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Part 7Pharmaceutical services and local pharmaceutical services

Chapter 2Local pharmaceutical services: pilot schemes

139NHS contracts and the provision of piloted services

(1)In the case of a pilot scheme entered into, or to be entered into, by a single individual or body corporate (other than an NHS foundation trust), that individual or body may make an application under this section to become a health service body.

(2)In the case of any other pilot scheme, all of those providing, or proposing to provide, piloted services under the scheme may together make an application under this section to become a single health service body.

(3)An application must—

(a)be made to the Secretary of State in accordance with such provisions as may be made by regulations, and

(b)specify the pilot scheme in relation to which it is made.

(4)Except in such cases as may be prescribed, the Secretary of State may grant an application.

(5)If an application is granted, the Secretary of State must specify a date in relation to that application and, as from that date—

(a)in the case of an application under subsection (1), the applicant is, and

(b)in the case of an application under subsection (2), the applicants together are,

a health service body for the purposes of section 9.

(6)That section has effect in relation to such a health service body (“a PHS body”), acting as commissioner, as if the functions referred to in section 9(1) were the provision of piloted services.

(7)Except in such circumstances as may be prescribed, a PHS body resulting from an application under subsection (2) must be treated, at any time, as consisting of those who are providing piloted services under the scheme.

(8)A direction as to payment made under section 9(11) against, or in favour of, a PHS body is enforceable in a county court (if the court so orders) as if it were a judgment or order of that court.

(9)Regulations may provide for a PHS body to cease to be a PHS body in prescribed circumstances.

(10)The Secretary of State must—

(a)maintain and publish a list of PHS bodies,

(b)publish a revised copy of the list as soon as is reasonably practicable after any change is made to it.

(11)The list must be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.