Part 2

Standards
Chapter 2

NHS health care: introductory

Standards set by Secretary of State
46
1
The Secretary of State may prepare and publish statements of standards in relation to the provision of health care by and for English NHS bodies and cross-border SHAs.
2
The Secretary of State must keep the standards under review and may publish amended statements whenever he considers it appropriate.
3
The Secretary of State must consult such persons as he considers appropriate—
a
before publishing a statement under this section;
b
before publishing an amended statement under this section which in the opinion of the Secretary of State effects a substantial change in the standards.
4
The standards set out in statements under this section are to be taken into account by every English NHS body and cross-border SHA in discharging its duty under section 45.