Innovation: working together to improve health and social care for all. Full draft text of the Bill.
Timing
The Health and Care Bill received its first reading on 6 July 2021.
Measures enabled by the Bill are scheduled for implementation by April 2022.
Next steps
The Bill received its Second Reading on Wednesday 14 July.
It will be followed by Committee Stage – the stage at which amendments will begin to be brought to the Bill – once the House returns after summer recess in September. It will progress through the House of Commons and House of Lords over the coming months. Dates for future stages and details of amendments tabled will be available here in due course.
Following representations from Londonwide LMCs on behalf of London general practice, we have worked with DHSC officials to expand on concerns and have been advised that as the Bill is taken through Parliament, we will be contacted with more information on the Bill including links to fact sheets on policy areas, and opportunities to comment further.
Summary
This is the first major health legislation since the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
The Bill was heralded by consultations in late 2020 regarding ICS, and in early 2021 concerning provider selection.
An overarching point throughout the Bill and explanatory notes is the conflation of effectiveness, safety and patient experience under the label of “quality”.
Londonwide LMCs has significant concern that not giving prominence to safety in any assessment of clinical service provision or service structure is unacceptable. You can read more in our response to previous Government consultation on ICS structures, linked from the further information section below.
Read our summary of the Bill and concerns.
Further reading, responses and comments on the bill
Londonwide LMCs:
- Response to provider selection regime consultation APRIL 2021
- Response to NHS England’s ICS proposals IN LATE 2020
- Response to consultation on proposals to reform regulation of healthcare professional
BMA:
- Primary Care ‘Asks’ of the Bill Committee
- Press response issued on publication of the Bill
- Member briefing providing a summary of changes and initial analysis
- Response to provider selection regime consultation
- Response to NHS England’s ICS proposals IN LATE 2020
- Dedicated Health and Care Bill webpage
NHS Confederation:
- Member briefing providing a summary of changes and initial analysis
Commons Health and Social Care Committee Select Committee:
- Report on White Paper proposals for the reform of Health and Social Care
- Oral evidence session transcripts
Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England consultations and statements
- DHSC press release, July 2021
- Provider Selection Regime, re rules on commissioning and competition.
- System Oversight Framework re regulation of statutory ICSs.
- ICS Design Framework setting out how ICSs are to prepare for statutory status.
- Regulating healthcare professionals, protecting the public setting out proposals affecting the UK regulatory landscape.