The National Health Service (Primary Medical Services Section 17C Agreements) (Scotland) Regulations 2004

Sub-contracting of clinical matters

32.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) the provider shall not sub-contract any of its rights or duties under the agreement in relation to clinical matters unless–

(a) in all cases, including those which fall within paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 (if applicable), it has taken reasonable steps to satisfy itself that–

(i) it is reasonable in all the circumstances; and

(ii) that person is qualified and competent to provide the service; and

(b) except in cases which fall within paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 (if applicable), it has notified the Health Board of its intention to sub-contract as soon as reasonably practicable before the date on which the proposed sub-contract is intended to come into force.

(2) Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply to a contract for services with a health care professional for the provision by that person of clinical services.

(3) The notification referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall include–

(a) the name and address of the proposed sub-contractor;

(b) the duration of the proposed sub-contract;

(c) the services to be covered; and

(d) the address of any premises to be used for the provision of services.

(4) Following receipt of a notice in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(b), the Health Board may request such further information relating to the proposed sub-contract as appears to it to be reasonable and the provider shall supply such information promptly.

(5) The provider shall not proceed with the sub-contract or, if it has already taken effect, shall take appropriate steps to terminate it, where, within 28 days of receipt of the notice referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b), the Health Board has served notice of objection to the sub-contract on the grounds that–

(a) the sub-contract would–

(i) put at serious risk the safety of the provider’s patients; or

(ii) put the Board at risk of material financial loss; or

(b) the sub-contractor would be unable to meet the provider’s obligations under the agreement.

(6) Where the Health Board objects to a proposed sub-contract in accordance with sub paragraph (5), it shall include with the notice of objection a statement in writing of the reasons for its objection.

(7) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (3) to (6) shall also apply in relation to any renewal or material variation of a sub-contract in relation to clinical matters.

(8) Where a Health Board does not object to a proposed sub-contract under sub-paragraph (5), the parties to the agreement shall be deemed to have consented to a variation of the agreement which has the effect of adding to the list of practice premises any premises whose address was notified to it under sub-paragraph (3)(d) and paragraph 59 shall not apply.

(9) A contract with a sub-contractor must prohibit the sub-contractor from sub-contracting the clinical services it has agreed with the provider to provide.