PSNC highlights key changes for contractors

01 March 2013

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has highlighted key changes that contractors and LPCs will need to be aware of within the newly laid National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013.

The regulations, which will come into force on April 1 2013, replace the existing pharmaceutical regulations to accommodate the structural changes being made to the NHS and to include the new organisations within it.

For example, they substitute the NHS Commissioning Board as the commissioner of pharmacy services and the determining authority for market entry regulations; and make Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) rather than PCTs responsible for Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments.

The regulations set out the arrangements for important aspects of the pharmacy service such as:

- new pharmacy applications including relocations and changes of ownership;
- determination of pharmacy remuneration;
- providing fitness to practise information; and
- Terms of Service.

There are a number of changes within the regulations that contractors and LPCs will need to be aware of and PSNC has produced a summary of the key points:

http://www.psnc.org.uk/data/files/about_us/NHS_Regulations_Feb_2013.pdf

Key changes have been made in the following areas:

- Market Entry;
- Maps;
- Publication deadline for PNAs;
- Local Pharmaceutical Services;
- Remuneration;
- Hours of opening;
- Emergency relocation of premises;
- Providing Fitness to Practise information;
- Methadone;
- Prescriber Information;
- Nomination;
- Co-operation with health Education England;
- Co-operation with Local Healthwatch organisations; and
- Safeguarding.

‘These regulations are very important to all contractors and LPCs and their publication is an important step for the sector in the reforming of the NHS,’ said Steve Lutener, PSNC Head of Regulation.

‘PSNC had significant input into the drafting of the regulations through the Department of Health’s Extended Advisory Group as well as being consulted on changes to Terms of Service. We are pleased to see that our concerns have been recognised in the final version of the regulations.

‘I would advise all contractors and LPCs to ensure that they familiarise themselves with the key changes within the regulations as these will have an impact on business going forward.’