Course of treatment
7.—(1) Except in the case of orthodontic services and dental public health services, the contractor shall provide mandatory and additional services to a patient by providing to that patient a course of treatment.
(2) The contractor shall use its best endeavours to ensure that a course of treatment is completed, and that it is so completed within a reasonable time from the date on which—
(a)the treatment plan was written in accordance with paragraph 8(1); or
(b)where a treatment plan is not required pursuant to that paragraph, the initial examination and assessment of the patient took place.
(3) Where a contractor provides urgent treatment to a patient, the urgent treatment provided shall constitute a single course of treatment and no other services shall be provided during that course of treatment.
(4) If a course of treatment is—
(a)terminated before it has been completed; or
(b)otherwise not completed within a reasonable time,
any further services to be provided to that patient under the agreement must be provided as a new course of treatment.
(5) A course of treatment may only be terminated by—
(a)the contractor—
(i)when the circumstances referred to in paragraph 3(1) of this Schedule (violent patient) occur and notice that it will no longer provide services has been given to the Relevant Body;
(ii)where the patient has refused to pay a charge in the circumstances referred to in paragraph 4 of this Schedule (refusal to pay NHS Charges during treatment); or
(iii)where, in the reasonable opinion of the contractor, there has been an irrevocable breakdown in the relationship between the patient and the contractor and notice of such a breakdown has been given to the patient and the Relevant Body;
(b)the patient; or
(c)a person specified in paragraph 1(2) acting on the patient’s behalf.
(6) If a contractor is unable to complete the course of the treatment which has been commenced for reasons beyond its control, it shall give notice to the Relevant Body of the extent of the treatment so provided and the reason for his inability to complete the remainder.