Welsh Assembly consults on control of entry
Proposed changes to the control of entry regulations in Wales have been outlined in a consultation document published by the Welsh Assembly Government.
It sets out proposals that the WAG says will reform and modernise the
regulatory system in terms of application, decision-making and appeals
procedures. The document addresses assessing, consulting on and deciding
applications, minor relocations, granting preliminary and full consent,
dispensing doctor applications and the appeals process.
The WAG says that it aims to “set out a balanced package of measures
that will continue to raise standards for patients, will support the needs
of small businesses and will do so without jeopardising the vital role
played by community pharmacies.”
As well as inviting comment on the consultation document itself, a number
of specific questions are asked of respondents.
Views are sought on consultation processes. The WAG proposes that local
health boards should consult more widely and that views of local patients
and consumer groups on contract applications should be invited, as well
as those of local professional committees, affected contractors and the
local community health council.
The consultation notes that there is no mechanism to evaluate or review
a GP’s application to dispense once it has been granted.The WAG
asks whether it is reasonable to review dispensing doctor contracts, given
that its policy is that pharmaceutical services should be provided by
pharmacists.
The WAG would also like to know whether people think the “first
past the post” principle for deciding competing applications should
be retained or removed. |
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