Consultation on Guidance: Procurement, Patient Choice and Competition Regulations - an opportunity to comment on the practical application of new law

Monitor has just released two draft guidance documents about the NHS (Procurement, Patient Choice and Competition) (No. 2) Regulations 2013, in force since 1 April.

NHS, beware! Government puts forward case for compulsory data protection audit powers over NHS organisations

The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation proposing to make NHS organisations subject to compulsory data protection audits by the Government's watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Trust me I'm a commissioner: How well do the healthcare procurement regulations protect patients' interests?

So what's different about the revised regulations and how will they work? Wragge & Co's healthcare and regulatory experts summarise the main points.

Protecting your healthcare workers: what the 'sharps' Directive means for you

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has this week issued new guidance on the use of instruments able to cut, prick, and cause injury and/or infection - sharps - in the health industry.

Competition Commission shines a light on key questions under examination in its first NHS hospital merger investigation

The Competition Commission (Commission) has published the issues statement in the proposed merger of The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

A matter of good conduct - Court of Appeal hands down key judgment in Chhabra v West London Mental Health Trust

The Court of Appeal has handed down its decision in the case of Chhabra v West London Mental Health Trust.

New Year's resolution: stop voluntary budget cuts! Government watchdog to press for stronger powers to audit public bodies' data protection compliance

"The NHS and local government are two areas where there are... significant and widespread data protection compliance concerns", according to the Government's data protection watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

NHS mergers - Successful mergers in a changing environment

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is now examining two proposed mergers between foundation trusts (FTs) under the Enterprise Act, following a clarification in the law this summer.

The end of the beginning: Wave 1 Clinical Commissioning Groups achieve authorisation

The hard work, commitment and stamina of Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) leaders for those CCGs seeking authorisation in Wave 1 of the process has now paid off.

Doing the day job: how will the new procurement regime affect CCG commissioning?

As new Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) come into existence there is much to consider - the authorisation process, commissioning support, dwindling resource and the complex transition between old and new healthcare regimes.

Private equity update

The economic landscape has changed, and continues to do so. The private equity industry will be affected by these changes, but the effects need not all be negative. With careful navigation, the industry can see many of the changes as opportunities for growth.

Clinical Commissioning Groups: NHS (England) health care reforms gather momentum

In this, the first part of our new series of health sector-focused alerts, we track the progress of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) as they develop into independent organisations.

Healthcare Law Update for Gulf Co-operation Council states

Welcome to Wragge & Co's first quarterly edition of its GCC Healthcare Law Update, a round up of healthcare news in the GCC over the previous quarter.

Reforming the Adult Social Care and Support System - The Draft Care and Support Bill

As announced in the Queen's Speech in May 2012, the government has confirmed its intention to reform the UK's adult care and support system by publishing a draft Care and Support Bill). Also published alongside the Bill are the Care and Support White Paper and a Progress Funding Report.

Take a closer look - could your business benefit from China's key growth sectors?

Now the second largest economy in the world and with its sights on the top spot, China's booming market is rich in opportunities for foreign companies. With western economies still feeling the impact of the downturn, it is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for investors.

Competitive Healthcare?

On 8 December 2011, the OFT issued its report on the private healthcare market study announcing its proposed decision to make a market investigation reference (MIR) to the Competition Commission. There is now a period of consultation up to 30 January 2012 before the reference decision can be made.

The Health Bill - a revolution for the better? Part 2

The Health and Social Care Bill introduces the legal provisions that will underpin the implementation of the most radical structural changes the NHS has seen since its establishment in 1948. On 11 October, the Bill will have its second reading in the House of Lords.

Final judgment on LAML opens the door to shared service cooperation

The long awaited Supreme Court ruling in the LAML case (Brent London Borough Council v Risk Management Partners Limited) was handed down yesterday. This clears the way for an increase in shared service models and other intra authority cooperation arrangements.

A revolution for the better? Gaining momentum

On Wednesday 19 January 2011 the Coalition Government published its long-awaited Health & Social Care Bill.

Green light for compulsory pension provision

Workplace pension reform emerged this week relatively unscathed from a government review of the policy (Making automatic enrolment work: A review for the DWP).

High-definition Monitor

A previous alert discussed the new competition powers of Monitor that are proposed in the Department of Health consultation paper "Liberating the NHS: Regulating healthcare providers". This analysis looks more generally at the proposals to change the regulatory framework for NHS services in England

A drop in carriage clock sales? Time called on default retirement age

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Department for Work and Pensions have issued a joint consultation on the Government's proposal to phase out the default retirement age.

Liberating the NHS: Regulating healthcare providers

The Department of Health is consulting on a range of radical initiatives linked to the Health White Paper. One of these: 'Liberating the NHS: regulating healthcare providers', concerns its proposal to establish Monitor as an economic regulator for the healthcare sector.

Update on Department of Health papers and consultation timetables following the White Paper

Since our previous alert on the Coalition Government's White Paper on Health, 'Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS', the Government has been delivering with zest on its promise to publish a suite of consultation papers and other documents on the proposed reforms.

The Health White Paper - A revolution for the better?

On Monday 12 July 2010 the new Coalition Government published its first White Paper on Health.

£4.3 million compensation for an 'unfair' dismissal

The Court of Appeal decision in Edwards v Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust will be of particular concern for employers with contractual disciplinary and grievance procedures – most notably the NHS and other public sector employers.

Purdah - Changes to general election guidance

The announcement of the general election on 6th April 2010 marked the start of the purdah period and the publication of the new Cabinet Office General Election 2010 Guidance.

They fought the law...

The judgment of the Administrative Court in R (Unison) v Monitor addresses the question of how much income NHS Foundation Trusts are able to generate from non-NHS activities, where that income is ultimately derived from charges paid by private patients.

Paying your patient

This is a reminder that the deadline for responses to the Department of Health's consultation paper entitled 'Direct Payments For Health Care - A Consultation on Proposals for Regulations and Guidance' is 8 January 2010.

Needles and herbs

The Department of Health has taken further steps in assessing whether to extend regulation to a broader range of professional and occupational groups working in the healthcare sector.

NHS Foundation Trusts - buying a return ticket: new proposals for de-authorisation

On 27 July 2009, the Department of Health launched a consultation on introducing new legislation allowing for the de-authorisation of a NHS Foundation Trust.

Extending professional and occupational regulation for healthcare services

In February 2007 the Government published a White Paper entitled "Trust, Assurance and Safety - The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century."

Carbon Reduction Commitment - the basics

The Carbon Reduction Commitment is a mandatory emissions trading scheme. To be introduced under powers taken in the Climate Change Act 2008 its twin aims are to improve energy efficiency and reduce the UK's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Monitor strengthens the hand of the NHS Co-operation and Competition Panel

In January 2009, the Co-operation and Competition Panel for NHS-funded services opened for business. The panel will investigate and advise the Secretary of State for Health and Monitor on potential competition breaches.

Litigation survival guide - part 4. Winding-up your corporate debtor

The threat of insolvency proceedings against a corporate debtor can greatly assist a creditor's primary objective of getting paid, preferably in advance of everyone else.

Decision on application of private charges cap

On 12 December 2008 Monitor, the independent regulator for NHS Foundation Trusts (FTs), published its decision on the interpretation and application of the private charges cap.

Department of Health publishes guidance on the duty of NHS bodies to involve service users

Important changes to the arrangements for patient and public involvement in the provision of health services under the NHS came into force on 3 November 2008.

OFT refers Patientline/Premier merger to Competition Commission

In July 2008, Hospedia Limited announced plans for "an exciting overhaul of the UK's bedside hospital entertainment and telephony industry" following its rescue of Patientline UK Limited from administration.

Public involvement and consultation about health services

On 14 September 2008, the Secretary of State for Health made the National Health Service (Directions by Strategic Health Authorities to Primary Care Trusts Regarding Arrangements for Involvement) Regulations 2008 (the Regulations).

Public involvement and consultation about health services

Private charges consultation closes

Monitor's consultation on the application of the private charges cap to NHS foundation trusts (FTs) closed at the beginning of this week.

Maternity leave and pension contributions

Rules covering non-cash benefits will change this year for pregnant employees with a childbirth expectance week of 5 October 2008 or later.

Everyone is created equal (but some are more equal than others). Latest developments in discrimination law

The courts and tribunals have been busy as ever, delivering decisions in discrimination cases.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to: health minister accuses GPs of cartel activity

Department of Health publishes key guidance documents for commissioners

In May 2008, the Department of Health published the PCT Procurement Guide and Framework for Managing Choice, Cooperation and Competition. Read Wragge & Co's expert advice and comment on what this new guide could mean.

Immigration update

Wragge & Co's legal experts bring you the latest immigration news.

Employment legislation diary - 2008 and beyond

Public involvement and consultation about health services

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 received Royal Assent and became law on 30 October 2007.

CDM Regulations: compliance with mobilisation provisions

HM Treasury announces reform of Government Procurement