutical services.

(5) But an agreement may include arrangements for the provision of services which are not primary dental services but which may be provided under this Act, other than under Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 7 (pharmaceutical services and local pharmaceutical services under pilot schemes).

(6) This Act has effect, in relation to primary dental services provided under an agreement, as if those services were provided as a result of the delegation by the Secretary of State of his functions (by directions given under section 7).

(7) Regulations may provide—

(a) for functions which are exercisable by a Strategic Health Authority in relation to an agreement to be exercisable on behalf of the Authority by a Health Board, and

(b) for functions which are exercisable by a Health Board in relation to an agreement made under section 17C of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29) to be exercisable on behalf of the Board by a Strategic Health Authority.

(8) In this Act, arrangements for the provision of services made under this section are called “section 107 arrangements”.

108 Persons with whom agreements may be made under section 107

(1) A Strategic Health Authority may make an agreement under section 107 only with one or more of the following—

(a) an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust,

(b) a dental practitioner who meets the prescribed conditions,

(c) a health care professional who meets the prescribed conditions,

(d) an individual who is providing services—

(i) under a general medical services contract or a general dental services contract or a Welsh general medical services contract or a Welsh general dental services contract,

(ii) in accordance with section 107 arrangements, section 92 arrangements, section 50 arrangements, section 64 arrangements, section 17C arrangements or Article 15B arrangements, or

(iii) under section 17J or 25 of the 1978 Act or Article 57 or 61 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)),

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

(e) an NHS employee, a section 107 employee, a section 92 employee, a section 50 employee, a section 64 employee, a section 17C employee or an Article 15B employee,

(f) a qualifying body,

(g) a Primary Care Trust or Local Health Board.

(2) The power under subsection (1) to make an agreement with a person falling within paragraph (d) or (e) of that subsection is subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.

(3) In this section—

• “the 1978 Act” means the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29),

• “Article 15B arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under Article 15B of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972,

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

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

• “NHS employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in the health service, the Scottish health service or the Northern Ireland health service, is employed by—

  (a)

  an NHS trust, an NHS foundation trust or (in Northern Ireland) a Health and Social Services Trust,

  (b)

  a Primary Care Trust or Local Health Board,

  (c)

  a person who is providing services under a general medical services contract or a general dental services contract or a Welsh general medical services contract or a Welsh general dental services contract,

  (d)

  an individual who is providing services as specified in subsection (1)(d)(iii),

• “the Northern Ireland health service” means the health service within the meaning of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972,

• “qualifying body” means—

  (a)

  a company which is limited by shares all of which are legally and beneficially owned by persons falling within paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (g) of subsection (1), and

  (b)

  a body corporate which is carrying on the business of dentistry in accordance with the Dentists Act 1984 (c. 24),

• “the Scottish health service” means the health service within the meaning of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978,

• “section 17C arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under section 17C of the 1978 Act,

• “section 17C employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 17C arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “section 50 arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under section 50 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

• “section 64 arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under section 64 of that Act,

• “section 107 employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 107 arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “section 92 employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 92 arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “section 50 employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 50 arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “section 64 employee” means an individual who, in connection with the provision of services in accordance with section 64 arrangements, is employed by a person providing or performing those services,

• “Welsh general medical services contract” means a contract under section 42(2) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, and

• “Welsh general dental services contract” means a contract under section 57(2) of that Act.

109 Regulations about section 107 arrangements

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations about the provision of services in accordance with section 107 arrangements.

(2) The regulations must include provision for participants other than Strategic Health Authorities to withdraw from section 107 arrangements if they wish to do so.

(3) The regulations may, in particular—

(a) provide that section 107 arrangements may be made only in prescribed circumstances,

(b) provide that section 107 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 section 107 arrangements,

(d) impose conditions (including conditions as to qualifications and experience) to be satisfied by persons performing services in accordance with section 107 arrangements,

(e) require details of section 107 arrangements to be published,

(f) make provision with respect to the variation and termination of section 107 arrangements,

(g) provide for parties to section 107 arrangements to be treated, in such circumstances and to such extent as may be prescribed, as health service bodies for the purposes of section 9,

(h) provide for directions, as to payments, made under section 9(11) (as it has effect as a result of regulations made by virtue of paragraph (g)) to be enforceable in a county court (if the court so orders) as if they were judgments or orders of that court.

(4) The regulations may also require payments to be made under the arrangements in accordance with directions given for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

(5) A direction 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.

(6) The regulations may also include provision requiring a Primary Care Trust, in prescribed circumstances and subject to prescribed conditions, to enter into a general dental services contract on prescribed terms with any person who is providing services under section 107 arrangements and who so requests.

(7) The regulations may also include provision for the resolution of disputes as to the terms of any proposed section 107 arrangements, and in particular may make provision—

(a) for the referral of the terms of the proposed arrangements to the Secretary of State, and

(b) for the Secretary of State or a person appointed by him to determine the terms on which the arrangements may be entered into.

(8) The regulations must provide for the circumstances in which a person providing primary dental services under section 107 arrangements—

(a) must 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.

(9) The regulations must make provision as to the right of patients to choose the persons from whom they receive services under section 107 arrangements.

110 Transfer of liabilities relating to section 107 arrangements

(1) The Secretary of State may by order make provision for any rights and liabilities arising under an agreement to provide primary dental services under section 107 to be transferred from Strategic Health Authorities to Primary Care Trusts and from Primary Care Trusts to Strategic Health Authorities.

(2) Subsection (1) does not affect any other power of the Secretary of State to transfer rights and liabilities under this Act.

Dental public health

111 Dental public health

(1) A Primary Care Trust has such functions in relation to dental public health in England as may be prescribed.

(2) The functions of a Primary Care Trust under this section may be discharged—

(a) by the Primary Care Trust itself,

(b) by the Primary Care Trust and one or more other Primary Care Trusts acting jointly, or

(c) by any other person or body in accordance with arrangements made by the Primary Care Trust.

Assistance and support

112 Assistance and support: primary dental services

(1) A Primary Care Trust may provide assistance or support to any person providing or proposing to provide—

(a) primary dental services under a general dental services contract, or

(b) primary dental services in accordance with section 107 arrangements.

(2) Assistance or support provided by a Primary Care Trust under subsection (1) is provided on such terms, including terms as to payment, as the Primary Care Trust considers appropriate.

(3) “Assistance” includes financial assistance.

Local Dental Committees

113 Local Dental Committees

(1) A Primary Care Trust may recognise a committee formed for its area, or for its area and that of one or more other Primary Care Trusts, which it is satisfied is representative of—

(a) the persons to whom subsection (2) applies, and

(b) the persons to whom subsection (3) applies.

(2) This subsection applies to each dental practitioner who, under a general dental services contract entered into by him, is providing primary dental services in the area for which the committee is formed.

(3) This subsection applies to each other dental practitioner—

(a) who is performing primary dental services in the area for which the committee is formed—

(i) pursuant to section 99(2),

(ii) in accordance with section 107 arrangements, or

(iii) under a general dental services contract, and

(b) who has notified the Primary Care Trust that he wishes to be represented by the committee (and has not notified it that he wishes to cease to be so represented).

(4) A committee recognised under this section is called the Local Dental Committee for the area for which it is formed.

(5) Any such committee may delegate any of its functions, with or without restrictions or conditions, to sub-committees composed of members of that committee.

(6) Regulations may require a Primary Care Trust, in the exercise of its functions relating to primary dental services, to consult any committee recognised by it under this section on such occasions and to such extent as may be prescribed.

(7) Regulations may require a Strategic Health Authority, in the exercise of any of its functions which relate to section 107 arrangements, to consult, on such occasions and to such extent as may be prescribed, any committee—

(a) which is recognised by a Primary Care Trust under this section for the area where the services are (or will be) provided under those arrangements, and

(b) which is representative of persons providing or performing those services under those arrangements.

(8) A committee recognised under this section has such other functions as may be prescribed.

(9) A committee recognised under this section must in respect of each year determine—

(a) the amount of its administrative expenses for that year attributable to persons of whom it is representative under subsection (1)(a), and

(b) the amount of its administrative expenses for that year attributable to persons of whom it is representative under subsection (1)(b).

(10) A Primary Care Trust may—

(a) on the request of a committee recognised by it, allot to that committee such sums for defraying the expenses referred to in subsection (9)(a) as the Primary Care Trust may determine, and

(b) deduct the amount of such sums from the remuneration of persons of whom it is representative under subsection (1)(a) under the general dental services contracts entered into by them with the Primary Care Trust.

(11) A committee recognised under this section must apportion the amount determined by it under subsection (9)(b) among the persons of whom it is representative under subsection (1)(b); and each such person must pay in accordance with the committee’s directions the amount so apportioned to him.

(12) The administrative expenses of a committee include the travelling and subsistence allowances payable to its members.

Provision of accommodation by the Secretary of State

114 Use of accommodation: provision of primary dental services

If the Secretary of State considers that any accommodation provided by him by virtue of this Act is suitable for use in connection with the provision of primary dental services, he may make the accommodation available on such terms as he considers appropriate to persons providing those services.

Part 6 Ophthalmic services

Duty of Primary Care Trusts in relation to primary ophthalmic services

115 Primary ophthalmic services

(1) Each Primary Care Trust must exercise its powers so as to provide or secure the provision, within its area, of the following primary ophthalmic services—

(a) the sight-testing service mentioned in subsection (2),

(b) such other primary ophthalmic services as may be prescribed, and

(c) to the extent that it considers necessary to meet all reasonable requirements, any further primary ophthalmic services.

(2) The sight-testing service mentioned in subsection (1)(a) is a service for testing the sight of all of the following persons (except any such testing which takes place in prescribed circumstances)—

(a) those aged under 16,

(b) those aged 16, 17 or 18 who are receiving qualifying full-time education,

(c) those whose resources must be treated in accordance with regulations as being less than or equal to their requirements,

(d) those aged 60 or over,

(e) those of such other description as may be prescribed.

(3) Regulations may—

(a) prescribe what “qualifying full-time education” is for the purposes of subsection (2)(b),

(b) make provision for the purposes of subsection (2)(c) about how a person’s resources and requirements must be calculated.

(4) A Primary Care Trust may (in addition to any other power conferred on it)—

(a) provide primary ophthalmic services itself (whether within or outside its area),

(b) make such arrangements for their provision (whether within or outside its area) as it considers appropriate, and may in particular make contractual arrangements with any person.

(5) Each Primary Care Trust must publish information about such matters as may be prescribed in relation to the primary ophthalmic services provided under this Act.

(6) A Primary Care Trust must co-operate with each other Primary Care Trust in the discharge of their respective functions relating to the provision of primary ophthalmic services under this Act.

(7) Regulations may provide that services of a prescribed description must, or must not, be regarded as primary ophthalmic services for the purposes of this Act (but these regulations may not affect the duty in subsection (1)(a)).

(8) Regulations under subsection (7) may in particular describe services by reference to the manner or circumstances in which they are provided.

(9) Regulations may provide that a person—

(a) whose sight is tested by a person who is a party to a general ophthalmic services contract, and

(b) who is shown during the testing or within a prescribed time after it to fall within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (2),

must be taken for the purposes of the testing to have so fallen immediately before his sight was tested.

(10) In the case mentioned in subsection (9), the testing of his sight must (unless it took place in circumstances prescribed under subsection (2)) be treated as a testing under the sight-testing service mentioned in subsection (1)(a)—

(a) for the purposes of remuneration in respect of the testing, and

(b) for any such other purpose as may be prescribed.

116 Regulations under section 115: supplementary

(1) Regulations under section 115 which refer to an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament may direct that the reference must be construed as a reference to that Act or instrument—

(a) as it has effect at the time when the regulations are made, or

(b) both as it has effect at that time and as amended subsequently.

(2) Descriptions of persons may be prescribed under section 115(2)(e) by reference to any criterion, including the following—

(a) their age,

(b) the fact that a prescribed person or a prescribed body accepts them as suffering from a prescribed medical condition,

(c) the fact that a prescribed person or a prescribed body accepts that a prescribed medical condition from which they suffer arose in prescribed circumstances,

(d) their receipt of benefit in money or kind under any enactment or their entitlement to receive any such benefit,

(e) the receipt of any such benefit by other persons satisfying prescribed conditions or the entitlement of other persons satisfying prescribed conditions to receive such benefits.

(3) Regulations under section 115(3)(b) may direct that a person’s resources and requirements be calculated—

(a) by a method set out in the regulations,

(b) by a method described by reference to a method of calculating or estimating income or capital specified in an enactment other than this section or in an instrument made under an Act of Parliament or by reference to such a method but subject to prescribed modifications,

(c) by reference to an amount applicable for the purposes of a payment under an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament, or

(d) by reference to the person’s being or having been entitled to payment under an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament.

General ophthalmic services contracts

117 General ophthalmic services contracts: introductory

(1) A Primary Care Trust may enter into a contract under which primary ophthalmic services are provided in accordance with the following provisions of this Part.

(2) A contract under this section is called in this Act a “general ophthalmic services contract”.

(3) A general ophthalmic services contract may make such provision as may be agreed between the Primary Care Trust and the contractor or contractors in relation to—

(a) the services to be provided under the contract,

(b) remuneration under the contract, and

(c) any other matters.

(4) The services to be provided under a general ophthalmic services contract may include—

(a) services which are not primary ophthalmic services,

(b) services to be provided outside the area of the Primary Care Trust.

(5) In this Part, “contractor”, in relation to a general ophthalmic services contract, means any person entering into the contract with the Primary Care Trust.

118 Persons eligible to enter into GOS contracts

(1) A Primary Care Trust may, subject to such conditions and exceptions as may be prescribed, enter into a general ophthalmic services contract with any person.

(2) But it may not enter into such a contract with a person who has been disqualified from doing so by an order of disqualification made by virtue of regulations under section 119.

119 Exclusion of contractors

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations conferring on a Primary Care Trust, or another prescribed person, a right to apply to the FHSAA in prescribed circumstances for an order that a person (“P”) be disqualified from entering into a general ophthalmic services contract.

(2) The regulations may in particular provide for—

(a) the review by the FHSAA of an order of disqualification made by virtue of regulations under this section,

(b) what will happen in relation to general ophthalmic services contracts to which P is a party when the order is made.

120 GOS contracts: payments

(1) The Secretary of State may give directions as to payments to be made under general ophthalmic services contracts.

(2) A general ophthalmic services contract must require payments to be made under the contract in accordance with directions under this section.

(3) A direction under subsection (1) may in particular—

(a) provide for payments to be made by reference to compliance with standards or the achievement of levels of performance,

(b) provide for payments to be made by reference to—

(i) any scheme or scale specified in the direction, or

(ii) a determination made by any person in accordance with factors specified in the direction,

(c) provide for the making of payments in respect of individual practitioners,

(d) provide that the whole or any part of a payment is subject to conditions (and may provide that payments are payable by a Primary Care Trust only if it is satisfied as to certain conditions),

(e) 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.

(4) Before giving a direction under subsection (1), the Secretary of State—

(a) must consult any body appearing to him to be representative of persons to whose remuneration the direction would relate, and

(b) may consult such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(5) “Payments” includes fees, allowances, reimbursements, loans and repayments.

121 GOS contracts: other required terms

(1) A general ophthalmic services contract must contain such provision as may be prescribed (in addition to the provision required by the preceding provisions of this Part).

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular make provision as to—

(a) the manner in which, and standards to which, services must be provided,

(b) the persons who perform services,

(c) the persons to whom services will be provided,

(d) the variation of contract terms (other than terms required by or under this Part),

(e) rights of entry and inspection (including inspection of clinical records and other documents),

(f) the circumstances in which, and the manner in which, the contract may be terminated,

(g) enforcement,

(h) the adjudication of disputes.

(3) Regulations under subsection (2)(d) may—

(a) make provision as to the circumstances in which a Primary Care Trust may impose a variation of contract terms,

(b) make provision as to the suspension or termination of any duty under the contract to provide services of a prescribed description.

(4) Regulations making provision of the kind described in subsection (3)(b) may prescribe services by reference to the manner or circumstances in which they are provided.

(5) Regulations under subsection (1) must make provision as to the right of persons to whom services are provided to choose the persons from whom they receive them.

122 GOS contracts: disputes and enforcement

(1) Regulations may make provision for the resolution of disputes as to the terms of a proposed general ophthalmic services contract.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision—

(a) for the referral of the terms of the proposed contract to the Secretary of State, and

(b) for the Secretary of State, or a person appointed by him, to determine the terms on which the contract may be entered into.

(3) Regulations may make provision for a person or persons entering into a general ophthalmic services contract to be regarded, in circumstances where he or they so elect, as a health service body for the purposes of section 9, but only so far as concerns the general ophthalmic services contract (and not for any other purpose).

(4) Regulations under subsection (3) may include provision as to the application of section 9 in cases where—

(a) persons practising in partnership elect to become a health service body, and

(b) there is a change in the membership of the partnership.

(5) Where—

(a) by virtue of regulations under subsection (3), subsection section 9(11) applies in relation to a general ophthalmic services contract, and

(b) a direction as to payments is made under that provision in relation to the contract,

the direction is enforceable in a county court (if the court so orders) as if it were a judgment or order of that court.

Performance of primary ophthalmic services

123 Persons performing primary ophthalmic services

(1) Regulations may provide that a health care professional of a prescribed description may not perform any primary ophthalmic service for which a Primary Care Trust is responsible unless he is included in a list maintained under the regulations by a Primary Care Trust.

(2) For the purposes of this section—

(a) “health care professional” means a person who is a member of a profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17),

(b) a Primary Care Trust is responsible for an ophthalmic service if it provides the service, or secures its provision, by or under any enactment.

(3) Regulations under this section may make provision in relation to lists under this section and in particular as to—

(a) the preparation, maintenance and publication of a list,

(b) eligibility for inclusion in a list,

(c) applications for inclusion (including provision as to the Primary Care Trust to which an application must be made, and for the procedure for applications and the documents to be supplied on application),

(d) the grounds on which an application for inclusion may or must be granted or refused,

(e) requirements with which a person included in a list must comply (including the declaration of financial interests and gifts and other benefits),

(f) suspension or removal from a list (including provision for the grounds for, and consequences of, suspension or removal),

(g) circumstances in which a person included in a list may not withdraw from it,

(h) payments to be made in respect of a person suspended from a list (including provision for the amount of the payment, or the method of calculating the payment, to be determined by the Secretary of State or a person appointed by him),

(i) the criteria to be applied in making decisions under the regulations,

(j) appeals against decisions made by a Primary Care Trust under the regulations, and

(k) disclosure of information about applicants for inclusion, grants or refusals of applications or suspensions or removals,

and may make any provision corresponding to anything in sections 151 to 159.

(4) Regulations under this section may, in particular, also provide for—

(a) a person’s inclusion in a list to be subject to conditions determined by a Primary Care Trust,

(b) a Primary Care Trust to vary the conditions or impose different ones,

(c) the consequences of failing to comply with a condition (including removal from a list),

(d) the review by a Primary Care Trust of decisions made by it by virtue of the regulations.

(5) The imposition of such conditions must be with a view to—

(a) preventing any prejudice to the efficiency of the services to which a list relates, or

(b) preventing fraud.

(6) Regulations under this section may, in particular, also prescribe the qualifications and experience which a medical practitioner who applies for inclusion in a list under this section must have, and may—

(a) provide for the practitioner to show to the satisfaction of a committee recognised by the Secretary of State for the purpose that he possesses such qualifications and experience,

(b) confer on a person who is dissatisfied with the determination of such a committee a right of appeal to a committee appointed by the Secretary of State, and

(c) provide for anything which appears to the Secretary of State to be appropriate in connection with that right of appeal.

(7) Regulations making provision as to the matters referred to in subsection (3)(k) may in particular authorise the disclosure of information—

(a) by a Primary Care Trust to the Secretary of State, and

(b) by the Secretary of State to a Primary Care Trust.

Assistance and support

124 Assistance and support: primary ophthalmic services

(1) A Primary Care Trust may provide assistance or support to any person providing or proposing to provide primary ophthalmic services under a general ophthalmic services contract.

(2) Assistance or support provided by a Primary Care Trust under subsection (1) is provided on such terms, including terms as to payment, as the Primary Care Trust considers appropriate.

(3) “Assistance” includes financial assistance.

Local Optical Committees

125 Local Optical Committees

(1) A Primary Care Trust may recognise a committee formed for its area, or for its area and that of one or more other Primary Care Trusts, which it is satisfied is representative of—

(a) the persons to whom subsection (2) applies, and

(b) the persons to whom subsection (3) applies.

(2) This subsection applies to each person who, under a general ophthalmic services contract entered into by him, is providing primary ophthalmic services in the area for which the committee is formed.

(3) This subsection applies to each optometrist not falling within subsection (2)—

(a) who is performing primary ophthalmic services in the area for which the committee is formed, whether under section 115(4)(a), or under a general ophthalmic services contract, and

(b) who has notified the Primary Care Trust that he wishes to be represented by the committee (and has not notified it that he wishes to cease to be so represented).

(4) A committee recognised under this section is called the Local Optical Committee for the area for which it is formed.

(5) Any such committee may delegate any of its functions, with or without restrictions or conditions, to sub-committees composed of members of that committee.

(6) Any such committee may co-opt persons not falling within subsection (2) or (3) on such terms as it considers appropriate.

(7) Regulations may require a Primary Care Trust, in the exercise of its functions relating to primary ophthalmic services, to consult any committee recognised by it under this section on such occasions and to such extent as may be prescribed.

(8) A committee recognised under this section has such other functions as may be prescribed.

(9) A committee recognised under this section must in respect of each year determine the amount of its administrative expenses for that year.

(10) A Primary Care Trust may—

(a) on the request of a committee recognised by it, allot to that committee such sums as the Primary Care Trust may determine for defraying the committee’s administrative expenses, and

(b) deduct the amount of such sums from the remuneration of persons of whom the committee is representative under subsection (1)(a) under the general ophthalmic services contracts entered into by those persons with the Primary Care Trust.

(11) The administrative expenses of a committee include the travelling and subsistence allowances payable to its members.

Part 7 Pharmaceutical services and local pharmaceutical services

Chapter 1 Provision of pharmaceutical services

126 Arrangements for pharmaceutical services

(1) Each Primary Care Trust must, in accordance with regulations, make the arrangements mentioned in subsection (3).

(2) The Secretary of State must make regulations for the purpose of subsection (1).

(3) The arrangements are arrangements as respects the area of the Primary Care Trust for the provision to persons who are in that area of—

(a) proper and sufficient drugs and medicines and listed appliances which are ordered for those persons by a medical practitioner in pursuance of his functions in the health service, the Scottish health service, the Northern Ireland health service or the armed forces of the Crown,

(b) proper and sufficient drugs and medicines and listed appliances which are ordered for those persons by a dental practitioner in pursuance of—

(i) his functions in the health service, the Scottish health service or the Northern Ireland health service (other than functions exercised in pursuance of the provision of services mentioned in paragraph (c)), or

(ii) his functions in the armed forces of the Crown,

(c) listed drugs and medicines and listed appliances which are ordered for those persons by a dental practitioner in pursuance of the provision of primary dental services or equivalent services in the Scottish health service or the Northern Ireland health service,

(d) such drugs and medicines and such listed appliances as may be determined by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this paragraph and which are ordered for those persons by a prescribed description of person in accordance with such conditions, if any, as may be prescribed, in pursuance of functions in the health service, the Scottish health service, the Northern Ireland health service or the armed forces of the Crown, and

(e) such other services as may be prescribed.

(4) The descriptions of persons which may be prescribed for the purposes of subsection (3)(d) are the following, or any sub-category of such a description—

(a) persons who are registered in the register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001,

(b) persons who are registered pharmacists,

(c) persons who are registered in the dental care professionals register established under section 36B of the Dentists Act 1984 (c. 24),

(d) persons who are optometrists,

(e) persons who are registered osteopaths within the meaning of the Osteopaths Act 1993 (c. 21),

(f) persons who are registered chiropractors within the meaning of the Chiropractors Act 1994 (c. 17),

(g) persons who are registered nurses or registered midwives,

(h) persons not mentioned above who are registered in any register established, continued or maintained under an Order in Council under section 60(1) of the Health Act 1999 (c. 8),

(i) any other description of persons which appears to the Secretary of State to be a description of persons whose profession is regulated by or under a provision of, or made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament or Northern Ireland legislation and which the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to specify.

(5) A determination under subsection (3)(d) may—

(a) make different provision for different cases,

(b) provide for the circumstances or cases in which a drug, medicine or appliance may be ordered,

(c) provide that persons falling within a description specified in the determination may exercise discretion in accordance with any provision made by the determination in ordering drugs, medicines and listed appliances.

(6) The arrangements which may be made by a Primary Care Trust under subsection (1) include arrangements for the provision of a service by means such that the person receiving it does so otherwise than at the premises from which it is provided.

(7) Where a person with whom a Primary Care Trust makes arrangements under subsection (1) wishes to provide services to persons outside the area of the Primary Care Trust he may, subject to any provision made by regulations in respect of arrangements under this section, provide such services under the arrangements.

(8) The services provided under this section are, together with additional pharmaceutical services provided in accordance with a direction under section 127, referred to in this Act as “pharmaceutical services”.

(9) In this section—

• “armed forces of the Crown” does not include forces of a Commonwealth country or forces raised in a colony,

• “listed” means included in a list approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section,

• “the Scottish health service” means the health service within the meaning of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29), and

• “the Northern Ireland health service” means the health service within the meaning of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)).

127 Arrangements for additional pharmaceutical services

(1) The Secretary of State may—

(a) give directions to a Primary Care Trust requiring it to arrange for the provision to persons within or outside its area of additional pharmaceutical services, or

(b) by giving directions to a Primary Care Trust authorise it to arrange for such provision if it wishes to do so.

(2) Directions under this section may require or authorise a Primary Care Trust to arrange for the provision of a service by means such that the person receiving it does so otherwise than at the premises from which it is provided (whether those premises are inside or outside the area of the Primary Care Trust).

(3) The Secretary of State must publish any directions under this section in the Drug Tariff or in such other manner as he considers appropriate.

(4) In this section—

• “additional pharmaceutical services”, in relation to directions, means the services (of a kind that do not fall within section 126) which are specified in the directions, and

• “Drug Tariff” means the Drug Tariff published under regulation 18 of the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/662) or under any corresponding provision replacing, or otherwise derived from, that regulation.

128 Terms and conditions, etc

(1) Directions under section 127 may require the Primary Care Trust to which they apply, when making arrangements—

(a) to include, in the terms on which the arrangements are made, such terms as may be specified in the directions,

(b) to impose, on any person providing a service in accordance with the arrangements, such conditions as may be so specified.

(2) The arrangements must secure that any service to which they apply is provided only by a person—

(a) whose name is included in a pharmaceutical list, or

(b) who has entered into a pharmaceutical care services contract under section 17Q of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.

(3) Different arrangements may be made with respect to—

(a) the provision of the same service by the same person but in different circumstances, or

(b) the provision of the same service by different persons.

(4) A Primary Care Trust must provide details of proposed arrangements (including the remuneration to be offered for the provision of services) to any person who asks for them.

(5) After making any arrangements, a Primary Care Trust must publish, in such manner as the Secretary of State may direct, such details of the arrangements as he may direct.

(6) “Pharmaceutical list” includes, subject to any provision of the directions in question, a list published in accordance with regulations made under—

(a) section 83(2)(a) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), or

(b) Article 63(2A)(a) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)).

129 Regulations as to pharmaceutical services

(1) Regulations must provide for securing that arrangements made by a Primary Care Trust under section 126 will—

(a) enable persons for whom drugs, medicines or appliances mentioned in that section are ordered as there mentioned to receive them from persons with whom such arrangements have been made, and

(b) ensure the provision of services prescribed under subsection (3)(e) of that section by persons with whom such arrangements have been made.

(2) The regulations must include provision—

(a) for the preparation and publication by a Primary Care Trust of one or more lists of persons, other than medical practitioners and dental practitioners, who undertake to provide pharmaceutical services from premises in the area of the Primary Care Trust,

(b) that an application to a Primary Care Trust for inclusion in a pharmaceutical list must be made in the prescribed manner and must state—

(i) the services which the applicant will undertake to provide and, if they consist of or include the supply of appliances, which appliances he will undertake to supply, and

(ii) the premises from which he will undertake to provide those services,

(c) that, except in prescribed cases (which may, in particular, include cases of applications for the provision only of services falling within subsection (7))—

(i) an application for inclusion in a pharmaceutical list by a person not already included, and

(ii) an application by a person already included in a pharmaceutical list for inclusion also in respect of services or premises other than those already listed in relation to him,

may be granted only if the Primary Care Trust is satisfied, in accordance with the regulations, that it is necessary or expedient to grant the application in order to secure in the neighbourhood in which the premises are located the adequate provision by persons included in the list of the services, or some of the services, specified in the application, and

(d) for the removal of an entry in respect of premises from a pharmaceutical list if it has been determined in the prescribed manner that the person to whom the entry relates—

(i) has never provided from those premises, or

(ii) has ceased to provide from them,

the services, or any of the services, which he is listed as undertaking to provide from them.

(3) The regulations may prescribe the extent to which the provision of LP services (within the meaning given by paragraph 1 of Schedule 12) must be taken into account in determining whether to grant an application for inclusion in a pharmaceutical list.

(4) The regulations may include the provision mentioned in subsection (5) for the case where—

(a) two or more applications referred to in subsection (2)(c)(i) or (ii) relate to the same neighbourhood,

(b) they are considered together by the Primary Care Trust, and

(c) the Primary Care Trust would be satisfied as mentioned in subsection (2)(c) in relation to each application taken on its own, but is not so satisfied in relation to all of them taken together.

(5) The provision mentioned in this subsection is provision for the Primary Care Trust, in determining which application (or applications) to grant, to take into account any proposals specified in the applications in relation to the sale or supply at the premises in question, otherwise than by way of pharmaceutical services or in accordance with a private prescription, of—

(a) drugs and medicines, and

(b) other products for, or advice in relation to, the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring or treatment of illness or handicap, or the promotion or protection of health.

(6) The regulations may include provision—

(a) that an application to a Primary Care Trust may be granted in respect of some only of the services specified in it,

(b) that an application to a Primary Care Trust relating to services of a prescribed description may be granted only if it appears to the Primary Care Trust that the applicant has satisfied such conditions with regard to the provision of those services as may be prescribed,

(c) that an application to a Primary Care Trust by a person who qualified to have his name registered under the Pharmacy Act 1954 (c. 61) by virtue of section 4A of that Act (qualification by European diploma) may not be granted unless the applicant satisfies the Primary Care Trust that he has the knowledge of English which, in the interest of himself and persons making use of the services to which the application relates, is necessary for the provision of pharmaceutical services in the area of the Primary Care Trust,

(d) that the inclusion of a person in a pharmaceutical list in pursuance of such an application may be for a fixed period,

(e) that, where the premises from which an application states that the applicant will undertake to provide services are in an area of a prescribed description, the applicant may not be included in the pharmaceutical list unless his inclusion is approved by reference to prescribed criteria by the Primary Care Trust in whose area those premises are situated,

(f) that that Primary Care Trust may give its approval subject to conditions,

(g) as to other grounds on which a Primary Care Trust may, or must, refuse to grant an application (including grounds corresponding to the conditions referred to in section 151(2), (3) or (4) as read with section 153),

(h) as to information which must be supplied to a Primary Care Trust by a person included, or seeking inclusion, in a pharmaceutical list (or by arrangement with him),

(i) for the supply to a Primary Care Trust by an individual—

(i) who is included, or seeking inclusion, in a pharmaceutical list, or

(ii) who is a member of the body of persons controlling a body corporate included, or seeking inclusion, in a pharmaceutical list,

of a criminal conviction certificate under section 112 of the Police Act 1997 (c. 50), a criminal record certificate under section 113 of that Act or an enhanced criminal record certificate under section 115 of that Act,

(j) for grounds on which a Primary Care Trust may defer a decision whether or not to grant an application,

(k) for the disclosure by a Primary Care Trust, to prescribed persons or persons of prescribed descriptions, of information of a prescribed description about applicants for inclusion in a pharmaceutical list, and refusals by the Primary Care Trust to grant such applications,

(l) as to criteria to be applied in making decisions under the regulations (other than decisions required by virtue of paragraph (e)),

(m) as to the making of declarations about—

(i) financial interests,

(ii) gifts above a prescribed value, and

(iii) other benefits received.

(7) A service falls within this subsection if the means of providing it is such that the person receiving it does so otherwise than at the premises from which it is provided.

(8) The regulations may, in respect of services falling within subsection (7), include provision—

(a) requiring persons to be approved for the purposes of providing such services, or

(b) requiring the Primary Care Trust to make the grant of an application subject to prescribed conditions.

(9) The approval mentioned in subsection (8)(a) is approval by the Secretary of State or such other person as may be specified in the regulations, in accordance with criteria to be specified in or determined under the regulations (whether by the Secretary of State or by another person so specified).

(10) Before making regulations by virtue of subsection (6)(m), the Secretary of State must consult such organisations as he considers appropriate appearing to him to represent persons providing pharmaceutical services.

(11) In this Act a “pharmaceutical list” means a list published in accordance with regulations made under subsection (2)(a).

130 Regulations under section 129: appeals, etc

(1) Regulations under section 129 must include provision conferring on such persons as may be prescribed rights of appeal from decisions made by virtue of that section.

(2) If regulations made by virtue of section 129(6)(g) provide that a Primary Care Trust may refuse to grant an application, they must also provide for an appeal (by way of redetermination) to the FHSAA against the decision of the Primary Care Trust.

(3) Regulations under section 129 must be so framed as to preclude—

(a) a person included in a pharmaceutical list, and

(b) an employee of such a person,

from taking part in the decision whether an application such as is mentioned in section 129(2)(c) should be granted or an appeal against such a decision brought by virtue of subsection (1) of this section should be allowed.

131 Power to charge

(1) The Secretary of State may give directions to a Primary Care Trust requiring it to charge a fee in cases or descriptions of case specified in the directions to persons who make an application referred to in section 129(2)(c)(i) or (ii).

(2) The Secretary of State may in the directions—

(a) specify the fee himself, or

(b) require the Primary Care Trust to determine the amount of the fee in accordance with any requirements set out in the directions.

(3) Before determining the amount of the fee-

(a) in a subsection (2)(a) case, the Secretary of State must consult such organisations as he considers appropriate that appear to him to represent persons providing pharmaceutical services and such organisations as he considers appropriate that appear to him to represent Primary Care Trusts,

(b) in a subsection (2)(b) case, the Primary Care Trust must undertake any consultation required by the directions.

(4) The Secretary of State must publish in such manner as he considers appropriate any directions he gives under this section.

(5) In a subsection (2)(b) case, the Primary Care Trust must publish in such manner as it considers appropriate the fee which it determines.

132 Persons authorised to provide pharmaceutical services

(1) Except as may be provided for by or under regulations, no arrangements may be made by a Primary Care Trust with a medical practitioner or dental practitioner under which he is required or agrees to provide pharmaceutical services to any person to whom he is rendering primary medical services or primary dental services.

(2) Except as may be provided for by or under regulations, no arrangements for the dispensing of medicines may be made under this Chapter with persons other than persons who—

(a) are registered pharmacists or persons lawfully conducting a retail pharmacy business in accordance with section 69 of the Medicines Act 1968 (c. 67), and

(b) undertake that all medicines supplied by them under the arrangements will be dispensed either by or under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

(3) Regulations must provide for the preparation and publication by each Primary Care Trust of one or more lists of medical practitioners who undertake to provide drugs, medicines or listed appliances (within the meaning given by section 126) under arrangements with the Primary Care Trust.

(4) The regulations may, in particular, include provision—

(a) as to grounds on which a Primary Care Trust may, or must, refuse to grant an application for inclusion in a list of medical practitioners referred to in subsection (3) (including grounds corresponding to the conditions referred to in section 151(2), (3) or (4) as read with section 153(2)),

(b) as to information which must be supplied to a Primary Care Trust by a medical practitioner included, or seeking inclusion, in such a list (or by arrangement with him),

(c) for the supply to a Primary Care Trust by a medical practitioner who is included, or seeking inclusion, in such a list of a criminal conviction certificate under section 112 of the Police Act 1997 (c. 50), a criminal record certificate under section 113 of that Act or an enhanced criminal record certificate under section 115 of that Act,

(d) for grounds on which a Primary Care Trust may defer a decision whether or not to grant an application for inclusion in such a list,

(e) for the disclosure by a Primary Care Trust to prescribed persons or persons of prescribed descriptions, of information of a prescribed description about applicants for inclusion in such a list, and refusals by the Primary Care Trust to grant such applications,

(f) as to criteria to be applied in making decisions under the regulations.

(5) If regulations made by virtue of subsection (4)(a) provide that a Primary Care Trust may refuse to grant an application for inclusion in such a list, they must also provide for an appeal (by way of redetermination) to the FHSAA against the decision of the Primary Care Trust.

(6) The regulations must include provision for the removal of an entry from a list in prescribed circumstances.

(7) No arrangements for the provision of—

(a) pharmaceutical services falling within section 126(3)(e), or

(b) additional pharmaceutical services provided in accordance with a direction under section 127,

may be made with persons other than those who are registered pharmacists or are of a prescribed description.

(8) Where—

(a) arrangements for the provision of pharmaceutical services have been made with a registered pharmacist, and

(b) a suspension order or an interim suspension order is made with respect to him,

he may not provide pharmaceutical services in person during the period of suspension.

(9) “Suspension order” and “interim suspension order” have the same meaning as in the Pharmacy Act 1954 (c. 61).

133 Inadequate provision of pharmaceutical services

(1) Subsection (2) applies if the Secretary of State is satisfied, after such inquiry as he considers appropriate, that—

(a) as respects the area, or part of the area, of a Primary Care Trust, the persons whose names are included in any pharmaceutical list are not such as to secure the adequate provision of pharmaceutical services in that area or part, or

(b) for any other reason any considerable number of persons in any such area or part are not receiving satisfactory services under the arrangements in force under this Chapter.

(2) Where this subsection applies, the Secretary of State—

(a) may authorise the Primary Care Trust to make such other arrangements as he may approve, or may himself make such other arrangements, and

(b) may dispense with any of the requirements of regulations made under this Part (other than Chapters 2 to 4) so far as appears to him necessary to meet exceptional circumstances and enable such arrangements to be made.

Chapter 2 Local pharmaceutical services: pilot schemes

134 Pilot schemes

(1) Primary Care Trusts may establish pilot schemes.

(2) In this Act, a “pilot scheme” means one or more agreements—

(a) made by a Primary Care Trust in accordance with this Chapter,

(b) under which local pharmaceutical services will be provided (otherwise than by the Primary Care Trust), and

(c) the parties to which do not include any other Primary Care Trust.

(3) A pilot scheme may include arrangements—

(a) for the provision of services which are not local pharmaceutical services, but which may be provided under this Act, other than under Chapter 1 of this Part, and whether or not of the kind usually provided by pharmacies,

(b) for the provision of training and education (including training and education for persons who are, or may become, involved in the provision of local pharmaceutical services).

(4) A pilot scheme may not combine arrangements for the provision of local pharmaceutical services with arrangements for the provision of primary medical services or primary dental services.

(5) In determining the arrangements it needs to make in order to comply with section 126, a Primary Care Trust may take into account arrangements under a pilot scheme made by it.

(6) The functions of an NHS trust and an NHS foundation trust include power to provide any services to which a pilot scheme applies.

(7) In this Chapter—

• “local pharmaceutical services” means such services of a kind which may be provided under section 126, or by virtue of section 127 (other than practitioner dispensing services) as may be prescribed for the purposes of this Chapter, and

• “piloted services” means services provided under a pilot scheme (including any services to which the scheme applies as a result of subsection (3)).

(8) “Practitioner dispensing services” means the provision of drugs, medicines or listed appliances (within the meaning given by section 126) by a medical practitioner or dental practitioner to a patient of his pursuant to arrangements made by virtue of section 132(1).

135 Making pilot schemes

Schedule 11 makes provision with respect to making pilot schemes, including provision with respect to the procedure to be followed.

136 Designation of priority neighbourhoods or premises

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations allowing a Primary Care Trust to designate—

(a) neighbourhoods,

(b) premises, or

(c) descriptions of premises,

for the purposes of this section.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, make provision—

(a) as to the circumstances in which, and the neighbourhoods or premises in relation to which, designations may be made or maintained,

(b) allowing a Primary Care Trust to defer consideration of pharmaceutical list applications relating to neighbourhoods, premises or descriptions of premises that have been designated,

(c) allowing a designation to be cancelled in prescribed circumstances,

(d) requiring a designation to be cancelled—

(i) if the Secretary of State gives a direction to that effect, or

(ii) in prescribed circumstances.

(3) “Pharmaceutical list applications” means applications for inclusion in a pharmaceutical list.

137 Reviews of pilot schemes

(1) At least one review of the operation of each pilot scheme must be conducted by the Secretary of State.

(2) Each pilot scheme must be reviewed under this section before the end of the period of three years beginning with the date on which piloted services are first provided under the scheme.

(3) When conducting a review of a pilot scheme, the Secretary of State must give—

(a) the Primary Care Trust concerned, and

(b) any person providing services under the scheme,

an opportunity to comment on any matter relevant to the review.

(4) Otherwise, the procedure on any review must be determined by the Secretary of State.

138 Variation and termination of pilot schemes

(1) The Secretary of State may give directions authorising Primary Care Trusts to vary pilot schemes (otherwise than in response to directions given under subsection (2)) in such circumstances, and subject to such conditions, as may be specified in the directions.

(2) The Secretary of State may by directions require a pilot scheme to be varied by the Primary Care Trust concerned in accordance with the directions.

(3) If satisfied that a pilot scheme is (for any reason) unsatisfactory, the Secretary of State may give directions to the Primary Care Trust concerned requiring it to bring the scheme to an end in accordance with the terms of the directions.

139 NHS contracts and the provision of piloted services

(1) In the case of a pilot scheme entered into, or to be entered into, by a single individual or body corporate (other than an NHS foundation trust), that individual or body may make an application under this section to become a health service body.

(2) In the case of any other pilot scheme, all of those providing, or proposing to provide, piloted services under the scheme may together make an application under this section to become a single health service body.

(3) An application must—

(a) be made to the Secretary of State in accordance with such provisions as may be made by regulations, and

(b) specify the pilot scheme in relation to which it is made.

(4) Except in such cases as may be prescribed, the Secretary of State may grant an application.

(5) If an application is granted, the Secretary of State must specify a date in relation to that application and, as from that date—

(a) in the case of an application under subsection (1), the applicant is, and

(b) in the case of an application under subsection (2), the applicants together are,

a health service body for the purposes of section 9.

(6) That section has effect in relation to such a health service body (“a PHS body”), acting as commissioner, as if the functions referred to in section 9(1) were the provision of piloted services.

(7) Except in such circumstances as may be prescribed, a PHS body resulting from an application under subsection (2) must be treated, at any time, as consisting of those who are providing piloted services under the scheme.

(8) A direction as to payment made under section 9(11) against, or in favour of, a PHS body is enforceable in a county court (if the court so orders) as if it were a judgment or order of that court.

(9) Regulations may provide for a PHS body to cease to be a PHS body in prescribed circumstances.

(10) The Secretary of State must—

(a) maintain and publish a list of PHS bodies,

(b) publish a revised copy of the list as soon as is reasonably practicable after any change is made to it.

(11) The list must be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

140 Funding of preparatory work

(1) Provision may be made by regulations for Primary Care Trusts to make payments of financial assistance for preparatory work.

(2) “Preparatory work” means work which it is reasonable for a person to undertake—

(a) in connection with preparing proposals for a pilot scheme, or

(b) in preparing for the provision by him of any piloted services.

(3) The regulations may, in particular, include provision—

(a) prescribing the circumstances in which payments of financial assistance may be made,

(b) imposing a limit on the amount of any payment of financial assistance which a Primary Care Trust may make in any prescribed period in respect of any one person or any one pilot scheme,

(c) imposing a limit on the aggregate amount which a Primary Care Trust may pay by way of financial assistance in any one financial year,

(d) requiring a person to whom assistance is given under this section to comply with such conditions as may be imposed in accordance with prescribed requirements, and

(e) for repayment in the case of a failure to comply with any condition so imposed.

141 Application of this Act

This Act has effect in relation to piloted services—

(a) subject to any provision of, or made under, this Chapter, section 145 (application of enactments) or section 178 (charges for local pharmaceutical services), but

(b) otherwise as if those services were provided as a result of the delegation by the Secretary of State of his functions (by directions given under section 7).

142 Premises from which piloted services may be provided

The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a) prevent (except in such circumstances and to such extent as may be prescribed) the provision of both piloted services and pharmaceutical services from the same premises,

(b) make provision with respect to the inclusion, removal, re-inclusion or modification of an entry in respect of premises in a pharmaceutical list.

143 Control of entry regulations

The power to make regulations under section 129 includes power to prescribe the extent to which the provision of piloted services must be taken into account in determining whether to grant an application for inclusion in a pharmaceutical list.

Chapter 3 Local pharmaceutical services: LPS schemes

144 Local pharmaceutical services schemes

Schedule 12 makes provision with respect to the provision of local pharmaceutical services in accordance with schemes made by Primary Care Trusts.

Chapter 4 Local pharmaceutical services: miscellaneous

Application of enactments

145 Application of enactments

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make, in relation to local pharmaceutical services arrangements or persons providing or assisting in the provision of services under such arrangements, provision corresponding (whether or not exactly) to enactments containing provision relating to—

(a) section 92 arrangements or section 107 arrangements, or

(b) persons who provide or perform services under section 92 or section 107.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, provide for the application of any such enactment with such modifications, if any, as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(3) The provision which may be made under this section includes provision amending, repealing or revoking enactments.

(4) “Local pharmaceutical services arrangements” means arrangements made under an LPS scheme or a pilot scheme.

Performance of local pharmaceutical services

146 Persons performing local pharmaceutical services

(1) Regulations may provide that a health care professional of a prescribed description may not perform any local pharmaceutical service for which a Primary Care Trust is responsible unless he is included in a list maintained under the regulations by a Primary Care Trust.

(2) For the purposes of this section—

(a) “health care professional” means a person who is a member of a profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17),

(b) a Primary Care Trust is responsible for a local pharmaceutical service if it secures its provision by or under any enactment.

(3) Regulations under this section may make provision in relation to lists under this section and in particular as to—

(a) the preparation, maintenance and publication of a list,

(b) eligibility for inclusion in a list,

(c) applications for inclusion (including provision as to the Primary Care Trust to which an application must be made, and for the procedure for applications and the documents to be supplied on application),

(d) the grounds on which an application for inclusion may or must be granted or refused,

(e) requirements with which a person included in a list must comply (including the declaration of financial interests and gifts and other benefits),

(f) suspension or removal from a list (including provision for the grounds for, and consequences of, suspension or removal),

(g) circumstances in which a person included in a list may not withdraw from it,

(h) payments to be made in respect of a person suspended from a list (including provision for the amount of the payment, or the method of calculating the payment, to be determined by the Secretary of State or a person appointed by him),

(i) the criteria to be applied in making decisions under the regulations,

(j) appeals against decisions made by a Primary Care Trust under the regulations, and

(k) disclosure of information about applicants for inclusion, grants or refusals of applications or suspensions or removals,

and may make any provision corresponding to anything in sections 151 to 159.

(4) Regulations under this section may, in particular, also provide for—

(a) a person’s inclusion in a list to be subject to conditions determined by a Primary Care Trust,

(b) a Primary Care Trust to vary the conditions or impose different ones,

(c) the consequences of failing to comply with a condition (including removal from a list),

(d) the review by a Primary Care Trust of decisions made by it by virtue of the regulations.

(5) The imposition of such conditions must be with a view to—

(a) preventing any prejudice to the efficiency of the services to which a list relates, or

(b) preventing fraud.

(6) Regulations making provision as to the matters referred to in subsection (3)(k) may in particular authorise the disclosure of information—

(a) by a Primary Care Trust to the Secretary of State, and

(b) by the Secretary of State to a Primary Care Trust.

Assistance and support

147 Assistance and support: local pharmaceutical services

(1) A Primary Care Trust may provide assistance or support to any person providing local pharmaceutical services.

(2) Assistance or support provided by a Primary Care Trust under subsection (1) is provided on such terms, including terms as to payment, as the Primary Care Trust considers appropriate.

(3) “Assistance” includes financial assistance.

Chapter 5 Conditional inclusion in pharmaceutical lists, and supplementary lists

148 Conditional inclusion in pharmaceutical lists

(1) Regulations may provide—

(a) that if a person is included in a pharmaceutical list he is subject, while he remains included in the list, to conditions determined by the Primary Care Trust in whose list he is included,

(b) for the Primary Care Trust to vary that person’s terms of service for the purpose of or in connection with the imposition of any such conditions,

(c) for the Primary Care Trust to vary the conditions or impose different ones,

(d) for the consequences of failing to comply with a condition (including removal from the list), and

(e) for the review by the Primary Care Trust of any decision made by virtue of the regulations.

(2) The imposition of conditions must be with a view to—

(a) preventing any prejudice to the efficiency of the services in question, or

(b) preventing any acts or omissions within section 151(3)(a).

(3) If regulations provide for a practitioner’s removal from the list for breach of condition—

(a) the regulations may provide that he may not withdraw from the list while the Primary Care Trust is investigating whether there are grounds for exercising their power to remove him, or after the Primary Care Trust has decided to remove him but before it has given effect to that decision, and

(b) the regulations must include provision—

(i) requiring the practitioner to be given notice of any allegation against him,

(ii) giving him the opportunity of putting his case at a hearing before the Primary Care Trust makes any decision as to his removal from the list, and

(iii) requiring him to be given notice of the decision of the Primary Care Trust and the reasons for it and of his right of appeal under subsection (4).

(4) If regulations provide as mentioned in subsection (1), they must also provide for an appeal by the person in question to the FHSAA against the decision of the Primary Care Trust—

(a) to impose conditions, or any particular condition,

(b) to vary a condition,

(c) to vary his terms of service,

(d) on any review of an earlier such decision of the Primary Care Trust,

(e) to remove him from the list for breach of condition,

and the appeal must be by way of redetermination of the decision of the Primary Care Trust.

(5) The regulations may provide for any such decision not to have effect until the determination by the FHSAA of any appeal against it, and must so provide in relation to a decision referred to in subsection (4)(e).

(6) Regulations under this section may provide for the disclosure by a Primary Care Trust, to prescribed persons or persons of prescribed descriptions, of information of a prescribed description—

(a) about persons whose inclusion in a pharmaceutical list is subject to conditions imposed under this section, and

(b) about the removal of such persons from a pharmaceutical list for breach of condition.

(7) In this Part, “terms of service” means the terms upon which, by virtue of regulations, a person undertakes to provide pharmaceutical services.

149 Supplementary lists

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations providing for the preparation and publication by each Primary Care Trust of one or more lists of persons approved by the Primary Care Trust for the purpose of assisting in the provision of pharmaceutical services.

(2) Such a list is referred to in this section, section 150 and section 159 as a “supplementary list”.

(3) The regulations may, in particular, include provision as to—

(a) the Primary Care Trust to which an application for inclusion in a supplementary list must be made,

(b) the procedure for applying for inclusion, including any information to be supplied to the Primary Care Trust (whether by the applicant or by arrangement with him),

(c) grounds on which the Primary Care Trust may, or must, refuse a person’s application for inclusion in a supplementary list (including his unsuitability for inclusion in such a list), or on which it may defer its decision on the application,

(d) requirements with which a person included in a supplementary list must comply (including the declaration of financial interests and of gifts and other benefits),

(e) grounds on which a Primary Care Trust may, or must, suspend or remove a person from a supplementary list, the procedure for doing so, and the consequences of doing so,

(f) payments to or in respect of persons who are suspended from a supplementary list (including provision for the amount of the payments, or the method of calculating the amount, to be determined by the Secretary of State or by another person appointed for the purpose by the Secretary of State),

(g) the supply to the Primary Care Trust by an applicant for inclusion in a supplementary list, or by a person included in one, of a criminal conviction certificate under section 112 of the Police Act 1997 (c. 50), a criminal record certificate under section 113 of that Act or an enhanced criminal record certificate under section 115 of that Act,

(h) circumstances in which a person included in a supplementary list may not withdraw from it,

(i) criteria to be applied in making decisions under the regulations,

(j) appeals against decisions of Primary Care Trusts under the regulations,

(k) the disclosure by a Primary Care Trust, to prescribed persons or persons of prescribed descriptions, of information of a prescribed description about applicants for inclusion in a supplementary list, refusals of such applications, and suspensions and removals from that list.

(4) The regulations may, in particular, also provide for—

(a) a person’s inclusion in a supplementary list to be subject to conditions determined by the Primary Care Trust,

(b) the Primary Care Trust to vary the conditions or impose different ones,

(c) the consequences of failing to comply with a condition (including removal from the list), and

(d) the review by the Primary Care Trust of its decisions made by virtue of regulations under this subsection.

(5) The imposition of such conditions must be with a view to—

(a) preventing any prejudice to the efficiency of the services to which the supplementary list relates, or

(b) preventing any acts or omissions of the type described in section 151(3)(a).

(6) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (3)(e) may (but need not) make provision corresponding to anything in sections 151 to 159.

(7) If the regulations provide under subsection (3)(e) or (4) that a Primary Care Trust may suspend or remove a person from a supplementary list, they must include provision—

(a) requiring him to be given notice of any allegation against him,

(b) giving him the opportunity of putting his case at a hearing before the Primary Care Trust makes any decision as to his suspension or removal, and

(c) requiring him to be given notice of the decision of the Primary Care Trust and the reasons for it and of any right of appeal under subsection (8) or (9).

(8) If the regulations provide under subsection (3)(c) or (e) that a Primary Care Trust may refuse a person’s application for inclusion in a supplementary list, or remove a person from one, the regulations must provide for an appeal (by way of redetermination) to the FHSAA against the decision of the Primary Care Trust.

(9) If the regulations make provision under subsection (4), they must provide for an appeal (by way of redetermination) by the person in question to the FHSAA against the decision of the Primary Care Trust—

(a) to impose conditions, or any particular condition,

(b) to vary a condition,

(c) to remove him from the supplementary list for breach of condition,

(d) on any review of an earlier such decision of the Primary Care Trust.

150 Further provision about regulations under section 149

(1) Regulations under section 149 may require a person (“A”) included in—

(a) a pharmaceutical list, or

(b) a list under section 132(3) (provision of drugs, medicines or listed appliances),

not to employ or engage a person (“B”) to assist him in the provision of the service to which the list relates unless B is included in a list mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) The lists are—

(a) a list referred to in subsection (1),

(b) a supplementary list,

(c) a list under section 91, 106 or 123,

(d) a list under section 146 or a list corresponding to a list under section 91 prepared by a Primary Care Trust by virtue of regulations made under section 145,

(e) a list corresponding to a list mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (d) prepared by a Local Health Board under or by virtue of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

or, in any of the cases in paragraphs (a) to (e), such a list of a prescribed description.

(3) If regulations do so require, they—

(a) need not require both A and B to be included in lists prepared by the same Primary Care Trust, but

(b) may, in particular, require that both A and B be included in lists prepared by Primary Care Trusts.

Chapter 6 Disqualification

151 Disqualification of practitioners

(1) If it appears to a Primary Care Trust that any of the conditions set out in subsections (2) to (4) is established in relation to a person included in a pharmaceutical list it may (or, in cases falling within subsection (5), must) decide to remove him from that list.

(2) The first condition is that the continued inclusion of the practitioner in the list would be prejudicial to the efficiency of the services which those included in the list undertake to provide (and such a case is referred to in this Chapter as an “efficiency case”).

(3) The second condition is that the practitioner—

(a) has (whether on his own or together with another) by an act or omission caused, or risked causing, detriment to any health scheme by securing or trying to secure for himself or another any financial or other benefit, and

(b) knew that he or the other was not entitled to the benefit,

(and such a case is referred to in this Chapter as a “fraud case”).

(4) The third condition is that the practitioner is unsuitable to be included in the list (and such a case is referred to in this Chapter as an “unsuitability case”).

(5) In unsuitability cases, the Primary Care Trust must remove the practitioner from the list in prescribed circumstances.

(6) The Primary Care Trust must state which condition (or conditions) it is relying on when removing a practitioner from a list.

(7) “Health scheme” means—

(a) any of the health services under section 1(1) of this Act, section 1(1) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), or any enactment corresponding to section 1(1) of this Act and extending to Scotland or Northern Ireland, and

(b) any prescribed scheme,

and regulations may prescribe any scheme for the purposes of this subsection which appears to the Secretary of State to be a health or medical scheme paid for out of public funds.

(8) Detriment to a health scheme includes detriment to any patient of, or person working in, that scheme or any person liable to pay charges for services provided under that scheme.

(9) In this Chapter a “practitioner” means a person included in a pharmaceutical list.

152 Contingent removal

(1) In an efficiency case or a fraud case, the Primary Care Trust may, instead of deciding to remove a practitioner from its list, decide to remove him contingently.

(2) If it so decides, it must impose such conditions as it may decide on his inclusion in the list with a view to—

(a) removing any prejudice to the efficiency of the services in question (in an efficiency case), or

(b) preventing further acts or omissions within section 151(3)(a) (in a fraud case).

(3) If the Primary Care Trust determines that the practitioner has failed to comply with a condition, it may decide to—

(a) vary the conditions, or impose different conditions, or

(b) remove him from its list.

(4) The Primary Care Trust may decide to vary the terms of service of the person concerned for the purpose of or in connection with the imposition of any conditions by virtue of this section.

153 Fraud and unsuitability cases: supplementary

(1) Where the practitioner is a body corporate providing pharmaceutical services, the body corporate must be treated for the purposes of this Chapter as meeting a condition referred to in section 151(3) or (4) if any one of the body of persons controlling the body meets that condition (whether or not he first did so when he was such a person).

(2) A practitioner must be treated for the purposes of this Chapter as meeting the condition referred to in section 151(3) if—

(a) another person, because of an act or omission of his occurring in the course of providing any services mentioned in section 151(1) on the practitioner’s behalf, meets that condition, and

(b) the practitioner failed to take all such steps as were reasonable to prevent acts or omissions within section 151(3)(a) occurring in the course of the provision of those services on his behalf.

154 Suspension

(1) If the Primary Care Trust is satisfied that it is necessary to do so for the protection of members of the public or is otherwise in the public interest, it may suspend a practitioner from its list—

(a) while it decides whether or not to exercise its powers under section 151 or 152 (other than in circumstances falling within paragraph (b)), or

(b) while it waits for a decision affecting the practitioner of a court or of a body which regulates—

(i) the practitioner’s profession,

(ii) the profession of a person providing any of the services mentioned in section 151(1) on the practitioner’s behalf, or

(iii) if the practitioner is a body corporate, the profession of one of its directors, or one of the body of persons controlling it or (if it is a limited liability partnership) one of its members,

or one of that regulatory body’s committees.

(2) The references in subsection (1)(b) to a court or regulatory body are to a court or such a body anywhere in the world.

(3) In a case falling within subsection (1)(a), the Primary Care Trust must specify the length of the period of suspension.

(4) In a case falling within subsection (1)(b), the Primary Care Trust may specify that the practitioner remains suspended after the decision referred to there for an additional period which the Primary Care Trust must specify.

(5) In either case—

(a) before that period expires it may extend, or further extend, the suspension for a further specified period, or

(b) if that period has expired, it may impose a further suspension, for a period which it must specify.

(6) The period of suspension (in a subsection (1)(a) case) or the additional period (in a subsection (1)(b) case), including in both cases the period of any further suspension imposed under subsection (5)(b), may not exceed six months in aggregate, except—

(a) in prescribed circumstances, when it may not extend beyond any prescribed event (which may be the expiry of a prescribed period),

(b) if, on the application of the Primary Care Trust, the FHSAA orders accordingly before the expiry of the period of suspension, or

(c) if the Primary Care Trust has applied under paragraph (b) before the expiry of the period of suspension, but the FHSAA has not made an order by the time it expires, in which case it continues until the FHSAA has made an order.

(7) If the FHSAA does so order, it must specify—

(a) the date on which the period of suspension will end, or

(b) an event beyond which it will not continue.

(8) The FHSAA may, on the application of the Primary Care Trust, make a further order (complying with subsection (7)) at any time while the period of suspension pursuant to the earlier order is still continuing.

(9) The Secretary of State may make regulations providing for payments to practitioners who are suspended.

(10) Those regulations may include provision for the amount of the payments, or the method of calculating the amount, to be determined by the Secretary of State or by another person appointed for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

155 Suspension pending appeal

(1) This section applies if the Primary Care Trust decides to remove a practitioner from a list under section 151.

(2) In such a case it may also decide to suspend the practitioner from the list pending any appeal by him, if it is satisfied that it is necessary to do so for the protection of members of the public or is otherwise in the public interest.

(3) If it does suspend the practitioner under this section, the suspension has effect from the date when the Primary Care Trust gave him notice of the suspension.

(4) The suspension has effect until its revocation under subsection (5) or (6) or, if later, until the expiry of the period of 28 days referred to in section 158(1), or, if the practitioner appeals under section 158, until the FHSAA has disposed of the appeal.

(5) The Primary Care Trust may revoke a suspension imposed under this section.

(6) If the practitioner appeals under section 158 against the decision of the Primary Care Trust to remove him from the list, the FHSAA may also revoke a suspension imposed on him under this section.

(7) Subsections (9) and (10) of section 154 apply for the purposes of this section as they apply for the purposes of that.

156 Effect of suspension

While a practitioner is suspended (whether under section 154 or under section 155) he must be treated as not being included in the list from which he has been suspended even though his name appears in it.

157 Review of decisions

(1) The Primary Care Trust may, and (except in prescribed cases) if requested in writing to do so by the practitioner must, review a contingent removal or a suspension (other than a contingent removal or a suspension imposed by, or a suspension continuing pursuant to, an order of the FHSAA, or a suspension imposed under section 155).

(2) The practitioner may not request a review before the expiry of the period of—

(a) three months beginning with the date of the decision of the Primary Care Trust to suspend or contingently remove him, or (as appropriate),

(b) six months beginning with the date of its decision on the previous review.

(3) On such a review, the Primary Care Trust may—

(a) confirm the contingent removal or the suspension,

(b) in the case of a suspension, terminate it,

(c) in the case of a contingent removal, vary the conditions, impose different conditions, revoke the contingent removal, or remove the practitioner from the list.

158 Appeals

(1) A practitioner may appeal to the FHSAA against a decision of a Primary Care Trust mentioned in subsection (2) by giving notice in writing to the FHSAA within the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the Primary Care Trust gave him notice of the decision.

(2) The Primary Care Trust decisions in question are—

(a) to remove the practitioner from a list (under section 151 or 152(3) or under subsection (5)(b) of this section),

(b) to remove him contingently (under section 152),

(c) to impose any particular condition under section 152, or to vary any condition or to impose any different condition under that section,

(d) to vary his terms of service (under section 152(4)),

(e) any decision on a review of a contingent removal under section 157.

(3) The appeal must be way of redetermination of the decision of the Primary Care Trust.

(4) On an appeal, the FHSAA may make any decision which the Primary Care Trust could have made.

(5) If the FHSAA decides to remove the practitioner contingently—

(a) the Primary Care Trust and the practitioner may each apply to the FHSAA for the conditions imposed on the practitioner to be varied, for different conditions to be imposed, or for the contingent removal to be revoked, and

(b) the Primary Care Trust may remove him from its list if it determines that he has failed to comply with a condition.

(6) The Primary Care Trust may not remove a person from a list, or impose a contingent removal—

(a) until the expiry of the period of 28 days referred to in subsection (1), or

(b) if the practitioner appeals within that period, until the FHSAA has disposed of the appeal.

(7) Regulations may provide for payments by Primary Care Trusts to practitioners who are removed from lists pursuant to decisions of the FHSAA under this section, but whose appeals against those decisions are successful.

(8) Regulations under subsection (7) may include provision for the amount of the payments, or the method of calculating the amount, to be determined by the Secretary of State or by another person appointed for the purpose by the Secretary of State.

159 National disqualification

(1) If the FHSAA removes the practitioner from a list, it may also decide to disqualify him from inclusion in—

(a) the pharmaceutical lists prepared by each Primary Care Trust,

(b) the supplementary lists prepared by each Primary Care Trust,

(c) the lists under section 91, 106, or 123 prepared by each Primary Care Trust,

(d) the lists under section 146 prepared by each Primary Care Trust, or the lists corresponding to the lists under section 91 prepared by each Primary Care Trust by virtue of regulations made under section 145,

(e) the lists corresponding to the lists mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) prepared by each Local Health Board under or by virtue of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

or only from inclusion in one or more descriptions of such lists prepared by each Primary Care Trust and each Local Health Board, the description being specified by the FHSAA in its decision.

(2) A decision by the FHSAA to do what is mentioned in subsection (1) is referred to in this section as the imposition of a national disqualification.

(3) The FHSAA may also impose a national disqualification on a practitioner if it dismisses an appeal by him against the refusal by a Primary Care Trust to include him in such a list.

(4) The Primary Care Trust may apply to the FHSAA for a national disqualification to be imposed on a person after the Primary Care Trust has—

(a) removed him from a list prepared by it of any of the kinds referred to in subsection (1)(a) to (d), or

(b) refused to include him in such a list.

(5) Any such application must be made before the end of the period of three months beginning with the date of the removal or of the Primary Care Trust’s refusal.

(6) If the FHSAA imposes a national disqualification on a person—

(a) no Primary Care Trust or Local Health Board may include him in a list of any of the kinds prepared by it from which he has been disqualified from inclusion, and

(b) if he is included in such a list, each Primary Care Trust and each Local Health Board in whose list he is included must remove him from it.

(7) The FHSAA may at the request of the person upon whom it has been imposed review a national disqualification, and on a review may confirm it or revoke it.

(8) Subject to subsection (9), the person may not request such a review before the end of the period of—

(a) two years beginning with the date on which the national disqualification was imposed, or

(b) one year beginning with the date of the FHSAA’s decision on the last such review.

(9) The Secretary of State may provide in regulations for subsection (8) to have effect in prescribed circumstances as if the reference there to “two years” or “one year” were a reference to a different period specified in the regulations.

160 Notification of decisions

Regulations may require a Primary Care Trust to notify prescribed persons, or persons of prescribed descriptions, of any decision it makes under this Chapter, and of any information relevant to the decision which it considers appropriate to include in the notification.

161 Withdrawal from lists

Regulations may provide for circumstances in which a practitioner—

(a) whom a Primary Care Trust is investigating in order to see whether there are grounds for exercising its powers under section 151, 152 or 154,

(b) whom a Primary Care Trust has decided to remove from a list under section 151 or 152, or contingently remove under section 152, but who has not yet been removed or contingently removed, or

(c) who has been suspended under section 154,

may not withdraw from a list in which he is included.

162 Regulations about decisions under this Chapter

(1) Any decision by a Primary Care Trust referred to in this Chapter must be reached in accordance with regulations about such decisions.

(2) The regulations must include provision—

(a) requiring the practitioner to be given notice of any allegation against him,

(b) giving him the opportunity of putting his case at a hearing before a Primary Care Trust makes any decision affecting him under this Chapter,

(c) requiring him to be given notice of the decision of the Primary Care Trust and the reasons for it and of any right of appeal which he may have.

(3) The regulations may, in particular, make provision as to criteria which the Primary Care Trust must apply when making decisions in unsuitability cases.

163 Corresponding provisions in Scotland and Northern Ireland

(1) This section applies where it appears to the Secretary of State that there is provision in Scotland or Northern Ireland under which a person may be dealt with in any way which corresponds (whether or not exactly) with a way in which a person may be dealt with under this Chapter.

(2) A decision in Scotland or Northern Ireland to deal with such a person in such a way is referred to in this section as a “corresponding decision”.

(3) If this section applies, the Secretary of State may make regulations providing for the effect to be given in England to a corresponding decision.

(4) That effect need not be the same as the effect of the decision in the place where it was made.

(5) The regulations may not provide for a corresponding decision to be reviewed or revoked in England.

Chapter 7 Miscellaneous

Remuneration

164 Remuneration for persons providing pharmaceutical services

(1) The remuneration to be paid to persons who provide pharmaceutical services under this Part must be determined by determining authorities.

(2) Determining authorities may also determine the remuneration to be paid to persons who provide those services in respect of the instruction of any person in matters relating to those services.

(3) For the purposes of this section and section 165 determining authorities are—

(a) the Secretary of State, and

(b) so far as authorised by him to exercise the functions of determining authorities, any Primary Care Trust or other person appointed by him in an instrument.

(4) The instrument mentioned in subsection (3)(b) is called in this section an “instrument of appointment”.

(5) An instrument of appointment—

(a) may contain requirements with which a determining authority appointed by that instrument must comply in making determinations, and

(b) may be contained in regulations.

(6) Subject to this section and section 165, regulations may make provision about determining remuneration under this section and may in particular impose requirements with which determining authorities must comply in making, or in connection with, determinations (including requirements as to consultation and publication).

(7) Regulations may provide that determinations may be made by reference to any of—

(a) rates or conditions of remuneration of any persons or any descriptions of persons which are fixed or determined, or will be fixed or determined, otherwise than by way of a determination under this section,

(b) scales, indices or other data of any description specified in the regulations.

(8) Where regulations provide as mentioned in subsection (7)(b), they may provide that any determination which falls to be made by reference to a scale, index or other data may be made by reference to the scale, index or data—

(a) in the form current at the time of the determination, and

(b) in any subsequent form taking effect after that time.

(9) Regulations may—

(a) provide that determining authorities may make determinations which have effect in relation to remuneration in respect of a period beginning on or after a date specified in the determination, which may be the date of the determination or an earlier or later date, but may be an earlier date only if, taking the determination as a whole, it is not detrimental to the persons to whose remuneration it relates,

(b) provide that any determination which does not specify such a date has effect in relation to remuneration in respect of a period beginning—

(i) if it is required to be published, on the date of publication,

(ii) if it is not so required, on the date on which it is made.

(10) A reference in this section or section 165 to a determination is to a determination of remuneration under this section.

165 Section 164: supplementary

(1) Before a determination is made by the Secretary of State which relates to all persons who provide pharmaceutical services, or a category of such services, he—

(a) must consult a body appearing to him to be representative of persons to whose remuneration the determination would relate, and

(b) may consult such other persons as he considers appropriate.

(2) Determinations may make different provision for different cases, including different provision for any particular case, class of case or area.

(3) Determinations may be—

(a) made in more than one stage,

(b) made by more than one determining authority,

(c) varied or revoked by subsequent determinations.

(4) A determination may be varied—

(a) to correct an error, or

(b) where it appears to the determining authority that it was made in ignorance of or under a mistake as to a relevant fact.

(5) Determinations may, in particular, provide that the whole or any part of the remuneration—

(a) is payable only if the determining authority is satisfied as to certain conditions, or

(b) must be applied for certain purposes or is otherwise subject to certain conditions.

(6) Remuneration under section 164 may be determined from time to time and may consist of payments by way of—

(a) salary,

(b) fees,

(c) allowances,

(d) reimbursement (in full or in part) of expenses incurred or expected to be incurred in connection with the provision of the services or instruction.

(7) At the time a determination is made or varied, certain matters which require determining may be reserved to be decided at a later time.

(8) The matters which may be reserved include in particular—

(a) the amount of remuneration to be paid in particular cases,

(b) whether any remuneration is to be paid in particular cases.

(9) Any determination may be made only after taking into account all the matters which are considered to be relevant by the determining authority.

(10) Such matters may include in particular—

(a) the amount or estimated amount of expenses (taking into account any discounts) incurred in the past or likely to be incurred in the future (whether or not by persons to whose remuneration the determination will relate) in connection with the provision of pharmaceutical services or of any category of pharmaceutical services,

(b) the amount or estimated amount of any remuneration paid or likely to be paid to persons providing such services,

(c) the amount or estimated amount of any other payments or repayments or other benefits received or likely to be received by any such persons,

(d) the extent to which it is desirable to encourage the provision, either generally or in particular places, of pharmaceutical services or the category of pharmaceutical services to which the determination will relate,

(e) the desirability of promoting pharmaceutical services which are—

(i) economic and efficient, and

(ii) of an appropriate standard.

(11) If the determination is of remuneration for a category of pharmaceutical services, the reference in subsection (10)(a) to a category of pharmaceutical services is a reference to the same category of pharmaceutical services or to any other category of pharmaceutical services falling within the same description.

Indemnity cover

166 Indemnity cover

(1) Regulations may make provision for the purpose of securing that, in prescribed circumstances, prescribed persons included in a pharmaceutical list hold approved indemnity cover.

(2) The regulations may, in particular, make provision as to the consequences of a failure to hold approved indemnity cover, including provision—

(a) for securing that a person must not be added to a pharmaceutical list unless he holds approved indemnity cover,

(b) for the removal from a pharmaceutical list prepared by a Primary Care Trust of a person who does not within a prescribed period after the making of a request by the Primary Care Trust in the prescribed manner satisfy the Primary Care Trust that he holds approved indemnity cover.

(3) For the purposes of this section—

• “approved body” means a person or persons approved in relation to indemnity cover of any description, after such consultation as may be prescribed, by the Secretary of State or by such other person as may be prescribed,

• “approved indemnity cover” means indemnity cover made—

  (a)

  on prescribed terms, and

  (b)

  with an approved body,

• “indemnity cover”, in relation to a person included in a pharmaceutical list (or a person who proposes to provide pharmaceutical services), means a contract of insurance or other arrangement made for the purpose of indemnifying him, and any person prescribed in relation to him, to any prescribed extent against any liability which—

  (a)

  arises out of the provision of pharmaceutical services in accordance with arrangements made by him with a Primary Care Trust, and

  (b)

  is incurred by him or any such person in respect of the death or personal injury of a person,

• “personal injury” means any disease or impairment of a person’s physical or mental condition and includes the prolongation of any disease or such impairment,

and a person holds approved indemnity cover if he has entered into a contract or arrangement which constitutes approved indemnity cover.

(4) The regulations may provide that a person of any description who has entered into a contract or arrangement which is—

(a) in a form identified in accordance with the regulations in relation to persons of that description, and

(b) made with a person or persons so identified,

must be treated as holding approved indemnity cover for the purposes of the regulations.

Local Pharmaceutical Committees

167 Local Pharmaceutical Committees

(1) A Primary Care Trust may recognise a committee formed for its area, or for its area and that of one or more other Primary Care Trusts, which it is satisfied is representative of—

(a) the persons providing pharmaceutical services from premises in the area for which the committee is formed (“pharmaceutical services providers”),

(b) pharmaceutical services providers and the persons to whom subsections (2) and (3) apply,

(c) pharmaceutical services providers and the persons to whom subsection (2) applies, or

(d) pharmaceutical services providers and the persons to whom subsection (3) applies.

(2) This subsection applies to each person who—

(a) is providing local pharmaceutical services in the Primary Care Trust’s area under an LPS scheme made (whether with himself or another person) by the Primary Care Trust, and

(b) has notified the Primary Care Trust that he wishes to be represented by the committee (and has not notified it that he wishes to cease to be so represented).

(3) This subsection applies to each person who—

(a) is providing local pharmaceutical services in the Primary Care Trust’s area under a pilot scheme made (whether with himself or another person) by the Primary Care Trust, and

(b) has notified the Primary Care Trust that he wishes to be represented by the committee (and has not notified it that he wishes to cease to be so represented).

(4) A committee recognised under this section is called the Local Pharmaceutical Committee for the area for which it is formed.

(5) Any such committee may delegate any of its functions, with or without restrictions or conditions, to sub-committees composed of members of that committee.

(6) Regulations may require a Primary Care Trust, in the exercise of functions relating to pharmaceutical services or local pharmaceutical services, to consult committees recognised by it under this section on such occasions and to such extent as may be prescribed.

(7) Subsection (6) does not affect any other power to require a Primary Care Trust to consult committees recognised by it under this section.

(8) A committee recognised under this section has such other functions as may be prescribed.

(9) A Primary Care Trust may, on the request of any committee recognised by it under this section, allot to that committee such sums for defraying the committee’s administrative expenses (other than any determined under subsection (12)) as may be determined by the Primary Care Trust.

(10) Any sums so allotted must be out of the moneys available to the Primary Care Trust for the remuneration of persons of whom the committee is representative under subsection (1)(a).

(11) The amount of any such sums must be deducted from the remuneration of those persons in such manner as may be determined by the Primary Care Trust.

(12) A committee recognised under subsection (1)(b), (c) or (d) must, in respect of each year, determine the amount of its administrative expenses for that year attributable to the persons of whom it is representative under subsection (2) or (3).

(13) The committee must apportion the amount determined under subsection (12) among the persons of whom it is representative under subsection (2) or (3), and each such person must pay in accordance with the committee’s directions the amount so apportioned to him.

(14) The administrative expenses of a committee include the travelling and subsistence allowances payable to its members.

Provision of accommodation by the Secretary of State

168 Use of accommodation: provision of pharmaceutical services and local pharmaceutical services

If the Secretary of State considers that any accommodation provided by him by virtue of this Act is suitable for use in connection with the provision of pharmaceutical services or local pharmaceutical services, he may make the accommodation available on such terms as he considers appropriate to persons providing those services.

Part 8 Family Health Services Appeal Authority

169 FHSAA

(1) There continues to be a body known as the Family Health Services Appeal Authority (“FHSAA”).

(2) The FHSAA has such functions as are conferred on it by this Act or by any other enactment.

(3) The Secretary of State may direct the FHSAA to exercise any of his functions relating to the determination of appeals to him which are specified in the directions.

(4) The Secretary of State may make available to the FHSAA any facilities provided by him or by an NHS trust or Special Health Authority for any service under this Act, and the services of persons employed by the Secretary of State or by an NHS trust or Special Health Authority.

(5) Schedule 13 makes further provision about the FHSAA.

170 FHSAA: financial provisions

(1) The Secretary of State may make such payments in respect of expenses incurred by the FHSAA as he may determine.

(2) The Secretary of State may pay to the members of the FHSAA—

(a) such remuneration, and

(b) such travelling and other allowances, including compensation for loss of remunerative time,

as he may determine.

(3) Payments under this section are subject to such conditions as to records, certificates, or otherwise as the Secretary of State may determine.

171 Conditions of use of services of persons under section 169

(1) Subsections (1) to (3) of section 81 (conditions of supply under section 80) apply in relation to the services of persons employed by a Special Health Authority and made available under section 169(4) as they apply in relation to the services of officers of Special Health Authorities to be made available under section 80 (supply of goods and services by the Secretary of State).

(2) For the purposes of section 169(4)—

(a) the Secretary of State may give directions to an NHS trust requiring it to make facilities or the services of persons available as mentioned there, but

(b) subsections (1) and (2) of section 81 apply in relation to the services of such persons as they apply in relation to the services of officers to be made available by virtue of section 80.

Part 9 Charging

Power to charge generally

172 Charges for drugs, medicines or appliances, or pharmaceutical services

(1) Regulations may provide for the making and recovery in such manner as may be prescribed of such charges as may be prescribed in respect of—

(a) the supply under this Act (otherwise than under Chapter 1 of Part 7) of drugs, medicines or appliances (including the replacement and repair of those appliances), and

(b) such of the pharmaceutical services referred to in that Chapter as may be prescribed.

(2) Regulations under this section may in particular make provision in relation to the supply of contraceptive substances and appliances under paragraph 8 of Schedule 1.

(3) This section does not apply in relation to the provision of any relevant dental service (within the meaning of section 176).

173 Exemptions from general charging

(1) No charge may be made under regulations under section 172(1) in respect of—

(a) the supply of any drug, medicine or appliance for a patient who is resident in hospital,

(b) the supply of any drug or medicine for the treatment of sexually transmitted disease (otherwise than in the provision of primary medical services or in accordance with a pilot scheme or an LPS scheme),

(c) the supply of any appliance (otherwise than in pursuance of paragraph 8(d) of Schedule 1) for a person who is under 16 years of age or is under 19 years of age and receiving qualifying full-time education, or

(d) the replacement or repair of any appliance in consequence of a defect in the appliance as supplied.

(2) In subsection (1)(c) “qualifying full-time education” means full-time instruction at a recognised educational establishment or by other means accepted as comparable by the Secretary of State.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)—

(a) “recognised educational establishment” means an establishment recognised by the Secretary of State as being, or as comparable to, a school, college or university, and

(b) regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which a person must, or must not, be treated as receiving full-time instruction.

174 Pre-payment certificates

(1) Regulations under section 172(1) may provide for the grant, on payment of such sums as may be prescribed, of a pre-payment certificate.

(2) A pre-payment certificate is a certificate which confers on the person to whom it is granted exemption from charges otherwise chargeable under the regulations in respect of drugs, medicines and appliances supplied during such period as may be prescribed.

(3) Different sums may be prescribed in relation to different periods.

175 Charges in respect of non-residents

(1) Regulations may provide for the making and recovery, in such manner as may be prescribed, of such charges as the Secretary of State may determine in respect of the services mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) The services are such services as may be prescribed which are—

(a) provided under this Act, and

(b) provided in respect of such persons not ordinarily resident in Great Britain as may be prescribed.

(3) Regulations under this section may provide that the charges may be made only in such cases as may be determined in accordance with the regulations.

(4) The Secretary of State may calculate charges under this section on any basis that he considers to be the appropriate commercial basis.

Charging for dental services

176 Dental charging

(1) Regulations may provide for the making and recovery, in such manner as may be prescribed, of charges for relevant dental services.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular include provision—

(a) specifying the amount, or maximum amount, of any charge (or aggregate charge in respect of the provision for two or more relevant dental services),

(b) for calculating the amount of any charge,

(c) for the variation of the amount, or maximum amount, of any charge in cases of a prescribed description,

(d) for any charge not to be payable in cases of a prescribed description,

(e) for power to direct that a charge is not payable in any particular case,

(f) for the repayment of any charge (including provision as to the persons by whom, and manner in which, repayments must be made).

(3) Regulations under subsection (1) may provide for sums which would otherwise be payable by a Primary Care Trust or Special Health Authority to persons providing relevant dental services to be reduced by the amount of the charges authorised by the regulations.

(4) In this section and section 177 “relevant dental services” means—

(a) dental treatment provided—

(i) under section 99(2),

(ii) under a general dental services contract, or

(iii) in accordance with section 107 arrangements, and

(b) the supply of dentures and other dental appliances under this Act.

(5) Any reference in this section or 177 to the supply of an appliance includes a reference to its repair, adjustment, refitting or replacement and, in the case of dentures, to their being relined or having additions made to them.

177 Exemptions from dental charging

(1) No charge may be made under regulations under section 176(1) in respect of a relevant dental service provided for any person who at the prescribed time—

(a) was under 18,

(b) was under 19 and receiving qualifying full-time education,

(c) was pregnant, or

(d) had given birth to a child within the previous 12 months.

(2) No charge may be made under regulations under section 176(1) in respect of—

(a) the repair or replacement of any appliance,

(b) any appliance supplied to a patient who is resident in a hospital,

(c) the arrest of bleeding.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2)(a) do not apply in relation to—

(a) the repair or replacement of any appliance of a prescribed description,

(b) the repair or replacement of any appliance where it is determined in the prescribed manner—

(i) in any case, that the repair or replacement was necessitated by an act or omission of the person supplied, or

(ii) in a case where the person supplied was under the age of 16, that the repair or replacement was necessitated by an act or omission, occurring while that person was under that age, of a person having charge of him.

(4) Subsection (2)(b) does not apply where an appliance is supplied—

(a) under section 99(2),

(b) under a general dental services contract, or

(c) in accordance with section 107 arrangements.

(5) Regulations may provide, with respect to any exemption under this section, that it must be a condition of the exemption that—

(a) a declaration of the prescribed kind is made in the prescribed form and manner,

(b) a certificate or other evidence of the prescribed kind is supplied in the prescribed form and manner.

(6) In subsection (1)(b) “qualifying full-time education” means full-time instruction at a recognised educational establishment or by other means accepted as comparable by the Secretary of State.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6)—

(a) “recognised educational establishment” means an establishment recognised by the Secretary of State as being, or as comparable to, a school, college or university, and

(b) regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which a person must, or must not, be treated as receiving full-time instruction.

(8) In subsection (1)(d), “child” includes a still-born child (within the meaning of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 (c. 20).

Charging for local pharmaceutical services

178 Charges, recovery of payments and penalties

(1) Regulations may provide for the making and recovery, in such manner as may be prescribed, of charges for—

(a) local pharmaceutical services provided under pilot schemes, or

(b) local pharmaceutical services provided under LPS schemes.

(2) The regulations may in particular provide for—

(a) exemptions from charges,

(b) the liability to pay charges to be disregarded in prescribed circumstances or for prescribed purposes,

(c) section 192 (recovery of certain charges and payments) to apply also in relation to local pharmaceutical services (with or without modification),

(d) section 193 (penalties) to apply also in relation to local pharmaceutical services (with or without modification).

(3) The regulations must secure that the amount charged for any service is the same as the amount that would be charged for that service if it were provided under Chapter 1 of Part 7.

Charging for optical appliances

179 Charges for optical appliances

(1) Regulations may provide for the making and recovery, in such manner as may be prescribed, of charges in respect of the supply under this Act of optical appliances.

(2) The amount of the charges may be determined—

(a) in regulations, or

(b) by or in accordance with directions given by the Secretary of State.

(3) Regulations or directions may—

(a) vary the amount or maximum amount of charges, or

(b) provide that the charges are not payable.

(4) A reference to supply includes a reference to replacement.

(5) In this Act “optical appliances” means glasses and contact lenses, but regulations may provide for a different definition of optical appliances to have effect for the purposes of this Act.

180 Payments in respect of costs of optical appliances

(1) The Secretary of State must provide by regulations for payments to be made by him or a relevant body to meet, or to contribute towards, the cost incurred (whether by way of charge under this Act or otherwise) for the supply of optical appliances for which—

(a) a prescription has been given for a person mentioned in subsection (2) in consequence of a sight test under this Act, or

(b) a prescription has been given for a person mentioned in subsection (2) in consequence of a sight test otherwise than under this Act which took place in prescribed circumstances.

(2) The persons are—

(a) a child,

(b) a person whose resources fall to be treated under the regulations as being less than or equal to his requirements,

(c) any person falling within section 115(2)(d), or

(d) a person of such other description as may be prescribed.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a) provide for himself or such relevant body as may be prescribed to contribute to the cost of a sight test which he or the prescribed body accepts as having been incurred by a person whose resources fall to be treated under the regulations as exceeding his requirements but only by an amount calculated under the regulations, and

(b) provide for payments to be made by him or by such relevant body as may be prescribed to meet, or to contribute towards, any cost accepted by him or by the prescribed body as having been incurred (whether by way of charge under this Act or otherwise) for the replacement or repair in prescribed circumstances of optical appliances for which a prescription was given in consequence of a sight test of a person of a prescribed description.

(4) Regulations under this section may direct how a person’s resources and requirements must be calculated and may, in particular, direct that they must be calculated—

(a) by a method set out in the regulations,

(b) by a method described by reference to a method of calculating or estimating income or capital specified in an enactment other than this section or in an instrument made under an Act of Parliament or by reference to such a method but subject to prescribed modifications,

(c) by reference to an amount applicable for the purposes of a payment under an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament, or

(d) by reference to the person’s being or having been entitled to payment under an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament.

(5) Descriptions of persons may be prescribed for the purposes of this section by reference to any criterion and, in particular, by reference to any of the following criteria—

(a) their age,

(b) the fact that a prescribed person or a prescribed body accepts them as suffering from a prescribed medical condition,

(c) the fact that a prescribed person or a prescribed body accepts that a prescribed medical condition from which they suffer arose in prescribed circumstances,

(d) their receipt of benefit in money or in kind under any enactment or their entitlement to receive any such benefit,

(e) the receipt of any such benefit by other persons satisfying prescribed conditions or the entitlement of other persons satisfying prescribed conditions to receive such benefits, and

(f) the relationship, as calculated in accordance with the regulations by a prescribed person, between their resources and their requirements.

(6) Regulations under this section which refer to an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament may direct that the reference must be construed as a reference to that Act or instrument—

(a) as it has effect at the time when the regulations are made, or

(b) both as it has effect at that time and as amended subsequently.

(7) In subsection (2)(a) “child” means—

(a) a person who is under the age of 16 years, or

(b) a person who is under the age of 19 years and receiving qualifying full-time education.

(8) In subsection (7)(b) “qualifying full-time education” means full-time instruction at a recognised educational establishment or by other means accepted as comparable by the Secretary of State.

(9) For the purposes of subsection (8)—

(a) “recognised educational establishment” means an establishment recognised by the Secretary of State as being, or as comparable to, a school, college or university, and

(b) regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which a person must, or must not, be treated as receiving full-time instruction.

(10) If regulations under this section provide for payments to be made by a relevant body, the Secretary of State must pay to the body, in respect of each financial year, the sum attributable to the body’s disbursements under the regulations.

(11) Sums falling to be paid in pursuance of regulations under this section are payable subject to such conditions as to records, certificates or otherwise as the Secretary of State may determine.

(12) “Relevant body” means a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust or a Special Health Authority.

181 Section 180: supplementary

(1) Regulations under section 180 providing for payments for meeting or contributing towards the cost incurred for the supply of optical appliances or their replacement or repair may also provide as follows.

(2) They may make provision for such payments not to be made to any person falling within a prescribed description.

(3) They may make provision for the Secretary of State to give notice as mentioned in subsection (4) to a person to whom such payments have been made (whether by the Secretary of State or by a relevant body).

(4) Such a notice is notice that no further such payments in respect of the supply, replacement or repair of optical appliances at a particular location or in a particular area, in either case specified in the notice, will be made to him after a date specified in the notice.

(5) If such a notice is given, no further payments as mentioned in subsection (4) may be made to him after the date specified in the notice, unless the notice is cancelled by the Secretary of State.

(6) The regulations may make provision conferring on the Secretary of State the right, if he has given a notice by virtue of subsection (3), to apply to the FHSAA for a stop order.

(7) A stop order is an order that no further such payments may be made (whether by the Secretary of State or by any relevant body) to the person in question in respect of the supply, replacement or repair of optical appliances, wherever the supply, replacement or repair occurred.

(8) If the regulations make the provision mentioned in subsection (3), they must also make provision conferring prescribed rights of appeal to the FHSAA upon the person to whom the notice was given.

(9) “Relevant body” means a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust or a Special Health Authority.

Exemptions, etc

182 Remission and repayment of charges

Regulations may provide in relation to prescribed descriptions of person for the remission or repayment of the whole or any part of any charges which would otherwise be payable by virtue of section 172, 176 or 179.

183 Payment of travelling expenses

Regulations may provide in relation to prescribed descriptions of persons—

(a) for the payment by the Secretary of State, a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust, in such cases as may be prescribed, of travelling expenses (including the travelling expenses of a companion) incurred or to be incurred for the purpose of their obtaining any services provided under this Act,

(b) for the reimbursement by a Primary Care Trust to an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust and, in such cases as may be prescribed, to another Primary Care Trust, of such payments,

(c) for the reimbursement by a Primary Care Trust to an NHS trust and, in such cases as may be prescribed, to a Local Health Board, of payments made by virtue of section 131(a) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42).

184 Sections 182 and 183: supplementary

(1) Descriptions of persons may be prescribed for the purposes of section 182 or 183 by reference to any criterion and, in particular, by reference to any of the following criteria—

(a) their age,

(b) the fact that a prescribed person or a prescribed body accepts them as suffering from a prescribed medical condition,

(c) the fact that a prescribed person or a prescribed body accepts that a prescribed medical condition from which they suffer arose in prescribed circumstances,

(d) their receipt of benefit in money or in kind under any enactment or their entitlement to receive any such benefit,

(e) the receipt of any such benefit by other persons satisfying prescribed conditions or the entitlement of other persons satisfying prescribed conditions to receive such benefits, and

(f) the relationship, as calculated in accordance with the regulations by a prescribed person, between their resources and their requirements.

(2) Regulations under section 182 or 183 may direct how a person’s resources and requirements must be calculated and may, in particular, direct that they must be calculated—

(a) by a method set out in the regulations,

(b) by a method described by reference to a method of calculating or estimating income or capital specified in an enactment other than this section or in an instrument made under an Act of Parliament or by reference to such a method but subject to prescribed modifications,

(c) by reference to an amount applicable for the purposes of a payment under an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament, or

(d) by reference to the person’s being or having been entitled to payment under an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament.

(3) Regulations under section 182 or 183 which refer to an Act of Parliament or an instrument made under an Act of Parliament may direct that the reference must be construed as a reference to that Act or instrument—

(a) as it has effect at the time when the regulations are made, or

(b) both as it has effect at that time and as amended subsequently.

Other provisions relating to charging

185 Charges for more expensive supplies

(1) Regulations may provide for the making and recovery of such charges falling within subsection (2) as may be prescribed.

(2) The charges are charges by the Secretary of State, a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust—

(a) in respect of the supply of any appliance or vehicle which is, at the request of the person supplied, of a more expensive type than the prescribed type, or

(b) in respect of the repair or replacement of any such appliance, or the replacement of any such vehicle, or the taking of any such action in relation to the vehicle as is mentioned in paragraph 10(2) of Schedule 1.

186 Charges for repairs and replacements in certain cases

(1) Regulations may provide for the making and recovery of such charges falling within subsection (2) as may be prescribed.

(2) The charges are charges by the Secretary of State, a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust, in respect of the repair or replacement of any appliance or vehicle, where it is determined in the prescribed manner—

(a) in any case, that the repair or replacement was necessitated by an act or omission of the person supplied, or

(b) in a case where the person supplied was under the age of 16, that the repair or replacement was necessitated by an act or omission, occurring while that person was under that age, of a person having charge of him.

187 Charges for designated services or facilities

Regulations may provide for the making and recovery of charges in respect of services or facilities designated by the regulations as services or facilities provided in pursuance of section 3(1)(d) or (e).

188 Sums otherwise payable to those providing services

(1) Subsection (2) applies to regulations under—

(a) section 172 (charges for drugs, medicines or appliances, or pharmaceutical service),

(b) section 179 (charges for optical appliances),

(c) section 185 (charges for more expensive supplies), or

(d) section 186 (charges for repairs and replacements in certain cases),

which provide for the making and recovery of charges in respect of any services.

(2) The regulations may provide for the sums which would otherwise be payable by a Primary Care Trust or Special Health Authority to the persons by whom the services are provided, to be reduced by the amount of the charges authorised by the regulations in respect of the services.

189 Hospital accommodation on part payment

(1) The Secretary of State—

(a) may authorise accommodation to be made available for patients to such extent as he may determine, and

(b) may recover such charges as he may determine in respect of such accommodation and calculate them on any basis that he considers to be the appropriate commercial basis.

(2) Accommodation means—

(a) accommodation in single rooms or small wards which is not needed by any patient on medical grounds,

(b) accommodation at any health service hospital or group of hospitals, or a hospital in which patients are treated under arrangements made by virtue of section 12, or at the health service hospitals in a particular area or a hospital in which patients are so treated.

(3) References in subsection (2) to a health service hospital include references to such a hospital within the meaning of section 206 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), but do not include references to a hospital vested in an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust.

190 Expenses payable by employed patients

(1) The Secretary of State may require any person—

(a) who is a resident patient for whom the Secretary of State provides services under this Act, and

(b) who is absent during the day from the hospital where he is a patient for the purpose of engaging in remunerative employment,

to pay such part of the cost of his maintenance in the hospital and any incidental cost as may seem reasonable to the Secretary of State having regard to the amount of that person’s remuneration.

(2) The Secretary of State may recover the amount required under subsection (1).

Recovery, etc

191 Recovery of charges

(1) All charges recoverable under this Act by—

(a) the Secretary of State,

(b) a local social services authority, or

(c) any body established under this Act,

may be recovered summarily as a civil debt (but this does not affect any other method of recovery).

(2) If any person, for the purpose of evading the payment of any charge under this Act, or of reducing the amount of any such charge—

(a) knowingly makes any false statement or false representation, or

(b) produces or furnishes, or causes or knowingly allows to be produced or furnished, any document or information which he knows to be false in a material particular,

the charge or the balance of the charge, may be recovered from him by the person by whom the cost of the service in question was defrayed.

192 Recovery of charges and payments in relation to goods and services

(1) Where goods or services to which this section applies are provided and—

(a) any charge payable by any person under this Act in respect of the provision of the goods or services is reduced, remitted or repaid, but that person is not entitled to the reduction, remission or repayment, or

(b) any payment under this Act is made to, or for the benefit of, any person in respect of the cost of obtaining the goods or services, but that person is not entitled to, or to the benefit of, the payment,

the amount mentioned in subsection (2) is recoverable summarily as a civil debt from the person in question by the responsible authority.

(2) That amount—

(a) in a case within subsection (1)(a), is the amount of the charge or (where it has been reduced) reduction,

(b) in a case within subsection (1)(b), is the amount of the payment.

(3) Where two or more persons are liable under section 191(1) or this section to pay an amount in respect of the same charge or payment, those persons are jointly and severally liable.

(4) For the purposes of this section, the circumstances in which a person is treated as not entitled to a reduction, remission or repayment of a charge, or to (or to the benefit of) a payment, include in particular those in which it is received (wholly or partly)—

(a) on the ground that he or another is a person of a particular description, where the person in question is not of that description,

(b) on the ground that he or another holds a particular certificate, when the person in question does not hold such a certificate or does hold such a certificate but is not entitled to it,

(c) on the ground that he or another has made a particular statement, when the person in question has not made such a statement or the statement made by him is false.

(5) In this section and section 193, “responsible authority” means—

(a) in relation to the recovery of any charge under section 191(1) in respect of the provision of goods or services to which this section applies, the person by whom the charge is recoverable,

(b) in relation to the recovery by virtue of this section of the whole or part of the amount of any such charge, the person by whom the charge would have been recoverable,

(c) in a case within subsection (1)(b), the person who made the payment.

(6) But the Secretary of State may by directions provide for—

(a) the functions of any responsible authority of recovering any charges under this Act in respect of the provision of goods or services to which this section applies,

(b) the functions of any responsible authority under this section and section 193,

to be exercised on behalf of the authority by another health service body.

(7) This section applies to the following goods and services—

(a) dental treatment and appliances provided in pursuance of this Act,

(b) drugs and medicines provided in pursuance of this Act,

(c) sight tests,

(d) optical appliances,

(e) any other appliances provided in pursuance of this Act.

(8) “Health service body” means a body which is a health service body for the purposes of section 9.

193 Penalties relating to charges

(1) Regulations may provide that, where a person fails to pay—

(a) any amount recoverable from him under section 191(1) in respect of the provision of goods or services to which section 192 applies, or

(b) any amount recoverable from him under section 192,

a notice (referred to in this section as a penalty notice) may be served on the person by the responsible authority.

(2) A penalty notice is a notice requiring the person on whom it is served to pay the amount to the authority within a prescribed period, together with a charge (referred to in this section as a penalty charge) of an amount determined in accordance with the regulations.

(3) The regulations may not provide for the amount of the penalty charge to exceed whichever is the smaller of—

(a) £100,

(b) the amount referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b) multiplied by 5.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order provide for subsection (3) to have effect as if, for the sum specified in paragraph (a) or the multiplier specified in paragraph (b) (including that sum or multiplier as substituted by a previous order), there were substituted a sum or multiplier specified in the order.

(5) Regulations may provide that, if a person fails to pay the amount he is required to pay under a penalty notice within the period in question, he must also pay to the responsible authority by way of penalty a further sum determined in accordance with the regulations.

(6) The further sum must not exceed 50 per cent of the amount of the penalty charge.

(7) Any sum payable under the regulations (including the amount referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b)) may be recovered by the responsible authority summarily as a civil debt.

(8) But a person is not liable by virtue of a penalty notice—

(a) to pay at any time so much of any amount referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b) for which he is jointly and severally liable with another as at that time has been paid, or ordered by a court to be paid, by that other, or

(b) to a penalty charge, or a further sum by way of penalty, if he shows that he did not act wrongfully, or with any lack of care, in respect of the charge or payment in question.

194 Offences relating to charges

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he does any act mentioned in subsection (2) with a view to securing for himself or another—

(a) the evasion of the whole or part of any charge under this Act in respect of the provision of goods or services to which section 192 applies,

(b) the reduction, remission or repayment of any such charge, where he or the other is not entitled to the reduction, remission or repayment,

(c) a payment under this Act (whether to, or for the benefit of, himself or the other) in respect of the cost of obtaining such goods or services, where he or the other is not entitled to, or to the benefit of, the payment.

(2) The acts referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a) knowingly making, or causing or knowingly allowing another to make, a false statement or representation, or

(b) in the case of any document or information which he knows to be false in a material particular, producing or providing it or causing or knowingly allowing another to produce or provide it.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(4) A person, although he is not a barrister or solicitor, may conduct any proceedings under this section before a magistrates' court if he is authorised to do so by the Secretary of State.

(5) Proceedings for an offence under this section may be begun within—

(a) the period of three months beginning with the date on which evidence, sufficient in the opinion of the Secretary of State to justify a prosecution for the offence, comes to his knowledge, or

(b) the period of 12 months beginning with the commission of the offence.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), a certificate purporting to be signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of State as to the date on which such evidence as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection came to his knowledge, is conclusive evidence of that date.

(7) Where a person is convicted of an offence under this section in respect of any charge or payment under this Act, he is not liable in respect of the charge or payment to pay any penalty charge or further sum by way of penalty which would otherwise be recoverable from him under section 193.

(8) Where a person pays any penalty charge, or further charge by way of penalty, recoverable under section 193 in respect of any charge or payment under this Act, he must not be convicted of an offence under this section in respect of the charge or payment.

(9) Subsection (4) of section 192 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of that.

Part 10 Protection of NHS from fraud and other unlawful activities

Preliminary

195 Compulsory disclosure of documents

(1) This Part confers power to require the production of documents in connection with the exercise of the Secretary of State’s counter fraud functions or security management functions in relation to the health service.

(2) The Secretary of State’s “counter fraud functions” in relation to the health service means his power (by virtue of section 2(1)(b)) to take action for the purpose of preventing, detecting or investigating fraud, corruption or other unlawful activities carried out against or otherwise affecting—

(a) the health service, or

(b) the Secretary of State in relation to his responsibilities for the health service.

(3) The Secretary of State’s “security management functions” in relation to the health service means his power (by virtue of section 2(1)(b)) to take action for the purpose of protecting and improving the security of—

(a) persons employed by the Secretary of State or an NHS body in the provision of services for the purposes of the health service (“NHS services”),

(b) health service providers and persons employed by them so far as they or persons so employed are engaged in any activity directly related to the provision of NHS services,

(c) NHS contractors and persons employed by them so far as they or persons so employed are engaged in any activity directly related to the provision of NHS services,

(d) persons not within paragraphs (a) to (c) who work in any capacity on premises used by the Secretary of State, an NHS body, a health service provider, or an NHS contractor, in connection with the provision of NHS services,

(e) persons on such premises—

(i) who are there for the purpose of receiving, or are receiving or have received, treatment or other services as patients, or

(ii) who are accompanying persons within sub-paragraph (i),

(f) property and information used or held by the Secretary of State, an NHS body, a health service provider, or an NHS contractor, in connection with the provision of NHS services.

(4) In this Part, the Secretary of State’s counter fraud functions and security management functions in relation to the health service are collectively referred to as functions to which this Part applies.

(5) “Investigating” means investigating in relation to civil or criminal proceedings.

196 Persons and bodies about which provision is made by this Part

(1) This section applies for the purposes of this Part.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), and any provision made under subsection (7), “NHS body” has the meaning given by section 28(6).

(3) In section 195(3), and in section 197(1) so far as having effect in relation to the Secretary of State’s security management functions referred to in section 195(3), an “NHS body” means—

(a) a Strategic Health Authority,

(b) a Special Health Authority, so far as performing functions in respect of England,

(c) a Primary Care Trust,

(d) an NHS trust all or most of whose hospitals, establishments and facilities are situated in England, or

(e) an NHS foundation trust.

(4) A “health service provider” means any person (other than an NHS body) providing—

(a) primary medical services, primary dental services or pharmaceutical services under this Act or the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

(b) general ophthalmic services under that Act, or

(c) primary ophthalmic services.

(5) An “NHS contractor” means any person (other than an NHS body or a person within subsection (4)) providing services of any description under arrangements made with an NHS body.

(6) A “statutory health body” means any body (other than an NHS body, or a person within subsection (4) or (5)) established by or under an enactment and—

(a) providing services in connection with the provision of, or

(b) exercising functions in relation to,

the health service in either England or Wales or both.

(7) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) make such amendments of any of subsections (2) to (6) as he considers appropriate,

(b) make such consequential amendments of this Part as he considers appropriate.

Disclosure notices

197 Notice requiring production of documents

(1) This section applies if it appears to the Secretary of State that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting—

(a) that any documents containing information relevant to the exercise of any of his functions to which this Part applies are in the possession or under the control of any NHS body, statutory health body, health service provider or NHS contractor (“the relevant organisation”), and

(b) that a person within subsection (3) is accountable for the documents.

(2) The Secretary of State may serve on that person a notice requiring him to produce the documents to an authorised officer.

(3) The persons within this subsection are—

(a) any member, officer or director of the relevant organisation,

(b) any other person who takes part in the management of the affairs of that organisation,

(c) any person employed by that organisation, and

(d) (in the case of a health service provider or NHS contractor who is an individual) that individual.

(4) A notice under this section must specify or describe the documents to which it relates.

(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), the notice may require those documents to be produced—

(a) at or by such time as is specified in the notice, or at once, and

(b) at such place, and in such manner, as is so specified.

(6) When specifying a time at or by which the documents must be produced, the notice must not require them to be produced otherwise than at a reasonable hour.

(7) If the notice requires documents to be produced at once, it may only be served at a reasonable hour.

(8) An authorised officer may, by agreement with the person served with a notice within subsection (6) or (7), vary the notice so as to extend the time for compliance with it.

(9) Any notice under this section, and any variation of such a notice under subsection (8), must be in writing.

(10) An individual is “accountable” for any documents if he has either day-to-day, or an overall, responsibility for the custody or control of the documents.

198 Production of documents

(1) This section applies where a notice has been served under section 197.

(2) An authorised officer may—

(a) take away any documents produced in compliance with the notice,

(b) take copies of or extracts from any documents so produced,

(c) require the person producing any such documents to provide an explanation of any of them.

(3) If—

(a) the officer takes away any such document,

(b) the person producing it requests the officer to provide him with a copy of it, and

(c) the request appears to the officer to be reasonable in the circumstances,

the officer must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, provide that person with a copy of the document (in such form as the officer considers appropriate).

(4) Documents produced in compliance with a notice under section 197 may be retained for so long as the Secretary of State considers that it is necessary to retain them (rather than copies of them) in connection with the exercise of any of his functions to which this Part applies.

(5) If the Secretary of State has reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that any such documents may have to be produced for the purposes of any legal proceedings, and

(b) that they might otherwise be unavailable for those purposes,

they may be retained until the proceedings are concluded.

(6) If a person who is required by a notice under section 197 to produce any documents does not produce the documents in compliance with the notice, an authorised officer may require that person to state, to the best of his knowledge and belief, where they are.

(7) A person is not bound to comply with any requirement imposed by a notice under section 197 or any requirement under subsection (6) unless evidence of authority is given—

(a) at the time when the notice is served, or

(b) at the time when the requirement is imposed under subsection (6).

(8) In addition, a person may not be required under section 197 or subsection (6) to produce any document or disclose any information which he would be entitled to refuse to produce or disclose in proceedings in the High Court on grounds of legal professional privilege.

199 Delegation of functions

(1) This section applies if the Secretary of State gives a direction under section 7 directing a Special Health Authority to exercise so much of his functions under sections 197 and 198 as is specified in the directions (“the delegated functions”).

(2) The Secretary of State may give directions providing for senior officers of the Special Health Authority to exercise the delegated functions on behalf of the Special Health Authority.

(3) “Senior officer” means an officer of or above a level specified in the directions.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such provision as he considers appropriate in connection with the exercise of the delegated functions.

(5) The regulations may, in particular, make provision—

(a) specifying conditions as to training that must be satisfied in relation to officers of the Special Health Authority involved in the exercise of the delegated functions,

(b) for requiring officers to obtain specific authorisation before the delegated functions are exercised in relation to personal records,

(c) providing for the designation of officers for the purpose of giving such authorisations,

(d) otherwise prescribing the manner in which the delegated functions may be exercised.

200 Code of practice relating to delegated functions

(1) The Secretary of State may issue a code of practice relating to—

(a) the exercise of functions under section 197 or 198 by or on behalf of a Special Health Authority,

(b) procedures to be followed in relation to the disclosure (in accordance with sections 201 and 202) of information obtained by or on behalf of a Special Health Authority in the exercise of such functions.

(2) The Secretary of State must keep the code under review and may from time to time—

(a) revise the whole or any part of the code, and

(b) issue a revised code.

(3) Where the Secretary of State proposes to issue a code of practice under this section he must—

(a) prepare a draft of the code, and

(b) consult such persons as he considers appropriate about the draft.

(4) Where the Secretary of State proposes to issue a revised code under this section which in his opinion would result in a substantial change in the code, he must—

(a) prepare a draft of the revised code, and

(b) consult such persons as he considers appropriate about the change.

(5) Where, following consultation under subsection (3) or (4), the Secretary of State issues the code or revised code (whether in the form of the draft or with such modifications as he considers appropriate), it comes into force at the time when it is issued by the Secretary of State.

(6) A failure to observe any provision of a code or revised code issued under this section does not of itself make a person liable to any criminal or civil proceedings.

(7) A code or revised code issued under this section is admissible in evidence in any criminal or civil proceedings.

(8) Consultation undertaken by the Secretary of State before the commencement of this section is as effective for the purposes of this section as consultation undertaken after that time.

201 Disclosure of information

(1) This section applies to information which—

(a) is held by or on behalf of the Secretary of State, and

(b) was obtained by virtue of section 197 or 198.

(2) The information must not be disclosed except in accordance with subsection (3).

(3) A disclosure is made in accordance with this subsection if it is made—

(a) for the purposes of the exercise of any of the Secretary of State’s functions in relation to the health service in England,

(b) for the purposes of the exercise of any of the Welsh Ministers' functions in relation to the health service in Wales,

(c) for the purposes of any civil proceedings brought in the exercise of any of the functions mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b),

(d) for the purposes of any criminal investigation or proceedings,

(e) for the purposes of any relevant disciplinary proceedings, or

(f) in accordance with an enactment or order of a court or tribunal.

(4) In subsection (3)—

• “relevant disciplinary proceedings” means disciplinary proceedings conducted in relation to an individual by—

  (a)

  an NHS body, statutory health body or health service provider, or

  (b)

  any of the regulatory bodies mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17) (bodies within remit of Council for the Regulation of Health Care Professionals).

(5) Where information to which this section applies is disclosed to any person in accordance with subsection (3), the information must not be used or further disclosed except—

(a) for a purpose connected with the functions, investigation or proceedings for the purposes of which it was so disclosed, or

(b) in accordance with an enactment or order of a court or tribunal.

(6) Information to which this section applies may be disclosed in accordance with subsection (3) despite any obligation of confidence that would otherwise prohibit or restrict the disclosure.

(7) This section does not prohibit any disclosure or use of information relating to a particular person if it is made with the consent of that person.

202 Protection of personal information disclosed for purposes of proceedings

(1) Information obtained from personal records produced in compliance with a notice under section 197 is “protected information” for the purposes of this section if—

(a) a person (“the discloser”), in accordance with section 201(3), discloses the information for the purposes of any proceedings, and

(b) either—

(i) the identity of the individual in question can be ascertained from the information itself, or

(ii) the discloser has reasonable cause to believe that it will be possible for a person who obtains the information as a direct or indirect consequence of the disclosure to ascertain the individual’s identity from that information taken with other information obtained by virtue of section 197 or 198 and disclosed by or on behalf of the Secretary of State.

(2) The discloser must take all reasonable steps to ensure that, once disclosed by him in accordance with section 201(3), the protected information is not further disclosed to any person who is not someone to whom it is necessary to disclose the information for any purpose connected with the proceedings mentioned in subsection (1)(a).

(3) In subsection (2) the reference to further disclosure of the information does not include any such disclosure—

(a) by way of evidence in any proceedings, or

(b) in accordance with an enactment or order of a court or tribunal.

(4) The Secretary of State must make provision, whether in a code of practice issued under section 200 or otherwise, for requiring any person disclosing protected information in accordance with section 201(3) to ensure, by the use of a distinguishing mark or in some other way, that the information is clearly identified as protected information for the purposes of this section.

(5) Information that appears to be protected information must not be disclosed by way of evidence in any proceedings unless—

(a) the whole of the proceedings are held in private, or

(b) in any other case, the information is disclosed in accordance with permission given by the court or tribunal on an application under subsection (6).

(6) If, on an application by a party to—

(a) proceedings before a court, or

(b) proceedings of any description before a tribunal that sits, or may sit, in public during the whole or part of proceedings of that description,

the court or tribunal is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice for any information that appears to be protected information to be disclosed by way of evidence in the proceedings, it may give permission for the information to be so disclosed, on such terms as it thinks fit.

(7) When determining such an application, the court or tribunal must consider whether, in the interests of protecting the identity of the individual to whom the information relates, the whole or part of the proceedings should be held in private.

(8) If the court or tribunal is satisfied that the whole or part of the proceedings should be held in private, it must give such directions, or take such other steps, as appear to it to be appropriate.

(9) In this section “proceedings” means—

(a) criminal or civil proceedings, or

(b) relevant disciplinary proceedings (as defined by section 201(4)).

203 Manner in which disclosure notice may be served

(1) This section provides for the manner in which a notice may be served under section 197.

(2) The notice may be served on a person by—

(a) delivering it to him,

(b) leaving it at his proper address,

(c) sending it by post to him at that address.

(3) For the purposes of this section and section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30) (service of documents by post) in its application to this section, the proper address of a person is his usual or last-known address (whether residential or otherwise), except that—

(a) in the case of a notice to be served on the secretary, clerk or similar officer of a body corporate, it is the address of the registered office of that body or its principal office in the United Kingdom,

(b) in the case of a notice to be served on a partner or a person having the control or management of a partnership business, it is the address of the principal office of the partnership in the United Kingdom, and

(c) in the case of a notice to be served on an officer of an unincorporated association (other than a partnership), it is the address of the principal office of the association in the United Kingdom.

Offences under this Part

204 Offences in connection with production of documents

(1) A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he fails to comply with any requirement imposed on him under section 197 or 198.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction—

(a) to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks, or

(b) to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale,

or to both.

(3) If a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1) in respect of a failure to produce a document and the failure continues after the date of his conviction, the person—

(a) commits a further offence, and

(b) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding 2% of level 3 on the standard scale for each day on which the failure so continues.

(4) A person commits an offence if, in purported compliance with any requirement imposed on him under section 198—

(a) he makes a statement which is false or misleading, and

(b) he either knows that it is false or misleading or is reckless as to whether it is false or misleading.

(5) “False or misleading” means false or misleading in a material particular.

(6) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (4) is liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or to both,

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both.

205 Offences relating to disclosure or use of information

(1) A person commits an offence if he fails to comply with section 201(2) or (5) or section 202(2).

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or to both,

(b) on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both.

(3) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) in respect of a disclosure of information to prove that at the time of the alleged offence—

(a) any of the circumstances in subsection (4) applied, or

(b) he reasonably believed that they applied.

(4) The circumstances referred to in subsection (3) are—

(a) that the disclosure was lawful,

(b) that the information had already been lawfully made available to the public,

(c) that the disclosure was necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting the welfare of any individual,

(d) that the disclosure was made in a form in which no person to whom the information relates is identified.

(5) Subsection (4)(d) is not satisfied if the identity of any such person can be ascertained either—

(a) from the information itself, or

(b) from that information taken with other information obtained by virtue of section 197 or 198 and disclosed by or on behalf of the Secretary of State.

206 Offences by bodies corporate etc

(1) If an offence committed by a body corporate is proved—

(a) to have been committed with the consent or connivance of an officer, or

(b) to be attributable to any neglect on his part,

the officer as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(2) “Officer”, in relation to the body corporate, means a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity.

(3) If the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.

(4) If an offence committed by a partnership is proved—

(a) to have been committed with the consent or connivance of a partner, or

(b) to be attributable to any neglect on his part,

the partner as well as the partnership is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(5) “Partner” includes a person purporting to act as a partner.

(6) If an offence committed by an unincorporated association (other than a partnership) is proved—

(a) to have been committed with the consent or connivance of an officer of the association or a member of its governing body, or

(b) to be attributable to any neglect on the part of such an officer or member,

the officer or member as well as the association is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(7) “Offence” means an offence under this Part.

207 Offences committed by partnerships and other unincorporated associations

(1) Proceedings for an offence alleged to have been committed by a partnership must be brought in the name of the partnership (and not in that of any of the partners).

(2) Proceedings for an offence alleged to have been committed by an unincorporated association (other than a partnership) must be brought in the name of the association (and not in that of any of its members).

(3) Rules of court relating to the service of documents have effect as if the partnership or unincorporated association were a body corporate.

(4) In proceedings for an offence brought against a partnership or an unincorporated association, section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 (c. 86) and Schedule 3 to the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) apply as they apply in relation to a body corporate.

(5) A fine imposed on a partnership on its conviction for an offence must be paid out of the partnership assets.

(6) A fine imposed on an unincorporated association on its conviction for an offence must be paid out of the funds of the association.

(7) Subsections (1) and (2) do not affect any liability of a partner, officer or member under section 206(4) or (6).

(8) “Offence” means an offence under this Part.

208 Penalties for offences under this Part: transitional modification

(1) In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of section 154(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44) (general limit on magistrates' courts power to impose imprisonment), the reference in section 204(6)(b) to a period of imprisonment of 12 months is a reference to a period of imprisonment of 6 months.

(2) In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (alteration of penalties for summary offences), the references in sections 204(2)(a) and 205(2)(b) to periods of imprisonment of 51 weeks are references to periods of imprisonment of 3 months.

Supplementary

209 Orders and regulations under this Part

(1) Any power under this Part to make an order or regulations is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) Subject to subsection (3) a statutory instrument made by virtue of this Part is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3) A statutory instrument containing an order under section 196(7) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(4) Any power under this Part to make an order or regulations—

(a) may make different provision for different cases or descriptions of case or different purposes or areas, and

(b) may make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitory, transitional or saving provision.

210 Interpretation of this Part

(1) In this Part—

• “authorised officer”, in relation to any function, means (subject to subsection (5)) an officer of the Secretary of State authorised by him to act in exercise of the function,

• “document” means anything in which information of any description is recorded,

• “enactment” includes any provision of subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30)), and references to enactments include enactments passed or made after the passing of this Act,

• “employed” means employed whether under a contract of service or a contract for services or otherwise, and whether for remuneration or not,

• “functions to which this Part applies” has the meaning given by section 195(4),

• “health service provider” and “NHS contractor” have the meaning given by section 196,

• “NHS body” must be construed in accordance with section 196,

• “personal records” has the meaning given by section 12 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60),

• “statutory health body” has the meaning given by section 196.

(2) References in this Part to the provision of services—

(a) in relation to statutory health bodies, health service providers or NHS contractors, include references to the provision of goods or facilities, and

(b) include references to the provision of services (or goods or facilities) wherever that takes place.

(3) References in this Part to the health service are references to the health service in England.

(4) In relation to information recorded otherwise than in legible form, any reference in this Part to the production of documents is a reference to the production of a copy of the information in legible form.

(5) Where functions of the Secretary of State are exercisable by a Special Health Authority—

(a) references in this Part to authorised officers include officers of the Special Health Authority authorised by or on behalf of the Special Health Authority to act in exercise of the functions, and

(b) references in this Part to information held or disclosed by or on behalf of the Secretary of State include information held or disclosed by or on behalf of the Special Health Authority.

Part 11 Property and finance

Chapter 1 Land and other property

211 Acquisition, use and maintenance of property

(1) The Secretary of State may acquire—

(a) any land, either by agreement or compulsorily,

(b) any other property,

required by him for the purposes of this Act.

(2) In particular, land may be so acquired to provide residential accommodation for persons employed for any of those purposes.

(3) The Secretary of State may use for the purposes of any of the functions conferred on him by this Act any property belonging to him by virtue of this Act, and he has power to maintain all such property.

(4) A local social services authority may be authorised to purchase land compulsorily for the purposes of this Act by means of an order made by the authority and confirmed by the Secretary of State.

(5) The Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67) applies to the compulsory purchase of land under this section.

(6) Section 120(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) (which relates to the application of Part 1 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (c. 56) where a council is authorised to acquire land by agreement) applies to the acquisition of land by the Secretary of State under this section as it applies to such acquisition by a council under that section.

(7) Sections 238 and 239 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8) (use and development of consecrated land and burial grounds) apply to consecrated land or land comprised in a burial ground (within the meaning of section 240 of that Act) which—

(a) the Secretary of State holds for the purposes of the health service, and

(b) has not been the subject of a relevant acquisition (within the meaning of that section) by him,

as if that land had been the subject of such an acquisition by him for those purposes.

Chapter 2 Trusts

212 Special trustees for a university hospital or teaching hospital

(1) In this Act “special trustees” are trustees appointed by the Secretary of State in relation to England under—

(a) section 29 of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 (c. 32),

(b) section 95 of the National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49), and

(c) this section,

for any hospital falling within subsection (2).

(2) A hospital falls within this subsection if, immediately before the day appointed for the purposes of section 29 of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 (c. 32), it was controlled and managed by a University Hospital Management Committee or a Board of Governors, other than—

(a) a body on whose request an order was made under section 24(2) of that Act, or

(b) a preserved Board within the meaning of section 15(6) of that Act.

(3) Special trustees must hold and administer the property transferred under the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973.

(4) The number of special trustees appointed under this section is such as the Secretary of State may from time to time determine after consultation with such persons as he considers appropriate.

(5) Special trustees have power to accept, hold and administer any property on trust, being a trust which is wholly or mainly for hospitals for which they are appointed, for all or any purposes relating to—

(a) hospital services (including research), or

(b) any other part of the health service associated with hospitals.

(6) The term of office of any special trustee appointed under this section must be fixed by the Secretary of State, but a special trustee may be removed by the Secretary of State at any time during the special trustee’s term of office.

(7) Subsection (3) is subject to sections 213 and 214.

213 Transfers of trust property

(1) The Secretary of State may, having regard to any change or proposed change—

(a) in the arrangements for the administration of a hospital or other establishment or facility, or

(b) in the area or functions of any NHS body other than an NHS foundation trust,

by order provide for the transfer of any trust property from any relevant health service body to any other relevant health service body.

(2) In this section “relevant health service body” means—

(a) an NHS body,

(b) special trustees, or

(c) trustees for a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust.

(3) Where property is transferred by an order under this section to two or more bodies, it must be apportioned by them in such proportions as they may agree, or as may in default of agreement be determined by the Secretary of State, and the order may provide for the way in which the property must be apportioned.

(4) Where property is so apportioned, the Secretary of State may by order make any consequential amendments of the trust instrument relating to the property.

(5) In this section “special trustees” includes special trustees within the meaning of section 160 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42).

214 Transfer of functions and property to or from special trustees

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State at any time that all the functions of any special trustees should be discharged by a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust, a Special Health Authority or an NHS foundation trust, he may by order provide for the transfer of all trust property from the special trustees to the body or, in such proportions as may be specified in the order, to those bodies.

(2) Before acting under subsection (1) the Secretary of State must consult the special trustees and other bodies concerned.

(3) If it appears to the Secretary of State at any time that—

(a) the functions of any special trustees should be discharged by the trustees for a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust (“the trustees of the body”), or

(b) the functions of the trustees of the body should be discharged by special trustees,

he may, after consulting the special trustees and the trustees of the body, by order provide for the transfer of all trust property from the special trustees to the trustees of the body, or from the trustees of the body to the special trustees.

(4) Where property is transferred by an order under this section to two or more bodies, it must be apportioned by them in such proportions as they may agree, or as may in default of agreement be determined by the Secretary of State, and the order may provide for the way in which the property must be apportioned.

(5) Where property is so apportioned, the Secretary of State may by order make any consequential amendments of the trust instrument relating to the property.

(6) “Special trustees” includes special trustees within the meaning of section 160 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006.

215 Trustees and property under section 222

(1) Where property is given in pursuance of section 222 (power of NHS bodies to raise money) to or on trust for any purposes of a hospital for which special trustees have been appointed, the property may be held, administered and applied by the special trustees instead of by the body responsible for the hospital if that body and the special trustees agree.

(2) The body responsible for a hospital is—

(a) in the case of a hospital vested in an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust, that trust, and

(b) in any other case, the Strategic Health Authority or Primary Care Trust exercising functions of the Secretary of State in respect of the hospital.

(3) Subsection (4) applies where property is given in pursuance of section 222—

(a) on trust for any purposes of a Primary Care Trust for which trustees have been appointed under paragraph 12 of Schedule 3,

(b) on trust for any purposes of an NHS trust for which trustees have been appointed under paragraph 10 of Schedule 4, or paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), or

(c) on trust for any purposes of an NHS foundation trust for which trustees have been appointed under section 51.

(4) Where this subsection applies and the trustees and the Primary Care Trust, NHS trust or NHS foundation trust agree, the property may be held, administered and applied by the trustees instead of by the Primary Care Trust, NHS trust or NHS foundation trust.

(5) Property given in pursuance of section 222 on trust may be transferred by order of the Secretary of State under section 213 or 214 in the same circumstances as other trust property may be transferred under either of those sections.

216 Application of trust property: further provisions

(1) Any discretion given by a trust instrument to the trustees of property transferred under—

(a) section 24 of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 (c. 32) (transfer of trust property from abolished authorities),

(b) section 25 of that Act (transfer of trust property held for health services by local health authorities),

(c) section 92 of the National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49) (further transfers of trust property), or

(d) section 213 or 214 of this Act,

is exercisable by the person to whom the property is so transferred and, subject to this section, the transfer does not affect the trusts on which the property is held.

(2) Where—

(a) property has been transferred under section 24 of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973, or section 92 of the National Health Service Act 1977, and

(b) any discretion is given by a trust instrument to the trustees to apply the property, or income arising from the property, to such hospital services (including research) as the trustees consider appropriate without any restriction on the kinds of hospital services and without any restriction to one or more specified hospitals,

the discretion is enlarged so as to allow the application of the property or of the income arising from the property, to such extent as the trustees consider appropriate, for any other part of the health service associated with any hospital.

(3) Subsection (2) applies on any subsequent transfer of the property under section 213 or 214.

217 Trusts: supplementary provisions

(1) This section applies in relation to—

(a) section 51(1) to (3),

(b) sections 212 to 214,

(c) section 216,

(d) section 218,

(e) section 220,

(f) paragraphs 12 and 13 of Schedule 2,

(g) paragraph 12 of Schedule 3,

(h) paragraph 10 of Schedule 4, and

(i) paragraphs 8 and 9 of Schedule 6.

(2) A provision—

(a) contained in a provision to which this section applies,

(b) for the transfer of any property,

includes provision for the transfer of any rights and liabilities arising from that property.

(3) Where a transfer of property by virtue of a provision to which this section applies is of, or includes—

(a) land held on lease from a third party, or

(b) any other asset leased or hired from a third party or in which a third party has an interest,

the transfer is binding on the third party notwithstanding that, apart from this subsection, it would have required his consent or concurrence.

(4) “Third party” means a person other than the Secretary of State or an NHS body.

(5) Nothing in a provision to which this section applies affects any power of Her Majesty, the court (as defined in the Charities Act 1993 (c. 10)) or any other person, to alter the trusts of any charity.

(6) Nothing in section 12 of the Finance Act 1895 (c. 16) (which requires certain Acts and certain instruments relating to the vesting of property by virtue of an Act to be stamped as conveyances on sale) applies to—

(a) a provision to which this section applies, or

(b) an order made in pursuance of any such provision.

(7) Stamp duty is not payable on an order falling within subsection (6)(b).

218 Private trusts for hospitals

(1) Subsection (2) applies where the terms of a trust instrument authorise or require the trustees, whether immediately or in the future, to apply any part of the capital or income of the trust property for the purposes of any health service hospital.

(2) The trust instrument must be construed as authorising or requiring the trustees to apply the trust property to the like extent, and at the like times, for the purpose of making payments, whether of capital or income, to the appropriate hospital authority.

(3) Any sum paid to the appropriate hospital authority must, so far as practicable, be applied by it for the purpose specified in the trust instrument.

(4) “The appropriate hospital authority” means—

(a) where special trustees are appointed for the hospital, those trustees,

(b) where the hospital is managed by, and trustees have been appointed for, an NHS trust, an NHS foundation trust or Primary Care Trust, the trustees,

(c) where the hospital is managed by an NHS trust, an NHS foundation trust or Primary Care Trust and neither paragraph (a) nor paragraph (b) applies, the NHS trust, NHS foundation trust or Primary Care Trust, and

(d) in any other case, the Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority exercising functions of the Secretary of State in respect of the hospital, or the Special Health Authority or Local Health Board exercising functions of the Welsh Ministers in respect of the hospital.

(5) Nothing in this section applies to property transferred under section 24 of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973.

(6) In this section—

• “health service hospital” includes such a hospital within the meaning of section 206 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), and

• “special trustees” includes special trustees within the meaning of section 160 of that Act.

Chapter 3 Property transferred under the National Health Service Act 1946

219 Transferred property free of trusts

(1) All property vested in the Secretary of State in consequence of the transfer of that property under section 6 of the National Health Service Act 1946 (c. 81) (transfer of hospitals) is vested free of any trust existing immediately before that transfer.

(2) The Secretary of State may use any such property for the purpose of any of his functions under this Act, but he must so far as practicable secure that the objects for which any such property was used immediately before that transfer are not prejudiced by the exercise of the power conferred by this subsection.

220 Trust property previously held for general hospital purposes

(1) This section applies to property—

(a) transferred under section 23 of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 (c. 32) (winding-up of hospital endowment funds), or

(b) transferred under section 24 of that Act (transfer of trust property from abolished authorities) and which immediately before the day appointed for the purposes of that section was, in accordance with any provision contained in or made under section 7 of the National Health Service Act 1946, applicable for purposes relating to hospital services or relating to some form of research,

including any such property which has been further transferred under section 92 of the National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49).

(2) This section continues to apply to any such property after any further transfer under section 213 or 214.

(3) The person holding the property after the transfer or last transfer must secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the objects of any original endowment, and the observance of any conditions attached to that endowment, including in particular conditions intended to preserve the memory of any person or class of persons, are not prejudiced by this Part of this Act.

(4) “Original endowment” means a hospital endowment which was transferred under section 7 of the National Health Service Act 1946 (c. 81) and from which the property in question is derived.

(5) Subject to subsection (3), the property must be held on trust for such purposes relating to hospital services (including research), or to any other part of the health service associated with any hospital, as the person holding the property considers appropriate.

(6) Where the person holding the property is a body of special trustees, the power conferred by subsection (5) must be exercised as respects the hospitals for which they are appointed.

221 Voluntary hospitals

(1) Subsection (2) applies where—

(a) any hospital provided by the Secretary of State in accordance with this Act was a voluntary hospital transferred by virtue of the National Health Service Act 1946, and

(b) the character and associations of that hospital before its transfer were such as to link it with a particular religious denomination.

(2) Regard must be had in the general administration of the hospital to the preservation of that character and those associations.

Chapter 4 Raising money

222 Power to raise money

(1) This section applies to any NHS body other than a Local Health Board.

(2) A body to which this section applies has power to engage in activities intended to stimulate the giving (whether on trust or otherwise) of money or other property to—

(a) assist the body in providing or improving any services or any facilities or accommodation which is or are, or will be, provided as part of the health service, or

(b) assist it in connection with its functions with respect to research.

(3) Subject to any directions of the Secretary of State excluding specified descriptions of activity, the activities authorised by this section include—

(a) public appeals or collections,

(b) competitions,

(c) entertainments,

(d) bazaars,

(e) sales of produce or other goods, and

(f) other similar activities.

(4) The activities may involve the use of land, premises or other property held by or for the benefit of the body exercising the power.

(5) Subsection (4) is subject to any restrictions on the purposes for which trust property may be used.

(6) Subject to this section and section 215, the body at whose instance property is given in pursuance of this section must, after defraying out of it any expenses incurred in obtaining it, hold, administer and apply the property on trust for or for the purpose for which it was given.

(7) Where property held by a body under this section is more than sufficient to enable the purpose for which it was given to be fulfilled, the excess is applicable, in default of any provision for its application made by the trust or other instrument under or in accordance with which the property comprising the excess was given, for such purposes connected with any of the functions of the body as it considers appropriate.

(8) Where property held by a body under this section is insufficient to enable the purpose for which it was given to be fulfilled the body may apply so much of the capital or income at its disposal as is needed to enable the purpose to be fulfilled.

(9) Subsection (8) is subject in the case of trust property to any restrictions on the purpose for which the trust property may be applied and, in the case of money paid or payable by the Secretary of State under section 224 or 226, to any directions he may give.

(10) Where the capital or income applicable under subsection (8) is insufficient or is not applied to enable the purpose to be fulfilled, the property held by the body is applicable, in default of any provision for its application made by the trust or other instrument under or in accordance with which the property was given, for such purposes connected with any of the functions of the body as it considers appropriate.

(11) Where under subsection (7) or (10) property becomes applicable for purposes other than that for which it was given the body applying the property must have regard to the desirability of applying it for a purpose similar to that for which it was given.

(12) References in this section to the purposes for which trust property may be used or applied include, in the case of trust property which has been transferred under section 213 or 214, references to those purposes as enlarged by section 216.

Chapter 5 Formation of companies

223 Public-private partnerships

(1) The Secretary of State may form, or participate in forming, companies to provide facilities or services to persons or bodies exercising functions, or otherwise providing services, under this Act.

(2) The Secretary of State may, with a view to securing or facilitating the provision by companies of facilities or services to persons or bodies falling within subsection (1)—

(a) invest in the companies (whether by acquiring assets, securities or rights or otherwise), or

(b) provide loans and guarantees and make other kinds of financial provision to or in respect of them,

or both.

(3) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2) it is immaterial that the facilities or services provided or to be provided by the companies in question are not provided or to be provided—

(a) only to persons or bodies falling within subsection (1), or

(b) to persons or bodies falling within subsection (1) only in their capacities as persons or bodies such as are mentioned in that provision.

(4) “Companies” means companies within the meaning of the Companies Act 1985 (c. 6).

(5) This section does not affect any powers of the Secretary of State exercisable otherwise than by virtue of this section.

Chapter 6 Finance

Strategic Health Authorities and Special Health Authorities

224 Means of meeting expenditure of Strategic Health Authorities out of public funds

(1) The Secretary of State must pay in respect of each financial year to each Strategic Health Authority sums not exceeding the amount allotted for that year by the Secretary of State to the Strategic Health Authority towards meeting the expenditure of the Strategic Health Authority which is attributable to the performance by it of its functions in that year.

(2) Where the Secretary of State has made an initial determination of the amount (“the initial amount”) to be allotted for any year to a Strategic Health Authority under subsection (1), he may increase the initial amount by a further sum if it appears to him that over a period notified to the Strategic Health Authority—

(a) it satisfied any objectives notified to it as objectives to be met in performing its functions, or

(b) it performed well against any criteria notified to it as criteria relevant to the satisfactory performance of its functions (whether or not the method of measuring its performance against those criteria was also notified to it).

(3) “Notified” means specified or referred to in a notice given to the Strategic Health Authority by the Secretary of State.

(4) In making any increase under subsection (2), the Secretary of State may (whether by directions under subsection (9) or otherwise) impose any conditions he considers appropriate on the application or retention by the Strategic Health Authority of the sum in question.

(5) Subsection (6) applies where—

(a) the Secretary of State has, under subsection (2), increased by any sum the amount to be allotted for any year to a Strategic Health Authority,

(b) the Secretary of State has notified the Strategic Health Authority of the allotment, and

(c) it subsequently appears to the Secretary of State that the Strategic Health Authority has failed (wholly or in part) to satisfy any conditions imposed in making that increase.

(6) Where this subsection applies, the Secretary of State may reduce—

(a) the allotment made to that Strategic Health Authority for that year, or

(b) when he has made an initial determination of the amount (“the initial amount”) to be allotted for any subsequent year to the Strategic Health Authority under subsection (1), the initial amount,

by an amount not exceeding the sum mentioned in subsection (5)(a).

(7) An amount is allotted to a Strategic Health Authority for a year under this section when it is notified by the Secretary of State that the amount is allotted to it for that year.

(8) The Secretary of State may, subject to subsection (6), make an allotment under this section increasing or reducing an allotment previously so made; and the reference to a determination in subsection (2) includes a determination made with a view to increasing or reducing an allotment previously so made.

(9) The Secretary of State may give directions to a Strategic Health Authority with respect to—

(a) the application of sums paid to it under this section, or

(b) the payment of sums by it to the Secretary of State in respect of charges or other sums referable to the valuation or disposal of assets.

(10) Sums falling to be paid to Strategic Health Authorities under this section are payable subject to such conditions as to records, certificates or otherwise as the Secretary of State may determine.

225 Means of meeting expenditure of Special Health Authorities out of public funds

(1) The Secretary of State must pay in respect of each financial year to each Special Health Authority sums not exceeding the amount allotted for that year by the Secretary of State to the Special Health Authority towards meeting the expenditure of the Special Health Authority which is attributable to the performance by it of its functions in that year.

(2) An amount is allotted to a Special Health Authority for a year under this section when it is notified by the Secretary of State that the amount is allotted to it for that year.

(3) The Secretary of State may make an allotment under this section increasing or reducing an allotment previously so made.

(4) The Secretary of State may give directions to a Special Health Authority with respect to—

(a) the application of sums paid to it under this section, or

(b) the payment of sums by it to the Secretary of State in respect of charges or other sums referable to the valuation or disposal of assets.

(5) Sums falling to be paid to Special Health Authorities under this section are payable subject to such conditions as to records, certificates or otherwise as the Secretary of State may determine.

226 Financial duties of Strategic Health Authorities and Special Health Authorities

(1) Each Strategic Health Authority must, in respect of each financial year, perform its functions so as to secure that its expenditure which is attributable to the performance by it of its functions in that year does not exceed the aggregate of—

(a) the amount allotted to it for that year under section 224(1),

(b) any sums received by it in that year under any provision of this Act (other than sums received by it under that subsection), and

(c) any sums received by it in that year otherwise than under this Act for the purpose of enabling it to defray any such expenditure.

(2) Each Special Health Authority must, in respect of each financial year, perform its functions so as to secure that its expenditure which is attributable to the performance by it of its functions in that year does not exceed the aggregate of—

(a) the amount allotted to it for that year under section 225(1),

(b) any sums received by it in that year under any provision of this Act (other than sums received by it under that subsection), and

(c) any sums received by it in that year otherwise than under this Act for the purpose of enabling it to defray any such expenditure.

(3) The Secretary of State may give such directions to a Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority as appear to be requisite to secure that the Authority complies with the duty under subsection (1) or (2).

(4) To the extent to which—

(a) any expenditure is defrayed by a Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority as trustee or on behalf of a Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority by special trustees, or

(b) any sums are received by a Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority as trustee or under section 222,

that expenditure and, subject to subsection (6), those sums, must be disregarded for the purposes of this section.

(5) For the purposes of this section sums which, in the hands of a Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority, cease to be trust funds and become applicable by the Authority otherwise than as trustee must be treated, on their becoming so applicable, as having been received by the Authority otherwise than as trustee.

(6) Of the sums received by a Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority under section 222, so much only as accrues to the Authority after defraying any expenses incurred in obtaining them must be disregarded under subsection (4).

(7) Subject to subsection (4), the Secretary of State may by directions determine—

(a) whether specified sums must, or must not, be treated for the purposes of this section as received under this Act by a specified Strategic Health Authority or specified Special Health Authority,

(b) whether specified expenditure must, or must not, be treated for those purposes as—

(i) expenditure within subsection (1) of a specified Strategic Health Authority, or

(ii) expenditure within subsection (2) of a specified Special Health Authority, or

(c) the extent to which, and the circumstances in which, sums received—

(i) by a Strategic Health Authority under section 224, or

(ii) by a Special Health Authority under section 225,

but not yet spent must be treated for the purposes of this section as part of the expenditure of the Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority and to which financial year’s expenditure they must be attributed.

(8) “Specified” means of a description specified in the directions.

227 Resource limits for Strategic Health Authorities and Special Health Authorities

(1) Each Strategic Health Authority and each Special Health Authority must ensure that the use of its resources in a financial year does not exceed the amount specified for it in relation to that year by the Secretary of State.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1) the Secretary of State may give directions—

(a) specifying uses of resources which must, or must not, be taken into account,

(b) making provision for determining to which Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority certain uses of resources must be attributed,

(c) specifying descriptions of resources which must, or must not, be taken into account.

(3) The Secretary of State may give such directions to a Strategic Health Authority or Special Health Authority as appear to be requisite to secure that the Authority complies with the duty under subsection (1).

(4) Subsections (4) to (6) of section 226 apply in relation to the duty under subsection (1) of this section as they apply in relation to the duties under subsections (1) and (2) of that section; and for that purpose references to the defraying of expenditure and the receipt of sums are references to the incurring of liabilities and the acquisition of assets.

(5) Where the Secretary of State has specified an amount under this section in respect of a financial year, he may vary the amount by a later specification.

(6) In this section a reference to the use of resources is a reference to their expenditure, consumption or reduction in value.

Primary Care Trusts

228 Public funding of Primary Care Trusts

(1) The Secretary of State must, in respect of each financial year, pay to each Primary Care Trust—

(a) sums equal to its pharmaceutical services expenditure, and

(b) sums not exceeding the amount allotted by the Secretary of State to the Primary Care Trust for that year towards meeting the Primary Care Trust’s main expenditure in that year.

(2) In determining the amount to be allotted for any year to a Primary Care Trust under subsection (1)(b) (or in varying the amount under subsection (9)), the Secretary of State may take into account, in whatever way he considers appropriate—

(a) the Primary Care Trust’s pharmaceutical services expenditure, and

(b) expenditure which would have been the Primary Care Trust’s pharmaceutical services expenditure but for an order under section 234(2) (special arrangements as to payment of remuneration),

during any period he considers appropriate (or such elements of that expenditure as he considers appropriate).

(3) Where the Secretary of State has made an initial determination of the amount (“the initial amount”) to be allotted for any year to a Primary Care Trust under subsection (1)(b), he may increase the initial amount by a further sum if it appears to him that over a period notified to the Primary Care Trust—

(a) it satisfied any objectives notified to it as objectives to be met in performing its functions, or

(b) it performed well against any criteria notified to it as criteria relevant to the satisfactory performance of its functions (whether or not the method of measuring its performance against those criteria was also notified to it).

(4) “Notified” means specified or referred to in a notice given to the Primary Care Trust by the Secretary of State.

(5) In making any increase under subsection (3), the Secretary of State may (whether by directions under subsection (10) or otherwise) impose any conditions he considers appropriate on the application or retention by the Primary Care Trust of the sum in question.

(6) Subsection (7) applies where—

(a) the Secretary of State has, under subsection (3), increased by any sum the amount to be allotted for any year to a Primary Care Trust,

(b) the Secretary of State has notified the Primary Care Trust of the allotment, and

(c) it subsequently appears to the Secretary of State that the Primary Care Trust has failed (wholly or in part) to satisfy any conditions imposed in making that increase.

(7) Where this subsection applies, the Secretary of State may reduce—

(a) the allotment made to the Primary Care Trust for that year, or

(b) when he has made an initial determination of the amount (“the initial amount”) to be allotted for any subsequent year to the Primary Care Trust under subsection (1)(b), the initial amount,

by an amount not exceeding the sum mentioned in subsection (6)(a).

(8) An amount is allotted to a Primary Care Trust for a year under this section when the Primary Care Trust is notified by the Secretary of State that the amount is allotted to it for that year.

(9) The Secretary of State may make an allotment under this section increasing or reducing (subject to subsection (7)) an allotment previously so made; and the reference to a determination in subsection (3) includes a determination made with a view to increasing or reducing an allotment previously so made.

(10) The Secretary of State may give directions to a Primary Care Trust with respect to—

(a) the application of sums paid to it under this section, or

(b) the payment of sums by it to the Secretary of State in respect of charges or other sums referable to the valuation or disposal of assets.

(11) Sums falling to be paid to Primary Care Trusts under this section are payable subject to such conditions as to records, certificates or otherwise as the Secretary of State may determine.

(12) “Pharmaceutical services expenditure” and “main expenditure” are defined in Schedule 14.

229 Financial duties of Primary Care Trusts

(1) Each Primary Care Trust must, in respect of each financial year, perform its functions so as to secure that its expenditure which is attributable to the performance by it of its functions in that year (not including its pharmaceutical services expenditure) does not exceed the aggregate of—

(a) the amount allotted to it for that year under section 228(1)(b),

(b) any sums received by it in that year under any provision of this Act (other than sums received by it under that section), and

(c) any sums received by it in that year otherwise than under this Act for the purpose of enabling it to defray any such expenditure.

(2) The Secretary of State may give such directions to a Primary Care Trust as appear to be requisite to secure that it complies with the duty under subsection (1).

(3) To the extent to which—

(a) any expenditure is defrayed by a Primary Care Trust as trustee or on behalf of a Primary Care Trust by special trustees, or

(b) any sums are received by a Primary Care Trust as trustee or under section 222,

that expenditure and, subject to subsection (5) those sums, must be disregarded for the purposes of this section.

(4) For the purposes of this section sums which, in the hands of a Primary Care Trust, cease to be trust funds and become applicable by the Primary Care Trust otherwise than as trustee must be treated, on their becoming so applicable, as having been received by the Primary Care Trust otherwise than as trustee.

(5) Of the sums received by a Primary Care Trust under section 222 so much only as accrues to the Primary Care Trust after defraying any expenses incurred in obtaining them must be disregarded under subsection (3).

(6) Subject to subsection (3), the Secretary of State may by directions determine—

(a) whether specified sums must, or must not, be treated for the purposes of this section as received under this Act by a specified Primary Care Trust,

(b) whether specified expenditure must, or must not, be treated for those purposes as expenditure within subsection (1) of a specified Primary Care Trust, or

(c) the extent to which, and the circumstances in which, sums received by a Primary Care Trust under section 228 but not yet spent must be treated for the purposes of this section as part of the expenditure of the Primary Care Trust and to which financial year’s expenditure they must be attributed.

(7) “Specified” means of a description specified in the directions.

230 Resource limits for Primary Care Trusts

(1) Each Primary Care Trust must ensure that the use of its resources in a financial year does not exceed the amount specified for it in relation to that year by the Secretary of State.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1) no account may be taken of any use of resources for the purpose of a Primary Care Trust’s pharmaceutical services expenditure.

(3) But in specifying an amount for a Primary Care Trust under subsection (1) (or in varying the amount under subsection (5)), the Secretary of State may take into account (in whatever way he considers appropriate)—

(a) any such use of resources, and

(b) the use of any resources which would have been for the purpose of the Primary Care Trust’s pharmaceutical services expenditure but for an order under section 234(2) (special arrangements as to payment of remuneration),

during any period he considers appropriate (or such elements of such uses of resources as he considers appropriate).

(4) For the purpose of subsection (1) the Secretary of State may give directions—

(a) specifying uses of resources which must, or must not, be taken into account,

(b) making provision for determining to which Primary Care Trust certain uses of resources must be attributed,

(c) specifying descriptions of resources which must, or must not, be taken into account.

(5) Where the Secretary of State has specified an amount under this section in respect of a financial year, he may vary the amount by a later specification.

(6) Subsections (3) to (5) of section 229 apply in relation to the duty under subsection (1) of this section as they apply in relation to the duty under subsection (1) of that section; and for that purpose references to the defraying of expenditure and the receipt of sums are references to the incurring of liabilities and the acquisition of assets.

(7) The Secretary of State may give such directions to a Primary Care Trust as appear to be requisite to secure that it complies with the duty under subsection (1).

(8) In this section a reference to the use of resources is a reference to their expenditure, consumption or reduction in value.

231 Further provision about the expenditure of Primary Care Trusts

Schedule 14 makes further provision about the expenditure of Primary Care Trusts.

Accounts and audit

232 Accounts and audit

Schedule 15 makes provision about the accounts of certain health service bodies and the auditing of such accounts.

Allowances and remuneration

233 Allowances for members of certain bodies

(1) The Secretary of State may pay to members of any body specified by him in an order as a body formed for the purpose of performing a function connected with the provision of services under this Act, such travelling and other allowances, including compensation for loss of remunerative time, as he may determine.

(2) Payments under this section are subject to such conditions as to records, certificates, or otherwise as the Secretary of State may determine.

234 Special arrangement as to payment of remuneration

(1) Subsection (2) applies where the Secretary of State considers it appropriate for remuneration in respect of—

(a) primary medical services, primary dental services, primary ophthalmic services or pharmaceutical services, or

(b) services provided under a pilot scheme or an LPS scheme,

to be paid by a particular body.

(2) Where this subsection applies, and the functions of the body do not include the function of paying the remuneration, the Secretary of State may by order confer that function on that body.

(3) Any sums required to enable a body to pay the remuneration must, if apart from this section there is no provision authorising the payment of the sums by the Secretary of State or out of money provided by Parliament, be paid by him.

(4) If the Secretary of State by order so provides with respect to remuneration in respect of such pharmaceutical services or such local pharmaceutical services as may be specified in the order—

(a) an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust determined in accordance with the order has the function of paying sums so determined to a Primary Care Trust so determined in respect of the whole or any part of that remuneration, and

(b) subsection (3) does not apply with respect to the whole or that part of the remuneration.

235 Superannuation of officers of certain hospitals

(1) The Secretary of State may enter into an agreement with the governing body of any hospital to which this section applies—

(a) for admitting officers of the hospital of such classes as may be provided in the agreement to participate, on such terms and conditions as may be so provided, in the superannuation benefits provided under regulations made under section 10 of the Superannuation Act 1972 (c. 11) in like manner as officers of NHS trusts, and

(b) those regulations apply accordingly in relation to the officers so admitted subject to such modifications as may be provided in the agreement.

(2) The governing body of any hospital to which this section applies has such powers as may be necessary for the purpose of giving effect to any terms and conditions on which their officers are admitted to participate in those superannuation benefits.

(3) This section applies to any hospital (not vested in the Secretary of State) which is used, in pursuance of arrangements made by the governing body of the hospital with the Secretary of State, for the provision of services under this Act or the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42).

(4) “Superannuation benefits” means annual superannuation allowances, gratuities and periodical payments payable on retirement, death or incapacity, and similar benefits.

236 Payments for certain medical examinations

(1) Where a medical practitioner carries out a medical examination of any person with a view to an application for his admission to hospital for assessment or treatment being made under Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) the Secretary of State must pay to that medical practitioner—

(a) reasonable remuneration in respect of that examination and in respect of any recommendation or report made by him with regard to the person examined, and

(b) the amount of any expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with the examination or the making of any such recommendation or report.

(2) No payment may be made under this section to a medical practitioner—

(a) in respect of an examination carried out in the provision of primary medical services for that person, or

(b) in respect of an examination carried out or any recommendation or report made as part of his duty as an officer of a Primary Care Trust, NHS trust, Special Health Authority, NHS foundation trust or Local Health Board.

(3) This section applies only in a case where it is intended, when the medical examination of the person in question is carried out, that if he is admitted to hospital in pursuance of an application mentioned in subsection (1), the whole cost of his maintenance and treatment will be defrayed out of moneys provided by Parliament.

Part 12 Public involvement and scrutiny

Chapter 1 Patients' Forums

237 Establishment of Patients' Forums

(1) The Patients' Forums established by the Secretary of State continue in existence, and he must establish a Patients' Forum—

(a) for each NHS trust all or most of whose hospitals, establishments and facilities are situated in England,

(b) for each Primary Care Trust, and

(c) for each NHS foundation trust.

(2) The members of each Patients' Forum must be appointed by the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health.

(3) A Patients' Forum must—

(a) monitor and review the range and operation of services provided by, or under arrangements made by, the trust for which it is established,

(b) obtain the views of patients and their carers about those matters and report on those views to the trust,

(c) provide advice, and make reports and recommendations, about matters relating to the range and operation of those services to the trust,

(d) make available to patients and their carers advice and information about those services,

(e) in prescribed circumstances, perform any prescribed function of the trust with respect to the provision of a service affording assistance to patients and their families and carers,

(f) carry out such other functions as may be prescribed.

(4) In providing advice or making recommendations under subsection (3)(c), a Patients' Forum must have regard to the views of patients and their carers.

(5) If, in the course of exercising its functions, a Patients' Forum becomes aware of any matter which in its view—

(a) should be considered by a relevant overview and scrutiny committee, or

(b) should be brought to the attention of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health,

the Forum may refer that matter to the committee, or to the Commission.

(6) Subsection (5) does not affect the power of a Patients' Forum to make such other representations or referrals as it considers appropriate, to such persons or bodies as it considers appropriate, about matters arising in the course of it exercising its functions.

(7) Patients' Forums must in prescribed circumstances—

(a) co-operate with each other in the exercise of their functions,

(b) exercise functions jointly with one or more other Forums.

(8) References in subsection (3) to services are references to—

(a) services provided as part of the health service in England,

(b) services provided in England in pursuance of section 75 arrangements in relation to the exercise of health-related functions of a local authority, and

(c) services provided elsewhere (and not as part of the health service in England) in pursuance of section 75 arrangements with a local authority in England.

(9) In this section—

• “carer”, in relation to a patient, means a person who provides care for the patient, but who is not employed to do so by any body in the exercise of its functions under any enactment,

• “patient” includes a person who receives services provided in pursuance of section 75 arrangements in relation to the exercise of health-related functions of a local authority,

• “relevant overview and scrutiny committee”, in relation to a Patients' Forum, means any overview and scrutiny committee in relation to which the Primary Care Trust, NHS trust or NHS foundation trust for which the Forum is established is a local NHS body by virtue of regulations made under section 244(3) (including that provision as read with section 245(5) and as applied by section 247(2)),

• “section 75 arrangements” means arrangements under regulations under section 75.

238 Additional functions of PCT Patients' Forums

(1) A Patients' Forum established for a Primary Care Trust (a “PCT Patients' Forum”) has the following additional functions—

(a) providing independent advocacy services to persons in the Primary Care Trust’s area or persons to whom services have been provided by, or under arrangements with, the Primary Care Trust,

(b) making available to patients and their carers advice and information about the making of complaints in relation to services provided by or under arrangements with the Primary Care Trust, and

(c) representing to persons and bodies which exercise functions in relation to the area of the Primary Care Trust (including, in particular, any relevant overview and scrutiny committee) the views of members of the public in the Primary Care Trust’s area about matters affecting their health.

(2) In subsection (1), references to services have the meaning given by section 237(8).

(3) It is also the function of a PCT Patients' Forum—

(a) to promote the involvement of members of the public in the area of the Primary Care Trust in consultations or processes leading (or potentially leading) to decisions by those mentioned in subsection (4), or the formulation of policies by them, which would or might affect (whether directly or not) the health of those members of the public,

(b) to make available advice and information to such members of the public about such involvement,

(c) to advise those mentioned in subsection (4) about how to encourage such involvement (including, in the case of bodies mentioned in subsection (4) to which section 242 applies, advising them how to comply with the requirements of that section in relation to the area of the Primary Care Trust), and

(d) to monitor how successful those mentioned in subsection (4) are at achieving such involvement.

(4) Those referred to in subsection (3) are—

(a) Strategic Health Authorities whose areas include any part of the area of the Primary Care Trust,

(b) the Primary Care Trust itself,

(c) NHS trusts which provide services to patients in the area of the Primary Care Trust,

(d) other public bodies, and

(e) others providing services to the public or a section of the public.

(5) In this section—

• “carer” and “patient” have the meaning given by section 237,

• “independent advocacy services” means services provided under section 248,

• “relevant overview and scrutiny committee” has the meaning given by section 237.

239 Entry and inspection of premises

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations requiring—

(a) Strategic Health Authorities,

(b) Primary Care Trusts,

(c) NHS trusts,

(d) NHS foundation trusts,

(e) Local Health Boards,

(f) local authorities,

(g) persons providing primary medical services, primary dental services, or pharmaceutical services under this Act or the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

(h) persons providing primary ophthalmic services under this Act,

(i) persons providing general ophthalmic services under the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006, or

(j) persons providing piloted services (within the meaning of section 134(7) of this Act or section 92(7) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006) or LP services (within the meaning of paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 12 to this Act or paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 7 to that Act),

to allow members of a Patients' Forum authorised by or under the regulations to enter and inspect, for the purposes of any of the Forum’s functions, premises owned or controlled by those referred to in paragraphs (a) to (j).

(2) The Secretary of State may also make regulations requiring any other person who owns or controls premises where services are provided as mentioned in subsection (1)(g) to (j) to allow members of a Patients' Forum authorised by or under the regulations to enter and inspect the premises for the purposes of any of the Forum’s functions.

(3) The regulations may in particular make provision as to—

(a) cases and circumstances in which access must be permitted,

(b) limitations or conditions to which access must be subject.

240 Annual reports

(1) Each Patients' Forum must—

(a) prepare a report in relation to its activities in each financial year, and

(b) as soon as possible after the end of each financial year, send a copy of its report for that year to the trust for which it is established, and to the persons mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) Those persons are—

(a) the Secretary of State,

(b) the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health,

(c) each Strategic Health Authority whose area includes—

(i) any part of the area of the Primary Care Trust for which the Forum is established, or

(ii) all or most of the hospitals, establishments and facilities of the NHS trust or NHS foundation trust for which the Forum is established,

(d) any relevant overview and scrutiny committee within the meaning given by section 237,

(e) where the report includes provision which relates to any NHS foundation trust, the regulator.

(3) A report under this section relating to any year must include details of the arrangements maintained by the Forum in that year for obtaining the views of patients.

(4) In this section, “financial year”, in relation to a Patients' Forum, means—

(a) the period beginning with the date on which the Forum is established and ending with the next 31st March, and

(b) each successive period of 12 months ending with 31st March.

241 Further provision about Patients' Forums

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision in relation to Patients' Forums.

(2) The regulations may in particular make provision as to—

(a) the appointment of members,

(b) any qualification or disqualification for membership,

(c) terms of appointment,

(d) circumstances in which a person ceases to be a member or may be suspended,

(e) the proceedings of Patients' Forums,

(f) the discharge of any function of a Patients' Forum by a committee of the Forum or by a joint committee appointed with another Forum,

(g) the appointment, as members of a committee or joint committee, of persons who are not members of the Forum or Forums concerned,

(h) the funding of Patients' Forums and the provision of premises, other facilities and staff,

(i) the payment of travelling and other allowances to members of a Patients' Forum or of a committee of a Forum or a joint committee of two or more Forums (including attendance allowances or compensation for loss of remunerative time),

(j) the preparation by a Patients' Forum of annual accounts, and their inclusion in accounts of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health,

(k) the provision of information (including descriptions of information which must or must not be provided) to a Patients' Forum by a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust, an NHS foundation trust, the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health or a person providing independent advocacy services (within the meaning given by section 248),

(l) the provision of information by a Patients' Forum to another person (including another Forum),

(m) the referral of matters by a Patients' Forum to a relevant overview and scrutiny committee (within the meaning given by section 237),

(n) the preparation and publication of reports by Patients' Forums including the publication of reports under section 240,

(o) matters to be included in any such report,

(p) the furnishing and publication by Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts of comments on reports or recommendations of Patients' Forums.

(3) The regulations must secure that the members of a Patients' Forum include—

(a) at least one person who is a member or representative of a voluntary organisation whose purpose, or one of whose purposes, is to represent the interests of—

(i) persons for whom services are being provided under this Act, or

(ii) persons who provide care for such persons, but who are not employed to do so by any body in the exercise of its functions under any enactment, and

(b) at least one person for whom services are being or have been provided by the trust for which the Patients' Forum is established.

(4) The regulations must also secure that the members of a Patients' Forum established for a Primary Care Trust also include—

(a) at least one member of the Patients' Forum established for each NHS trust or NHS foundation trust all or most of whose hospitals, establishments and facilities are situated in the area of the Primary Care Trust, and

(b) if it appears to the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health that there is a body which represents members of the public in the Primary Care Trust’s area in matters relating to their health, at least one person who is a member or representative of that body (or, if there is more than one such body, of any of those bodies).

(5) The regulations may include provision applying, or corresponding to, any provision of Part 5A of the Local Government Act 1972 (c 70) (access to meetings and documents), with or without modifications.

Chapter 2 Public involvement and consultation

242 Public involvement and consultation

(1) This section applies to—

(a) Strategic Health Authorities,

(b) Primary Care Trusts,

(c) NHS trusts, and

(d) NHS foundation trusts.

(2) Each body to which this section applies must make arrangements with a view to securing, as respects health services for which it is responsible, that persons to whom those services are being or may be provided are, directly or through representatives, involved in and consulted on—

(a) the planning of the provision of those services,

(b) the development and consideration of proposals for changes in the way those services are provided, and

(c) decisions to be made by that body affecting the operation of those services.

(3) For the purposes of this section a body is responsible for health services—

(a) if the body provides or will provide those services to individuals, or

(b) if another person provides, or will provide, those services to individuals—

(i) at that body’s direction,

(ii) on its behalf, or

(iii) in accordance with an agreement or arrangements made by that body with that other person,

and references in this section to the provision of services include references to the provision of services jointly with another person.

(4) Subsection (5) applies to health services for which a Strategic Health Authority is not responsible by virtue of subsection (3), but which are or will be provided to individuals in the area of the Strategic Health Authority, and for which—

(a) a Primary Care Trust any part of whose area falls within the Strategic Health Authority’s area, or

(b) an NHS trust which provides services at or from a hospital or other establishment or facility which falls within the Strategic Health Authority’s area,

is responsible by virtue of subsection (3).

(5) A Strategic Health Authority may give directions to Primary Care Trusts falling within paragraph (a) of subsection (4), and NHS trusts falling within paragraph (b) of that subsection, as to the arrangements which they are to make under subsection (2) in relation to health services to which this subsection applies.

243 The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health

(1) There continues to be a body corporate known as the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (“the Commission”) to exercise the functions set out in subsections (2) to (5) (in addition to its function of appointing members of Patients' Forums).

(2) The Commission has the following functions—

(a) advising the Secretary of State, and such bodies as may be prescribed, about arrangements for public involvement in, and consultation on, matters relating to the health service in England,

(b) advising the Secretary of State, and such bodies as may be prescribed, about arrangements for the provision in England of independent advocacy services,

(c) representing to the Secretary of State and such bodies as may be prescribed, and advising him and them on, the views, as respects the arrangements referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b), of Patients' Forums and those voluntary organisations and other bodies appearing to the Commission to represent the interests of patients of the health service in England and their carers,

(d) providing staff to Patients' Forums established for Primary Care Trusts, and advice and assistance to Patients' Forums and facilitating the co-ordination of their activities,

(e) advising and assisting providers of independent advocacy services in England,

(f) setting quality standards relating to any aspect of—

(i) the way Patients Forums exercise their functions, and

(ii) the services provided by independent advocacy services in England,

monitoring how successfully they meet those standards, and making recommendations to them about how to improve their performance against those standards,

(g) such other functions in relation to England as may be prescribed.

(3) It is also the function of the Commission to promote the involvement of members of the public in England in consultations or processes leading (or potentially leading) to decisions by those mentioned in subsection (4), or the formulation of policies by them, which would or might affect (whether directly or not) the health of those members of the public.

(4) The decisions in question are those made by—

(a) health service bodies,

(b) other public bodies, and

(c) others providing services to the public or a section of the public.

(5) It is also the function of the Commission—

(a) to review the annual reports of Patients' Forums made under section 240, and

(b) to make, to the Secretary of State or to such other persons or bodies as the Commission considers appropriate, such reports or recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate concerning any matters arising from those annual reports.

(6) If the Commission—

(a) becomes aware in the course of exercising its functions of any matter connected with the health service in England which in its opinion gives rise to concerns about the safety or welfare of patients, and

(b) is not satisfied that the matter is being dealt with, or about the way it is being dealt with,

the Commission must report the matter to whichever person or body it considers most appropriate (or, if it considers it appropriate to do so, to more than one person or body).

(7) Bodies to whom the Commission might report a matter include—

(a) the regulatory body for the profession of a person working in the health service,

(b) the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection.

(8) The Commission may make such charges as it considers appropriate for the provision of advice and other services (but this is subject to any prescribed limitation).

(9) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision in relation to the Commission.

(10) The regulations may, in particular, make provision as to the provision of information (including descriptions of information which must or must not be provided) to the Commission by a Strategic Health Authority, a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust, a Special Health Authority, an NHS foundation trust, a Patients' Forum or a provider of independent advocacy services.

(11) Schedule 16 makes further provision about the Commission.

(12) In this section—

• “carer” and “patient” have the same meaning as in section 237,

• “the health service” includes services provided in pursuance of section 75 arrangements in relation to the exercise of health-related functions of a local authority,

• “health service bodies” means Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts,

• “independent advocacy services” means services provided under section 248,

• “section 75 arrangements” means arrangements under regulations under section 75.

Chapter 3 Overview and Scrutiny Committees

244 Functions of overview and scrutiny committees

(1) This section applies to any local authority, except that it applies to the council of a district only where the district is comprised in an area for which there is no county council.

(2) Regulations may, in relation to an overview and scrutiny committee of an authority to which this section applies, make provision—

(a) as to matters relating to the health service in the authority’s area which the committee may review and scrutinise,

(b) as to matters relating to the health service in the authority’s area on which the committee may make reports and recommendations to local NHS bodies, the Secretary of State or the regulator,

(c) as to matters on which local NHS bodies must consult the committee in accordance with the regulations (including provision as to circumstances in which the Secretary of State or the regulator may require consultation on those matters in accordance with the regulations),

(d) as to information which local NHS bodies must provide to the committee,

(e) as to information which may not be disclosed by a local NHS body to the committee,

(f) requiring any officer of a local NHS body to attend before the committee to answer questions.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), “local NHS body”, in relation to an overview and scrutiny committee, means an NHS body other than a Special Health Authority which is prescribed for those purposes in relation to the committee.

(4) “The health service” includes services provided in pursuance of arrangements under regulations under section 75 in relation to the exercise of health-related functions of a local authority.

245 Joint overview and scrutiny committees etc

(1) In this section, “relevant functions”—

(a) in relation to a local authority operating executive arrangements under Part 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) (“the 2000 Act”), are functions which are, or, but for regulations under this section, would be, exercisable under section 21(2)(f) of that Act by an overview and scrutiny committee of that authority, and

(b) in relation to a local authority operating alternative arrangements under that Part, are any corresponding functions which are, or, but for regulations under this section, would be, exercisable by a committee of the authority falling within paragraph (b) of section 32(1) of that Act,

and references to an overview and scrutiny committee include references to a committee falling within that paragraph.

(2) Regulations may make provision under which—

(a) two or more local authorities may appoint a joint committee of those authorities (a “joint overview and scrutiny committee”) and arrange for relevant functions in relation to any (or all) of those authorities to be exercisable by the committee,

(b) a local authority may arrange for relevant functions in relation to that authority to be exercisable by an overview and scrutiny committee of another local authority,

(c) a county council for any area may arrange for one or more of the members of an overview and scrutiny committee of the council for a district comprised in that area to be appointed as—

(i) a member of an overview and scrutiny committee of the county council or another local authority, for the purposes of relevant functions of the committee in relation to the county council, or

(ii) a member of an overview and scrutiny committee of the county council, for the purposes of relevant functions of the committee in relation to another local authority.

(3) The regulations may in particular—

(a) provide for arrangements to be made only in specified circumstances, or subject to specified conditions or limitations,

(b) in relation to joint overview and scrutiny committees, make provision applying, or corresponding to, any provision of—

(i) section 21(4) and (6) to (15) of the 2000 Act, or

(ii) section 246 of, and Schedule 17 to, this Act, and Schedule 11 to the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

with or without modifications.

(4) The regulations may require, or enable the Secretary of State to direct, a local authority—

(a) to make arrangements of any description within subsection (2), and

(b) to comply with such requirements in connection with the arrangements as may be specified in the regulations or as the Secretary of State may direct.

(5) In section 244(2) and (3), references to an overview and scrutiny committee include references to a joint overview and scrutiny committee.

(6) In subsection (2)(c), references to an overview and scrutiny committee of a county council include references to a joint overview and scrutiny committee of the council and another local authority.

(7) Section 21(4) of the 2000 Act does not apply to the discharge of functions by virtue of arrangements under regulations under subsection (2).

(8) Section 21(10) of the 2000 Act does not apply to persons who are members of an overview and scrutiny committee by virtue of arrangements under regulations under subsection (2)(c).

(9) “Local authority” does not include the Common Council of the City of London.

246 Overview and scrutiny committees: exempt information

(1) This section applies in relation to any item of business at a meeting of an overview and scrutiny committee which is an item relating to functions of the committee under section 21(2)(f) of the Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22).

(2) In relation to any such item, information is exempt information for the purposes of section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) (exclusion of public from meetings to prevent disclosure of exempt information) if it falls within any of the descriptions of information specified in Schedule 17, or in Schedule 11 to the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006.

(3) The Secretary of State may by order vary Schedule 17—

(a) by adding any description or other provision in connection with a relevant body or services provided by, or under arrangements made by, a relevant body, or

(b) by deleting or varying any description or other provision specified or contained in that Schedule.

(4) The Secretary of State may exercise the power conferred by subsection (3) by amending any Part of Schedule 17, with or without amendment of any other Part.

(5) In this section and Schedule 17 “relevant body” means a body in respect of which overview and scrutiny committees exercise functions under regulations under section 244.

247 Application to the City of London

(1) The Common Council may establish a committee which has, in relation to the City of London, the powers which under section 21(2)(f) of the Local Government Act 2000 a local authority’s overview and scrutiny committee has in relation to the authority’s area.

(2) Sections 244(2) to (4), 245 and 246 (and Schedule 17 to this Act and Schedule 11 to the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42)) apply as if such a committee were an overview and scrutiny committee and as if the Common Council were a London borough council.

(3) Section 21 of the Local Government Act 2000 applies as if such a committee were an overview and scrutiny committee and as if the Common Council were a local authority, but with the omission—

(a) of subsections (1) to (3), (5) and (9),

(b) in subsection (8), of “Executive”,

(c) in subsection (11), of paragraph (b), and

(d) in subsection (13)(a), of the reference to members of the executive.

(4) In the provisions applied by subsections (2) and (3), references to functions under any provision of section 21(2) of the 2000 Act are, in the case of the committee established under subsection (1), references to its functions under that subsection.

(5) “The Common Council” means the Common Council of the City of London.

Part 13 Miscellaneous

Independent advocacy services

248 Independent advocacy services

(1) The Secretary of State must arrange, to such extent as he considers necessary to meet all reasonable requirements, for the provision of independent advocacy services.

(2) “Independent advocacy services” are services providing assistance (by way of representation or otherwise) to individuals making or intending to make—

(a) a complaint under a procedure operated by a health service body or independent provider,

(b) a complaint under section 113(1) or (2) of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43),

(c) a complaint to the Health Service Commissioner for England or the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales,

(d) a complaint of a prescribed description which relates to the provision of services as part of the health service and—

(i) is made under a procedure of a prescribed description, or

(ii) gives rise, or may give rise, to proceedings of a prescribed description.

(3) In subsection (2)—

• “health service body” means—

  (a)

  in relation to England, a body which, under section 2(1) of the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993 (c. 46), is subject to investigation by the Health Service Commissioner for England,

  (b)

  in relation to Wales, a Welsh health service body (within the meaning of the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10)),

• “independent provider” means—

  (a)

  in relation to England, a person who, under section 2B(1) of the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993, is subject to investigation by the Health Service Commissioner for England,

  (b)

  in relation to Wales, a person who is an independent provider in Wales (within the meaning of the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005).

(4) The Secretary of State may make such other arrangements as he considers appropriate for the provision of assistance to individuals in connection with complaints relating to the provision of services as part of the health service.

(5) In making arrangements under this section the Secretary of State must have regard to the principle that the provision of services under the arrangements should, so far as practicable, be independent of any person who is—

(a) the subject of a relevant complaint, or

(b) involved in investigating or adjudicating on such a complaint.

(6) The Secretary of State may make payments to any person in pursuance of arrangements under this section.

(7) The Secretary of State may direct a Patients' Forum established for a Primary Care Trust to exercise any of his functions under this section so far as they relate to independent advocacy services provided to—

(a) persons in the area of the Primary Care Trust, or

(b) persons to whom services have been provided by or under arrangements with the Primary Care Trust.

(8) If the Secretary of State does so—

(a) the functions of that Patients' Forum must be taken to include those functions, but

(b) the Patients' Forum may not make any arrangements with itself under this section.

Joint working with the prison service

249 Joint working with the prison service

(1) In exercising their respective functions, NHS bodies (on the one hand) and the prison service (on the other) must co-operate with one another with a view to improving the way in which those functions are exercised in relation to securing and maintaining the health of prisoners.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for or in connection with enabling prescribed NHS bodies (on the one hand) and the prison service (on the other) to enter into prescribed arrangements in relation to the exercise of—

(a) prescribed functions of the NHS bodies, and

(b) prescribed health-related functions of the prison service,

if the arrangements are likely to lead to an improvement in the way in which those functions are exercised in relation to securing and maintaining the health of prisoners.

(3) The arrangements which may be prescribed include arrangements—

(a) for or in connection with the establishment and maintenance of a fund—

(i) which is made up of contributions by one or more NHS bodies and by the prison service, and

(ii) out of which payments may be made towards expenditure incurred in the exercise of both prescribed functions of the NHS body or bodies and prescribed health-related functions of the prison service,

(b) for or in connection with the exercise by an NHS body on behalf of the prison service of prescribed health-related functions of the prison service in conjunction with the exercise by the NHS body of prescribed functions of the NHS body,

(c) for or in connection with the exercise by the prison service on behalf of an NHS body of prescribed functions of the NHS body in conjunction with the exercise by the prison service of prescribed health-related functions of the prison service,

(d) as to the provision of staff, goods or services in connection with any arrangements mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c),

(e) as to the making of payments by the prison service to an NHS body in connection with any arrangements mentioned in paragraph (b),

(f) as to the making of payments by an NHS body to the prison service in connection with any arrangements mentioned in paragraph (c).

(4) Any arrangements made by virtue of this section do not affect the liability of NHS bodies, or of the prison service, for the exercise of any of their functions.

(5) “The prison service” means the Minister of the Crown exercising functions in relation to prisons (within the meaning of the Prison Act 1952 (c. 52)); and “Minister of the Crown” has the same meaning as in the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975.

Standing advisory committees

250 Secretary of State’s standing advisory committees

(1) The Secretary of State may by order establish standing advisory committees for the purpose of advising him on such of the services provided under this Act as may be specified in the order.

(2) A standing advisory committee consists of persons appointed by the Secretary of State after consultation with such representative organisations as he recognises for the purpose.

(3) A standing advisory committee must advise the Secretary of State—

(a) on such matters relating to the services with which the committee is concerned as it considers appropriate, and

(b) on any questions referred to it by the Secretary of State relating to those services.

(4) Schedule 19 makes further provision about standing advisory committees.

Patient information

251 Control of patient information

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such provision for and in connection with requiring or regulating the processing of prescribed patient information for medical purposes as he considers necessary or expedient—

(a) in the interests of improving patient care, or

(b) in the public interest.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular, make provision—

(a) for requiring prescribed communications of any nature which contain patient information to be disclosed by health service bodies in prescribed circumstances—

(i) to the person to whom the information relates,

(ii) (where it relates to more than one person) to the person to whom it principally relates, or

(iii) to a prescribed person on behalf of any such person as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii),

in such manner as may be prescribed,

(b) for requiring or authorising the disclosure or other processing of prescribed patient information to or by persons of any prescribed description subject to compliance with any prescribed conditions (including conditions requiring prescribed undertakings to be obtained from such persons as to the processing of such information),

(c) for securing that, where prescribed patient information is processed by a person in accordance with the regulations, anything done by him in so processing the information must be taken to be lawfully done despite any obligation of confidence owed by him in respect of it,

(d) for creating offences punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or such other level as is prescribed or for creating other procedures for enforcing any provisions of the regulations.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are subject to subsections (4) to (7).

(4) Regulations under subsection (1) may not make provision requiring the processing of confidential patient information for any purpose if it would be reasonably practicable to achieve that purpose otherwise than pursuant to such regulations, having regard to the cost of and the technology available for achieving that purpose.

(5) Where regulations under subsection (1) make provision requiring the processing of prescribed confidential patient information, the Secretary of State—

(a) must, at any time within the period of one month beginning on each anniversary of the making of such regulations, consider whether any such provision could be included in regulations made at that time without contravening subsection (4), and

(b) if he determines that any such provision could not be so included, must make further regulations varying or revoking the regulations made under subsection (1) to such extent as he considers necessary in order for the regulations to comply with that subsection.

(6) Regulations under subsection (1) may not make provision for requiring the processing of confidential patient information solely or principally for the purpose of determining the care and treatment to be given to particular individuals.

(7) Regulations under this section may not make provision for or in connection with the processing of prescribed patient information in a manner inconsistent with any provision made by or under the Data Protection Act 1998 (c 29).

(8) Subsection (7) does not affect the operation of provisions made under subsection (2)(c).

(9) Before making any regulations under this section the Secretary of State must, to such extent as he considers appropriate in the light of the requirements of section 252, consult such bodies appearing to him to represent the interests of those likely to be affected by the regulations as he considers appropriate.

(10) In this section “patient information” means—

(a) information (however recorded) which relates to the physical or mental health or condition of an individual, to the diagnosis of his condition or to his care or treatment, and

(b) information (however recorded) which is to any extent derived, directly or indirectly, from such information,

whether or not the identity of the individual in question is ascertainable from the information.

(11) For the purposes of this section, patient information is “confidential patient information” where—

(a) the identity of the individual in question is ascertainable—

(i) from that information, or

(ii) from that information and other information which is in the possession of, or is likely to come into the possession of, the person processing that information, and

(b) that information was obtained or generated by a person who, in the circumstances, owed an obligation of confidence to that individual.

(12) In this section “medical purposes” means the purposes of any of—

(a) preventative medicine, medical diagnosis, medical research, the provision of care and treatment and the management of health and social care services, and

(b) informing individuals about their physical or mental health or condition, the diagnosis of their condition or their care and treatment.

(13) In this section—

• “health service body” means any body (including a government department) or person engaged in the provision of the health service that is prescribed, or of a description prescribed, for the purposes of this definition,

• “processing”, in relation to information, means the use, disclosure or obtaining of the information or the doing of such other things in relation to it as may be prescribed for the purposes of this definition.

252 Patient Information Advisory Group

(1) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (3), there continues to be a committee known as the Patient Information Advisory Group (“the Advisory Group”).

(2) Before laying before Parliament a draft of any statutory instrument containing regulations under section 251(1), or making any regulations pursuant to section 251(5)(b), the Secretary of State must seek and have regard to the views of the Advisory Group on the proposed regulations.

(3) The Secretary of State may seek the views of the Advisory Group on such other matters connected with the processing of patient information or of any information (other than patient information) obtained or generated in the course of the provision of the health service as he considers appropriate.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the Advisory Group and the regulations may, in particular, make provision as to—

(a) the persons or bodies who are to be represented by members of the Advisory Group,

(b) the terms of appointment of members,

(c) the proceedings of the Advisory Group, and

(d) the payment by the Secretary of State of—

(i) such expenses incurred by the Advisory Group, and

(ii) such allowances in respect of expenses incurred by members of the Advisory Group,

as he may determine.

(5) The Secretary of State must publish, in such manner as he considers appropriate, any views which he receives from the Advisory Group pursuant to subsection (2).

(6) In this section “the health service”, “patient information” and “processing” have the meaning given by section 251.

Emergency powers

253 Emergency powers

(1) The Secretary of State may give directions under this section if he considers that by reason of an emergency it is necessary to do so in order to ensure that a service falling to be provided under or by virtue of this Act is provided.

(2) Directions under this section may direct that, during the period specified by the directions, a function conferred on any body or person under or by virtue of this Act is to the exclusion of or concurrently with that body or person to be performed by another body or person.

(3) The powers conferred on the Secretary of State by this section are in addition to any other powers exercisable by him.

(4) The references in this section to this Act do not include a reference to Chapter 5 of Part 2 (NHS foundation trusts).

Local social services authorities

254 Local social service authorities

(1) Subject to paragraphs (d) and (e) of section 3(1), the services described in Schedule 20 in relation to—

(a) care of mothers,

(b) prevention, care and after-care,

(c) home help and laundry facilities,

are functions exercisable by local social services authorities.

(2) A local social services authority which provides premises, furniture or equipment for any of the purposes of this Act may permit the use of the premises, furniture or equipment by—

(a) any other local social services authority,

(b) any of the bodies established under this Act, or

(c) a local education authority.

(3) The permission may be on such terms (including terms with respect to the services of any staff employed by the authority giving permission) as may be agreed.

(4) A local social services authority may provide (or improve or furnish) residential accommodation for officers—

(a) employed by it for the purposes of any of its functions as a local social services authority, or

(b) employed by a voluntary organisation for the purposes of any services provided under this section and Schedule 20.

(5) In this section and Schedule 20 “equipment” includes any machinery, apparatus or appliance, whether fixed or not, and any vehicle.

Supplies by the Secretary of State

255 Supplies not readily obtainable

(1) Where the Secretary of State has acquired—

(a) supplies of human blood for the purposes of any service under this Act,

(b) any part of a human body for the purpose of, or in the course of providing, any such service, or

(c) supplies of any other substances or preparations not readily obtainable,

he may arrange to make such supplies or that part available (on such terms, including terms as to charges, as he considers appropriate) to any person.

(2) The Secretary of State may exercise the powers conferred by subsection (1) only if, and to the extent that, he is satisfied that anything which he proposes to do or allow under those powers—

(a) will not to a significant extent interfere with the performance by him of any duty imposed on him by this Act to provide accommodation or services of any kind, and

(b) will not to a significant extent operate to the disadvantage of persons seeking or afforded admission or access to accommodation or services at health service hospitals (whether as resident or non-resident patients) otherwise than as private patients.

(3) “Health service hospital” includes such a hospital within the meaning of section 206 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42).

Community services

256 Power of Primary Care Trusts to make payments towards expenditure on community services

(1) A Primary Care Trust may make payments to—

(a) a local social services authority towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by it in connection with any social services functions (within the meaning of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42)), other than functions under section 3 of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1958 (c. 33),

(b) a district council, or a Welsh county council or county borough council, towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by it in connection with its functions under Part 2 of Schedule 9 to the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983 (c. 41) (meals and recreation for old people),

(c) an authority which is a local education authority for the purposes of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56), towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by it in connection with its functions under the Education Acts (within the meaning of that Act), in so far as it performs those functions for the benefit of disabled persons,

(d) a local housing authority within the meaning of the Housing Act 1985 (c. 68), towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by it in connection with its functions under Part 2 of that Act (provision of housing), or

(e) any of the bodies mentioned in subsection (2), in respect of expenditure incurred or to be incurred by it in connection with the provision of housing accommodation.

(2) The bodies are—

(a) a registered social landlord within the meaning of the Housing Act 1985 (see section 5(4) and (5) of that Act),

(b) the Commission for the New Towns,

(c) a new town development corporation,

(d) an urban development corporation established under the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65),

(e) the Housing Corporation.

(3) A Primary Care Trust may make payments to a local authority towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by the authority in connection with the performance of any of the authority’s functions which, in the opinion of the Primary Care Trust—

(a) have an effect on the health of any individuals,

(b) have an effect on, or are affected by, any NHS functions, or

(c) are connected with any NHS functions.

(4) “NHS functions” means functions exercised by an NHS body.

(5) A payment under this section may be made in respect of expenditure of a capital or of a revenue nature or in respect of both kinds of expenditure.

(6) The Secretary of State may by directions prescribe conditions relating to payments under this section or section 257.

(7) The conditions include, in particular, conditions requiring, in such circumstances as may be specified—

(a) repayment of the whole or part of a payment under this section, or

(b) in respect of property acquired with a payment under this section, payment of an amount representing the whole or part of an increase in the value of the property which has occurred since its acquisition.

(8) No payment may be made under this section in respect of any expenditure unless the conditions relating to it conform with the conditions prescribed under subsection (6) for payments of that description.

(9) “A disabled person” is a person who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities or who has such other disability as may be prescribed.

257 Payments in respect of voluntary organisations under section 256

(1) This section applies where the expenditure in respect of which a payment under section 256 is proposed to be made is expenditure in connection with services to be provided by a voluntary organisation.

(2) Where this section applies, the Primary Care Trust may make payments to the voluntary organisation towards the expenditure incurred or to be incurred by the organisation in connection with the provision of those services, instead of or in addition to making payments under section 256(1) or (3).

(3) Where this section applies—

(a) a body falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 256(1) which has received payments under the paragraph, and

(b) a local authority which has received payments under section 256(3),

may make out of the sums paid to it payments to the voluntary organisation towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by the organisation in connection with the provision of those services.

(4) No payment may be made under subsection (2) or (3) except subject to conditions which conform with the conditions prescribed for payments of that description under section 256(6).

Universities

258 University clinical teaching and research

(1) The Secretary of State must exercise his functions under this Act so as to secure that there are made available such facilities as he considers are reasonably required by any university which has a medical or dental school, in connection with—

(a) clinical teaching, and

(b) research connected with clinical medicine or clinical dentistry.

(2) Regulations may provide for any functions—

(a) exercisable by a Strategic Health Authority, Primary Care Trust, Special Health Authority or Local Health Board,

(b) in relation to the provision of facilities such as are mentioned in subsection (1),

to be exercisable by the body jointly with one or more NHS body other than an NHS foundation trust.

Sale of medical practices

259 Sale of medical practices

(1) It is unlawful to sell the goodwill of the medical practice of a person to whom any of subsections (2) to (4) applies, unless the person—

(a) no longer provides or performs the services mentioned, and

(b) has never carried on the practice in a relevant area.

(2) This subsection applies to a person who has at any time provided general medical services under arrangements made—

(a) with any Council, Committee or Authority under the National Health Service Act 1946 (c. 81) or the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 (c. 32), or

(b) with any Primary Care Trust, Health Authority or Local Health Board under section 29 of the National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49).

(3) This subsection applies to a person who has at any time provided or performed personal medical services in accordance with section 28C of the National Health Service Act 1977 (prior to the coming into force of section 16CC of that Act).

(4) This subsection applies to a person who has at any time, in prescribed circumstances or, if regulations so provide, in all circumstances, provided or performed primary medical services—

(a) in accordance with section 28C arrangements (within the meaning given by section 28D of the National Health Service Act 1977),

(b) in accordance with arrangements under section 16CC(2)(b) of that Act,

(c) under a general medical services contract (within the meaning of section 28Q(2) of that Act),

(d) in accordance with section 92 arrangements or section 50 arrangements,

(e) in accordance with arrangements under section 83(2)(b) of this Act, or section 41(2)(b) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

(f) under a general medical services contract or a Welsh general medical services contract.

(5) In this section—

• “goodwill” includes any part of goodwill and, in relation to a person practising in partnership, means his share of the goodwill of the partnership practice,

• “medical practice” includes any part of a medical practice,

• “relevant area”, in relation to any Council, Committee, Primary Care Trust, Local Health Board or Authority by arrangement or contract with whom a person has at any time provided or performed services, means the area, district or locality of that Council, Committee, Primary Care Trust, Local Health Board or Authority (at that time),

• “section 50 arrangements” means arrangements for the provision of services made under section 50 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42), and

• “Welsh general medical services contract” means a contract under section 42(2) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006.

(6) Schedule 21 makes further provision in relation to this section.

Price of medical supplies

260 Control of maximum price of medical supplies other than health service medicines

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide for the control of maximum prices to be charged for any medical supplies, other than health service medicines, required for the purposes of this Act.

(2) The Secretary of State may by direction given with respect to any undertaking, or by order made with respect to any class or description of undertakings, require persons carrying on the undertaking or undertakings of that class or description—

(a) to keep such books, accounts and records relating to the undertaking as may be prescribed by the direction, the order or a notice served under the order,

(b) to furnish at such times, in such manner and in such form as may be so prescribed such estimates, returns or information relating to the undertaking as may be so prescribed.

(3) The power to make an order under this section includes power to provide for any incidental and supplementary provisions which the Secretary of State considers it expedient for the purposes of the order to provide.

(4) Schedule 22 makes further provision in relation to this section.

(5) In this section and Schedule 22—

• “medical supplies” includes surgical, dental and optical materials and equipment, and

• “undertaking” means any public utility undertaking or any undertaking by way of trade or business, which is concerned with medical supplies required for the purposes of this Act,

and “equipment” includes any machinery, apparatus or appliance, whether fixed or not, and any vehicle.

261 Powers relating to voluntary schemes

(1) The powers under this section may be exercised where there is in existence a scheme (referred to in this section and sections 262 and 263 as a “voluntary scheme”) made by the Secretary of State and the industry body for the purpose of—

(a) limiting the prices which may be charged by any manufacturer or supplier to whom the scheme relates for the supply of any health service medicines, or

(b) limiting the profits which may accrue to any manufacturer or supplier to whom the scheme relates in connection with the manufacture or supply of any health service medicines.

(2) For the purposes of this section and sections 262 and 263, a voluntary scheme must be treated as applying to a manufacturer or supplier to whom it relates if—

(a) he has consented to the scheme being so treated (and has not withdrawn that consent), and

(b) no notice is in force in his case under subsection (4).

(3) For the purposes of this section a voluntary scheme has effect, in relation to a manufacturer or supplier to whom it applies, with any additions or modifications made by him and the Secretary of State.

(4) If any acts or omissions of any manufacturer or supplier to whom a voluntary scheme applies (a “scheme member”) have shown that, in the scheme member’s case, the scheme is ineffective for either of the purposes mentioned in subsection (1), the Secretary of State may by a written notice given to the scheme member determine that the scheme does not apply to him.

(5) A notice under subsection (4) must give the Secretary of State’s reasons for giving the notice, and the Secretary of State may not give a notice under that subsection until he has given the scheme member an opportunity to make representations about the acts or omissions in question.

(6) Consent under subsection (2)(a) must be given, or withdrawn, in the manner required by the Secretary of State.

(7) The Secretary of State may after consultation with the industry body require any manufacturer or supplier to whom a voluntary scheme applies to—

(a) record and keep any information, and

(b) provide any information to the Secretary of State,

which the Secretary of State may require for the purpose of enabling the scheme to operate or facilitating its operation or for the purpose of giving full effect to any provision made under subsection (8).

(8) The Secretary of State may—

(a) prohibit any manufacturer or supplier to whom a voluntary scheme applies from increasing any price charged by him for the supply of any health service medicine covered by the scheme without the approval of the Secretary of State, and

(b) provide for any amount representing any increase in contravention of that prohibition in the sums charged by that person for that medicine, so far as the increase is attributable to supplies to the health service, to be paid to the Secretary of State within a specified period.

262 Power to control prices

(1) The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the industry body—

(a) limit any price which may be charged by any manufacturer or supplier for the supply of any health service medicine, and

(b) provide for any amount representing sums charged by that person for that medicine in excess of the limit to be paid to the Secretary of State within a specified period.

(2) The powers conferred by this section are not exercisable at any time in relation to a manufacturer or supplier to whom at that time a voluntary scheme applies.

263 Statutory schemes

(1) The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the industry body, make a scheme (referred to in this section and section 264 as a statutory scheme) for the purpose of—

(a) limiting the prices which may be charged by any manufacturer or supplier for the supply of any health service medicines, or

(b) limiting the profits which may accrue to any manufacturer or supplier in connection with the manufacture or supply of any health service medicines.

(2) A statutory scheme may, in particular, make any provision mentioned in subsections (3) to (6).

(3) The scheme may require any manufacturer or supplier to whom it applies to—

(a) record and keep information, and

(b) provide information to the Secretary of State.

(4) The scheme may provide for any amount representing sums charged by any manufacturer or supplier to whom the scheme applies, in excess of the limits determined under the scheme, for health service medicines covered by the scheme to be paid by that person to the Secretary of State within a specified period.

(5) The scheme may provide for any amount representing the profits, in excess of the limits determined under the scheme, accruing to any manufacturer or supplier to whom the scheme applies in connection with the manufacture or supply of health service medicines covered by the scheme to be paid by that person to the Secretary of State within a specified period.

(6) The scheme may—

(a) prohibit any manufacturer or supplier to whom the scheme applies from increasing, without the approval of the Secretary of State, any price charged by him for the supply of any health service medicine covered by the scheme, and

(b) provide for any amount representing any increase in contravention of that prohibition in the sums charged by that person for that medicine, so far as the increase is attributable to supplies to the health service, to be paid to the Secretary of State within a specified period.

(7) A statutory scheme may not apply to a manufacturer or supplier to whom a voluntary scheme applies.

264 Statutory schemes: supplementary

(1) The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the industry body, make any provision he considers necessary or expedient for the purpose of enabling or facilitating—

(a) the introduction of a statutory scheme or of a limit under section 262, or

(b) the determination of the provision to be made in a proposed statutory scheme.

(2) The provision may, in particular, require any person to whom such a scheme or limit may apply to—

(a) record and keep information,

(b) provide information to the Secretary of State.

(3) Where the Secretary of State is preparing to make or vary a statutory scheme, he may make any provision he considers necessary or expedient for transitional or transitory purposes which could be made by such a scheme.

265 Enforcement

(1) Regulations may provide for a person who contravenes any provision of regulations or directions under sections 261 to 264 to be liable to pay a penalty to the Secretary of State.

(2) The penalty may be—

(a) a single penalty not exceeding £100,000, or

(b) a daily penalty not exceeding £10,000 for every day on which the contravention occurs or continues.

(3) Regulations may provide for any amount required to be paid to the Secretary of State by virtue of section 261(8)(b), 262(1)(b) or 263(4) or (6)(b) to be increased by an amount not exceeding 50 per cent.

(4) Regulations may provide for any amount payable to the Secretary of State by virtue of provision made under section 261(8)(b), 262(1)(b) or 263(4), (5) or (6)(b) (including such an amount as increased under subsection (3)) to carry interest at a rate specified or referred to in the regulations.

(5) Provision may be made by regulations for conferring on manufacturers and suppliers a right of appeal against enforcement decisions taken in respect of them in pursuance of sections 261 to 264 and this section.

(6) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsection (5) includes any provision which may be made by model provisions with respect to appeals under section 6 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 (c. 40), reading—

(a) the references in subsections (4) and (5) of that section to enforcement action as references to action taken to implement an enforcement decision,

(b) in subsection (5) of that section, the references to interested persons as references to any persons and the reference to any decision to take enforcement action as a reference to any enforcement decision.

(7) In subsections (5) and (6), “enforcement decision” means a decision of the Secretary of State or any other person to—

(a) require a specific manufacturer or supplier to provide information to him,

(b) limit, in respect of any specific manufacturer or supplier, any price or profit,

(c) refuse to give his approval to a price increase made by a specific manufacturer or supplier,

(d) require a specific manufacturer or supplier to pay any amount (including an amount by way of penalty) to him,

and in this subsection “specific” means specified in the decision.

(8) A requirement or prohibition, or a limit, under sections 261 to 264, may only be enforced under this section and may not be relied on in any proceedings other than proceedings under this section.

(9) The Secretary of State must consult the industry body before making any regulations under this section.

(10) The Secretary of State may by order increase (or further increase) either of the sums mentioned in subsection (2).

266 Controls: supplementary

(1) Any power conferred on the Secretary of State by sections 261(6) to (8) and 262 to 264 may be exercised by—

(a) making regulations, or

(b) giving directions to a specific manufacturer or supplier.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1)(a) may confer power for the Secretary of State to give directions to a specific manufacturer or supplier; and in this subsection “specific” means specified in the direction concerned.

(3) The powers to refuse approval under section 261(8)(a) or 263(6)(a) or to impose a limit under section 262(1)(a) or 263(1) are exercisable only with a view to limiting by reference to the prices or profits which would be reasonable in all the circumstances—

(a) the prices which may be charged for, or

(b) the profits which may accrue to any manufacturer or supplier in connection with,

the manufacture or supply for the purposes of the health service of health service medicines.

(4) In so exercising those powers (in the case of sections 262(1)(a) and 263(1) and (6)(a)) the Secretary of State and any other person must bear in mind, in particular—

(a) the need for medicinal products to be available for the health service on reasonable terms, and

(b) the costs of research and development.

(5) The powers conferred by sections 261 to 264 do not affect any other powers of the Secretary of State to control prices or profits.

(6) In this section and sections 261 to 265—

• “health service” includes the health services within the meaning of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29) and the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14)),

• “health service medicine” means a medicinal product used to any extent for the purposes of the health service,

• “the industry body” means any body which appears to the Secretary of State appropriate to represent manufacturers and suppliers,

• “manufacture” includes assemble and “manufacturer” means any person who manufactures health service medicines,

• “medicinal product” has the meaning given by section 130 of the Medicines Act 1968 (c. 67),

• “supplier” means any person who supplies health service medicines,

and contravention of a provision includes a failure to comply with it, and supplying medicines includes selling them.

Use of facilities in private practice

267 Permission for use of facilities in private practice

(1) A person to whom this section applies who wishes to use any relevant health service accommodation or facilities for the purpose of providing medical, dental, pharmaceutical, ophthalmic or chiropody services to non-resident private patients may apply in writing to the Secretary of State for permission under this section.

(2) Any application for permission under this section must specify—

(a) which of the relevant health service accommodation or facilities the applicant wishes to use for the purpose of providing services to such patients, and

(b) which of the kinds of services mentioned in subsection (1) he wishes the permission to cover.

(3) On receiving an application under this section the Secretary of State—

(a) must consider whether anything for which permission is sought would interfere with the giving of full and proper attention to persons seeking or afforded access otherwise than as private patients to any services provided under this Act, and

(b) must grant the permission applied for unless in his opinion anything for which permission is sought would so interfere.

(4) Any grant of permission under this section is on such terms (including terms as to the payment of charges for the use of the relevant health service accommodation or facilities pursuant to the permission) as the Secretary of State may from time to time determine.

(5) The persons to whom this section applies are—

(a) medical practitioners, registered pharmacists or other persons who provide pharmaceutical services under Chapter 1 of Part 7,

(b) chiropodists who provide services under this Act at premises where services are provided under that Chapter,

(c) persons providing primary medical services, primary dental services or primary ophthalmic services under a general medical services contract, a general dental services contract or a general ophthalmic services contract, or in accordance with section 92 arrangements or section 107 arrangements.

(6) “Relevant health service accommodation or facilities”, in relation to a person to whom this section applies, means—

(a) any accommodation or facilities available at premises provided by the Secretary of State by virtue of this Act, being accommodation or facilities which that person is authorised to use for purposes of this Act, or

(b) in the case of a person to whom this section applies by virtue of subsection (5)(b), accommodation or facilities which that person is authorised to use for purposes of this Act at premises where services are provided under Chapter 1 of Part 7.

Health service development

268 Persons displaced by health service development

(1) Subsection (2) applies—

(a) where the carrying out of a scheme for the provision by the Secretary of State in pursuance of this Act of hospital accommodation or other facilities will involve the displacement from any premises of persons living in the premises, and

(b) in so far as it appears to the Secretary of State that there is no other residential accommodation suitable for the reasonable requirements of those persons available on reasonable terms.

(2) The Secretary of State may make arrangements with one or more of the bodies mentioned in subsection (3) for securing the provision, in advance of the displacement, of residential accommodation which becomes necessary as the carrying out of the scheme proceeds.

(3) The bodies are—

(a) a local housing authority (within the meaning of the Housing Act 1985 (c. 68)),

(b) a housing association or housing trust (within the meaning of the Housing Associations Act 1985 (c. 69)),

(c) a development corporation established under the New Towns Act 1981 (c. 64),

(d) the Commission for the New Towns.

(4) Arrangements under subsection (2) may include provision for the making of payments by the Secretary of State to the body with whom the arrangements are made.

Registration of information, etc

269 Special notices of births and deaths

(1) The requirements of this section with respect to the notification of births and deaths are in addition to, and not in substitution for, the requirements of any Act relating to the registration of births and deaths.

(2) Each registrar of births and deaths must furnish, to the Primary Care Trust the area of which includes the whole or part of the registrar’s sub-district, such particulars of each birth and death which occurred in the area of the Primary Care Trust as are entered in a register of births or deaths kept for that sub-district.

(3) Regulations may provide as to the manner in which and the times at which particulars must be furnished under subsection (2).

(4) In the case of each child born—

(a) the child’s father, if at the time of the birth he is residing on the premises where the birth takes place, and

(b) any person in attendance upon the mother at the time of, or within six hours after, the birth,

must give notice of the birth to the Primary Care Trust for the area in which the birth takes place.

(5) Subsection (4) applies to any child which is born after the expiry of the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy whether alive or dead.

(6) Notice under subsection (4) must be given either—

(a) by posting within 36 hours after the birth a prepaid letter or postcard addressed to the Primary Care Trust at its offices and containing the required information, or

(b) by delivering within that period at the offices of the Primary Care Trust a written notice containing the required information.

(7) A Primary Care Trust must, upon application to it, supply without charge to any medical practitioner or midwife residing or practising within its area prepaid addressed envelopes together with the forms of notice.

(8) Any person who fails to give notice of a birth in accordance with subsection (4) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale, unless he satisfies the court that he believed, and had reasonable grounds for believing, that notice had been duly given by some other person.

(9) Proceedings in respect of an offence under subsection (8) must not, without the Attorney-General’s written consent, be taken by any person other than a party aggrieved or the Primary Care Trust concerned.

(10) A registrar of births and deaths must, for the purpose of obtaining information concerning births which have occurred in his sub-district, have access at all reasonable times to—

(a) notices of births received by a Primary Care Trust under this section, or

(b) any book in which those notices may be recorded.

270 Provision of information by Registrar General

(1) The Registrar General may provide to the Secretary of State any information to which this section applies.

(2) Any information provided under subsection (1) must be provided in such form as appears to the Registrar General appropriate for the purpose of assisting the Secretary of State in the performance of his functions in relation to the health service.

(3) This section applies to any information—

(a) entered in any register kept under the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 (c. 20),

(b) entered in the Adopted Children Register maintained by the Registrar General under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38), or

(c) which is kept by the Registrar General under any other enactment and relates to any birth or death.

(4) “Enactment” includes an enactment contained in subordinate legislation.

Part 14 Supplementary

271 Territorial limit of exercise of functions

(1) The functions of a Minister of the Crown under this Act are exercisable only in relation to England.

(2) “Minister of the Crown” includes the Treasury.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to—

(a) section 8(1) (directions to health service bodies) to such extent as it allows directions to be given in respect of matters concerning xenotransplantation, surrogacy agreements, embryology or human genetics,

(b) Chapter 5 of Part 1 (NHS foundation trusts),

(c) Part 8 (the FHSAA),

(d) section 235 (superannuation of officers of certain hospitals),

(e) Chapter 1 of Part 12 (Patients' Forums),

(f) section 243 (Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health),

(g) sections 251 (control of patient information) and 252 Patient Information Advisory Group),

(h) Schedule 21 (prohibition as to the sale of medical practices),

(i) section 260 and Schedule 22 (control of maximum price of medical supplies other than health service medicines) and sections 261 to 266 (control of prices of medicines and profits),

and section 272(7) and (8), to the extent that they apply in relation to a provision mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (i).

272 Orders, regulations, rules and directions

(1) This section does not apply to—

(a) Chapter 5 of Part 2 (as to which, see section 64), and

(b) Part 10 (as to which, see section 209).

(2) Subject to subsection (3), any power under this Act to make an order, rules or regulations is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to an order under—

(a) section 66(2),

(b) section 95(1) or 110(1),

(c) section 211(4),

(d) paragraph 22, 23, 24 or 26 of Schedule 3,

(e) paragraph 9, 27 or 29 of Schedule 4, or

(f) paragraph 2 of Schedule 18.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) and (6), a statutory instrument made by virtue of this Act is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to a statutory instrument containing a PCT order, or an order under—

(a) section 25,

(b) Schedule 4, or

(c) paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 5.

(6) A statutory instrument containing—

(a) regulations under section 251, except where they are made by virtue of subsection (5)(b) of that section,

(b) an order under section 265(10), or

(c) an order under section 193(4),

may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(7) Any power under this Act to make orders, rules, regulations or schemes, and any power to give directions—

(a) may be exercised either in relation to all cases to which the power extends, or in relation to those cases subject to specified exceptions, or in relation to any specified cases or classes of case,

(b) may be exercised so as to make, as respects the cases in relation to which it is exercised—

(i) the full provision to which the power extends or any less provision (whether by way of exception or otherwise),

(ii) the same provision for all cases in relation to which the power is exercised, or different provision for different cases or different classes of case, or different provision as respects the same case or class of case for different purposes of this Act,

(iii) any such provision either unconditionally or subject to any specified condition, and

(c) may, in particular, except where the power is a power to make rules, make different provision for different areas.

(8) Any such power includes power—

(a) to make such incidental, supplementary, consequential, saving or transitional provision (including, in the case of a power to make an order or regulations, provision amending, repealing or revoking enactments) as the person or body exercising the power considers to be expedient, and

(b) to provide for a person to exercise a discretion in dealing with any matter.

(9) Subsections (7) and (8) do not apply to an order under section 260 (but this does not affect subsection (1) of that section).

273 Further provision about orders and directions under this Act

(1) Where under or by virtue of any provision of this Act—

(a) an order may be made, or

(b) directions may be given,

that provision includes power to vary or revoke the order or directions by subsequent order or by subsequent directions.

(2) Subsection (1) does not affect section 14(b) of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30).

(3) A direction under this Act by a Strategic Health Authority must be given by an instrument in writing.

(4) A direction under this Act by the Secretary of State must be given—

(a) (subject to paragraphs (b) and (c)) by an instrument in writing,

(b) in the case of a direction under—

(i) section 7 about a function under section 4, 197 or 198, or

(ii) section 199(2),

by regulations,

(c) in the case of—

(i) any other direction under section 7, or

(ii) a direction under section 8, 15, 87, 94(4), 103, 109(4), 120 or 169(3),

by regulations or an instrument in writing.

(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to a direction under section 88 (as to which, see that section).

274 Supplementary regulatory powers

Regulations may provide for—

(a) prescribing the forms and manner of service of notices and other documents,

(b) prescribing the manner in which documents may be executed or proved,

(c) exempting judges and justices of the peace from disqualification by their liability to rates.

275 Interpretation

(1) In this Act (except where the context otherwise requires)—

• “dental practitioner” means a person registered in the dentists register under the Dentists Act 1984 (c. 24),

• “facilities” includes the provision of (or the use of) premises, goods, materials, vehicles, plant or apparatus,

• “the FHSAA” means the Family Health Services Appeal Authority,

• “financial year” means a period of 12 months ending with 31st March in any year,

• “functions” includes powers and duties,

• “goods” include accommodation,

• “the health service” means the health service continued under section 1(1) and under section 1(1) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

• “health service hospital” means a hospital vested in the Secretary of State for the purposes of his functions under this Act or vested in a Primary Care Trust, an NHS trust or an NHS foundation trust,

• “hospital” means—

  (a)

  any institution for the reception and treatment of persons suffering from illness,

  (b)

  any maternity home, and

  (c)

  any institution for the reception and treatment of persons during convalescence or persons requiring medical rehabilitation,

  and includes clinics, dispensaries and out-patient departments maintained in connection with any such home or institution, and “hospital accommodation” must be construed accordingly,

• “illness” includes mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) and any injury or disability requiring medical or dental treatment or nursing,

• “local authority” means a county council, a county borough council, a district council, a London borough council, and the Common Council of the City of London,

• “local education authority” has the same meaning as in the Education Act 1996 (c. 56),

• “Local Health Board” means a body established under section 11 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42),

• “local pharmaceutical services” means such services as are prescribed under section 134(7) or paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 12,

• “local social services authority” means the council of a non-metropolitan county, of a county borough or of a metropolitan district or London borough, or the Common Council of the City of London,

• “medical” includes surgical,

• “medical practitioner” means a registered medical practitioner within the meaning of Schedule 1 to the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30),

• “medicine” includes such chemical re-agents as are included in a list approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of section 126,

• “modifications” includes additions, omissions and amendments,

• “NHS trust” includes an NHS trust established under the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006,

• “officer” includes servant,

• “optometrist” means a person registered in the register of optometrists maintained under section 7 of the Opticians Act 1989 (c. 44) or a body corporate registered in the register of bodies corporate maintained under section 9 of that Act carrying on business as an optometrist,

• “patient” includes a woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding or who has recently given birth,

• “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State,

• “property” includes rights,

• “registered pharmacist” means a pharmacist registered in the register of pharmaceutical chemists,

• “regulations” means regulations made by the Secretary of State,

• “Special Health Authority” includes a Special Health Authority established under the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006,

• “university” includes a university college,

• “voluntary organisation” means a body the activities of which are carried on otherwise than for profit, but does not include any public or local authority.

(2) In this Act (except where the context otherwise requires) any reference to a body established under this Act or the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 (c. 42) includes a reference to a body continued in existence by virtue of this Act or that Act.

(3) So far as is necessary or expedient in consequence of a direction under section 7 or 15 providing for the exercise by a Strategic Health Authority, Primary Care Trust or Special Health Authority of a function exercisable by another person or body, any reference in any enactment, instrument or other document to that other person or body must be read as a reference to the Strategic Health Authority, Primary Care Trust or Special Health Authority.

(4) Any reference in this Act to the purposes of a hospital is a reference to its general purposes and to any specific purpose.

276 Index of defined expressions

In this Act the following expressions are defined or otherwise explained by the provisions indicated—

body established under this Act	section 275(2)
commissioner, in relation to an NHS contract	section 9(1)
contractor, in relation to a general dental services contract	section 100(4)
contractor, in relation to a general medical services contract	section 84(5)
contractor, in relation to a general ophthalmic services contract	section 117(5)
fraud case	section 151(3)
general dental services contract	section 100(2)
general medical services contract	section 84(2)
general ophthalmic services contract	section 117(2)
NHS body	section 28(6)
LPS scheme	paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 12
NHS contract	section 9(1)
NHS trust order	section 25(2)
optical appliances	section 179(5)
PCT order	section 18(2)
pharmaceutical list	section 129(11)
pharmaceutical services	section 126(8)
pilot scheme	section 134(2)
practitioner	section 151(9)
primary dental services	section 99
primary medical services	section 83
primary ophthalmic services	section 115
provider, in relation to an NHS contract	section 9(1)
purposes of a hospital	section 275(4)
the regulator	section 31(1)
relevant dental service	section 176(4)
section 92 arrangements	section 92(8)
section 107 arrangements	section 107(8)
special trustees	section 212(1)
supplementary list	section 149(2)
terms of service	section 148(7)
unsuitability case	section 151(4)

277 Commencement

(1) Subject to this section, this Act comes into force on 1st March 2007.

(2) In this section—

• “the 1977 Act” means the National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49), and

• “the 2006 Act” means the Health Act 2006 (c. 28).

(3) Subsection (4) applies to—

(a) sections 33 and 35 to 38 of the Health Act 1999 (c. 8) (see sections 261 and 263 to 266 of this Act),

(b) subsection (7) of section 45 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41) and paragraph 2(2B) of Schedule 8 to the 1977 Act as substituted by that subsection (see paragraph 2(7) of Schedule 20 to this Act),

(c) section 21 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43) (see section 50 of this Act),

(d) paragraph 3 of the Schedule to the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Modifications) (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1056) and section 41B(2) and (6)(b) of the 1977 Act as amended by that paragraph (see section 128 of this Act),

(e) sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 5 of that Schedule and section 4A(1) and (3) of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 (c. 19) as amended by those sub-paragraphs (see section 11 of this Act),

(f) sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph 5 of that Schedule and section 4A(4) of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 as added by that sub-paragraph (see section 11 of this Act),

(g) section 34 of the 2006 Act, and section 42A of the 1977 Act as inserted by that section (see section 131 of this Act),

(h) section 35 of the 2006 Act, and subsections (2B) and (2C) of section 42 of the 1977 Act as inserted by that section (see section 129 of this Act),

(i) subsection (1) of section 36 of the 2006 Act, and section 43(2) of the 1977 Act as substituted by that subsection (see section 132 of this Act),

(j) sections 37 to 41 of, and paragraphs 7 to 9, 11, 12(a), 13(2), (5) and (6), 15, 16, 17, 21(b), 22, 29, 46 and 50 of Schedule 8 to, the 2006 Act (which relate to primary ophthalmic services) and—

(i) the 1977 Act,

(ii) section 4A of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990,

(iii) Schedule 1 to the Health and Social Care Act 2001 (c. 15), and

(iv) section 17(1) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17),

to the extent that a provision mentioned in any of sub-paragraphs (i) to (iv), as amended by any of those provisions of the 2006 Act, relates to primary ophthalmic services,

(k) subsection (2) of section 42 of the 2006 Act, and paragraph 2A(1)(b) and (ba) of Schedule 12 to the 1977 Act as substituted by that subsection (see section 180 of this Act),

(l) subsection (3) of section 42 of the 2006 Act, and paragraph 2B of Schedule 12 to the 1977 Act as inserted by that subsection (see section 181 of this Act),

(m) sections 44 to 55 of the 2006 Act, and sections 76 to 78 of that Act so far as relating to those sections (see Part 10 of this Act),

(n) section 56 of, and paragraph 24(a) of Schedule 8 to, that Act and—

(i) section 98 of the 1977 Act as substituted by section 56 of that Act, and

(ii) Schedule 12B to the 1977 Act as inserted by that section,

(see section 232 of, and Schedule 15 to, this Act), and

(o) paragraphs 14, 24(b) and 25 of Schedule 8 to the 2006 Act (which relate to the substitution of “optometrist” for “ophthalmic optician”) and the 1977 Act as amended by those paragraphs.

(4) To the extent that—

(a) this Act re-enacts a provision to which this subsection applies, and

(b) the provision has not come into force before the commencement of this Act,

the re-enactment by this Act of the provision does not come into force until the provision which is re-enacted comes into force; and the re-enactment comes into force immediately after, and to the extent that, the provision which is re-enacted comes into force.

(5) Accordingly, the re-enactment by this Act of the provision does not affect any power to bring the provision into force.

278 Short title, extent and application

(1) This Act may be cited as the National Health Service Act 2006.

(2) Subject to this section, this Act extends to England and Wales only.

(3) Sections 261 to 266 in Part 13 (price of medical supplies) extend also to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order provide that this Act, in its application to the Isles of Scilly, has effect with such modifications as may be specified in the order.