New section 168A Exercise of functions
504.This section inserts a new section 168A into the NHS Act to provide a power of direction in respect of the exercise by the NHS Commissioning Board of the Secretary of State’s functions relating to the provision of pharmaceutical services or local pharmaceutical services. This would both permit the delegation of functions by directions and allow for the directions to set out how any functions (including any functions delegated to it) are to be exercised by the NHS Commissioning Board.
505.Subsection (1) of new section 168A of the Act enables the Secretary of State to direct the NHS Commissioning Board to undertake certain functions in relation to the provision of pharmaceutical services or local pharmaceutical services, such as maintaining pharmaceutical lists or setting up local pharmaceutical services on his behalf.
506.Subsection (2) of new section 168A clarifies that the functions that may be directed do not include the Secretary of State’s regulation and order-making powers.
507.Subsection (3) of new section 168A of the Act enables the Secretary of State to direct the NHS Commissioning Board about the exercise of any functions in relation to the provision of pharmaceutical services or local pharmaceutical services (including any functions delegated to it).