31.05.17
NHS England refines rules to crackdown on CCG conflicts of interest
NHS England has clarified rules on how CCGs manage conflicts of interest and confirmed new rules for accepting hospitality and gifts that will come in to force tomorrow.
In February, board papers revealed that from 1 June, there would be a crackdown on CCGs accepting hospitality from third parties such as meals or receiving gifts from private companies.
This measure was introduced after a scandal in 2015 found that some health leaders were accepting lavish trips from private companies who wanted their drugs commissioned by CCGs.
In NHS England’s latest update on conflicts of interest in its board papers released last week, these rules have been clarified further.
Under the rules, gifts worth under £50 from other sources besides suppliers or contractors can be accepted by CCGs, raised from the previous limit of £10.
And gifts of low value, (only up to £6), such as promotional items can be accepted from suppliers or contractors, but gifts worth more than this must be refused by commissioners.
Thresholds for hospitality from private companies were also clarified in the most recent papers. Meals under £25 do not need to be declared by CCGs, but any hospitality worth between £25 and £75 can be accepted but must be declared. Any hospitality worth more than £75 must be refused by CCGs, unless senior approval is given to go ahead.
The latest papers also stated that these amendments have been publicly consulted and do not require further discussion. The changes have also been confirmed to NHS Clinical Commissioners and will come in to force from tomorrow.
Alongside the new rules, NHS England added a new annex to its guidance for CCGs about how to identify, declare and manage interest.
NHS England has clarified rules on how CCGs manage conflicts of interest and confirmed new rules for accepting hospitality and gifts that will come in to force tomorrow.
In February, board papers revealed that from 1 June, there would be a crackdown on CCGs accepting hospitality from third parties such as meals or receiving gifts from private companies.
This measure was introduced after a scandal in 2015 found that some health leaders were accepting lavish trips from private companies who wanted their drugs commissioned by CCGs.
In NHS England’s latest update on conflicts of interest in its board papers released last week, these rules have been clarified further.
Under the rules, gifts worth under £50 from other sources besides suppliers or contractors can be accepted by CCGs, raised from the previous limit of £10.
And gifts of low value, (only up to £6), such as promotional items can be accepted from suppliers or contractors, but gifts worth more than this must be refused by commissioners.
Thresholds for hospitality from private companies were also clarified in the most recent papers. Meals under £25 do not need to be declared by CCGs, but any hospitality worth between £25 and £75 can be accepted but must be declared. Any hospitality worth more than £75 must be refused by CCGs, unless senior approval is given to go ahead.
The latest papers also stated that these amendments have been publicly consulted and do not require further discussion. The changes have also been confirmed to NHS Clinical Commissioners and will come in to force from tomorrow.
Alongside the new rules, NHS England added a new annex to its guidance for CCGs about how to identify, declare and manage interest.
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