The National Health Service (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992

Absences, deputies, assistants and partners

22.—(1) Before entering into arrangements with a deputising service for the provision of any deputy, a doctor shall obtain the consent of the FHSA.

(2) In giving its consent, the FHSA may impose such conditions as it considers necessary or expedient to ensure the adequacy of such arrangements.

(3) Before refusing its consent or imposing any such conditions, the FHSA shall consult the Local Medical Committee.

(4) The FHSA may at any time, and shall periodically, review in consultation with the Local Medical Committee any such consent given or conditions imposed in relation to any doctor under this paragraph, and may withdraw such consent or vary such conditions.

(5) A doctor may appeal to the Secretary of State against refusal of consent or the imposition of a condition under this paragraph or against withdrawal of consent or variation of conditions under this paragraph.

(6) An appeal under sub-paragraph (5) shall be made in writing within 30 days of the decision of the FHSA and shall set out the grounds of appeal.

(7) In determining an appeal under sub-paragraph (5) the Secretary of State may substitute for the FHSA’s decision such decision and conditions as he thinks fit.