Proposals for regulations to protect patients' interests by ensuring that commissioners always deliver best value are being consulted on by the Department of Health.
The consultation sets out proposals for requirements to:
- ensure good procurement practice by commissioners including requirements to act transparently, avoid discrimination and purchase services from the providers best placed to meet patients' needs
- ensure that commissioners enable patients to exercise their rights to choose as set out in the NHS Constitution
- prohibit commissioners from taking actions that restrict competition where this is against patients' interests
- ensure that commissioners manage conflicts of interest and that particular interests do not influence their decision-making.
Responding to the consultation
- Respond to the consultation online
- Read Securing best value for NHS patients: Requirements for commissioners to adhere to good procurement practice and protect patient choice
- Download consultation response form
The closing date for responses is 26 October 2012.
If you have any questions on this consultation, please emailpccr.consultation@dh.gsi.gov.uk
The regulations for commissioners will be made under Section 75 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The Department will take account of responses before developing regulations based on these proposals to be laid in Parliament in January 2013 and to come into force in April 2013.
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