LPS pilots to be permanent
Most pilot schemes for local pharmaceutical services contracts in England will become full LPS schemes by October.
The NHS (Local Pharmaceutical Services etc) Regulations 2006 (Text and PDF 250K),
which come into force on 1 April, give primary care trusts and LPS contractors
six
months to agree the conversion of pilots to full LPS contracts, including
the right of LPS contractors to revert back to the normal NHS pharmacy
contract. PCTs will be able to impose terms for LPS schemes if they cannot
be agreed by negotiation by 1 October.
The only LPS pilot schemes that are not affected by the new Regulations
are essential small pharmacy LPS contracts.
NHS Business Services
Authority The NHS Business
Services Authority will become responsible for prescription pricing,
counter-fraud and business-related NHS services on 1 April. The
authority was created under the Department of Health’s
review of arm’s length bodies. Among other things, it takes on the functions
of the Prescription Pricing Authority, the Counter-Fraud and Security Management
Service, the NHS Pensions Agency and the Dental Practice Board, each of which
will be abolished.
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