The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7204 p895-899
29 June 2002

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News summary

LPS regulations brought in

Regulations governing the introduction of local pharmaceutical services by health authorities came into force on 5 June. Ministerial directions were issued a week later requiring health authorities to delegate most of their responsibilities for LPS to primary care trusts. As a result, PCTs are now legally required to set up development processes for LPS pilot schemes, including appropriate local consultation and submission of proposals to the Secretary of State for approval.

Neighbourhoods, premises and descriptions of premises may now be designated as places where LPS proposals are being developed or where development is under consideration. Local pharmaceutical and medical committees, affected pharmacy contractors and dispensing doctors and community health councils must be notified whenever a designation is made.

Designation means that applications for pharmacy contracts in the affected area can be put on hold if they are made less than 30 days before designation takes place.

The regulations also enable health authorities to provide financial support to LPS applicants to help them prepare their proposals and applications.

Proposals had to be submitted to the Secretary of State by 28 June.

The National Health Service (Local Pharmaceutical Services and Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2002, SI 2002 No 888. HM Stationery Office, ISBN 0 11 042276 7, price £2.

The Health Authorities Local Pharmaceutical Services (Exercise of Functions and Preparation of Proposals) Directions 2002 (PDF* 15K).