NAPC Press Release - PMS Amendment to Regulations
16 March 2010

The National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) welcomed the publication last week of the PMS amending regulations. Of particular importance is the amendment to paragraph 100 of Schedule 5 of the PMS Agreements Regulations, which provides for a contract to be terminated only in cases of breach of contract, where a breach cannot be rectified, or by giving notice. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20100578_en_1

Dr Johnny Marshall, NAPC Chairman, commented that the amending regulations came at a critical time, when reports of aggressive stances on the part of some Primary Care Trusts were being adopted in relation to practices with PMS contracts. Dr Marshall said: ‘These Regulations are important. The amendment to a paragraph 100 of Schedule 5 of the PMS Agreements Regulations makes it clear that PCTs are unable to terminate unilaterally PMS contracts, except where there has been a breach of contract, which cannot be rectified, or by giving notice. They also help protect practices from PCTs unilaterally imposing unfair contract variations and threatening termination, if not accepted'.

Dr Marshall continued. ‘NAPC would like to hear from its PMS members, where they are experiencing unreasonable difficulties with their PCTs. We shall endeavour to ensure that contracts are not being undermined arbitrarily'.

Press Release Ends