These Regulations amend the National Health Service (Fund-holding Practices) (Scotland) Regulations 1997 (“the principal Regulations”), which provide for the recognition and operation of fund-holding practices.

Regulations 2 to 8 amend the principal Regulations to take account of the enactment of the National Health Service (Primary Care) Act 1997.

Regulations 9 to 15 make miscellaneous amendments to the principal Regulations. Regulation 10 removes the right of a primary care purchasing practice to apply to become a standard fund-holding practice and regulation 11 permits mid-year exits from fund-holding status. Regulation 14 makes further provision with regard to savings from the allotted sum. Regulation 15 amends Schedule 1 to the principal Regulations to provide for a minimum period of preparation of 12 months as a condition of obtaining recognition as a fund-holding practice.