The Regional Board
I19Local Commissioning Groups
1
The Regional Board shall in accordance with paragraph 7 of Schedule 1 appoint a prescribed number of committees to be called “Local Commissioning Groups”.
2
Each Local Commissioning Group shall exercise its functions as regards such area of Northern Ireland as may be prescribed.
3
Each Local Commissioning Group shall exercise—
a
such functions with respect to the commissioning of health and social care as may be prescribed; and
b
such other functions as the Regional Board may, with the agreement of the Department, determine.
4
Each Local Commissioning Group must—
a
exercise its functions in accordance with any scheme for the time being having effect under Article 18 of the Order of 1972; and
b
in connection with the exercise of its functions—
i
work in collaboration with the Regional Agency and have due regard to any advice or information provided by it; and
ii
undertake such consultation as the Department may direct.
5
Each Local Commissioning Group must exercise its functions with the aim of—
a
improving the health and social well-being of people in the area as regards which the Local Commissioning Group exercises its functions;
b
planning and commissioning health and social care to meet the needs of people in that area;
c
securing the delivery to people in that area of health and social care that is efficient, co-ordinated and cost-effective;
d
improving the availability and quality of health and social care in that area.
6
Regulations may—
a
make provision for the membership of Local Commissioning Groups;
b
modify the application of paragraphs 7 to 11 of Schedule 1 in relation to those Groups;
c
make such further provision in relation to those Groups as the Department considers appropriate.
7
Before making regulations under subsection (6), the Department must consult the Regional Board.