Written question asked by Stephen Gilbert (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 October 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2014 (named day). It was answered by Jane Ellison (Conservative) on Monday, 3 November 2014 on behalf of the Department of Health.

NHS

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the (a) process and (b) timelines followed by the NHS to determine a specialised clinical commissioning policy are; and what the roles and responsibilities are of the NHS committees involved.

Answer

Clinical policies are developed by the appropriate service specific clinical reference group and reviewed by the Clinical Prioritisation Advisory Group (CPAG). CPAG then makes a recommendation whether to commission the service or treatment in question. CPAG recommendations are ratified by the Specialised Commissioning Oversight Group (SCOG).

The length of time to produce a clinical commissioning policy is variable depending on the complexity of the subject area. The timeline is typically between 6-9 months but can be shorter.

SCOG has operational oversight of specialised commissioning and has delegated authority to make decisions on the recommendations made by CPAG, which provides advice to NHS England about any decision-making that defines access to clinical services. The Directly Commissioned Services Committee, a sub-committee of the NHS England Board, oversees the delivery of directly commissioned services within the overall strategy set by NHS England. The SCOG reports to this committee.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 212409
Session: 2014-15
Related items: NHS
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: NHS
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

NHS

Secondary information

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