Matters which may be investigated: independent providers of health and social careN.I.
17—(1) This section applies where the listed authority is an independent provider of health and social care.
(2) The Ombudsman may investigate—
(a)alleged maladministration through action taken in the exercise of administrative functions by the independent provider in connection with an arrangement with a health and social care body or a general health care provider to provide a service,
(b)the merits of a decision of that body to the extent that it was taken in consequence of the exercise of professional judgement exercisable in connection with the provision of health or social care under that arrangement.
(3) In this Act, an independent provider of health and social care is a person—
(a)providing services (of any kind) under an arrangement with a health and social care body or a general health care provider, and
(b)who is not a health and social care body or a general health care provider.