Regulations update

25 May 2010

Update on PNAs May 2010

Following the close of the consultation on the draft PNA regulations, final regulations were laid in Parliament on 26 March 2010. They came into force on 24 May 2010 and PCTs will therefore need to ensure any current draft PNA is compliant with these requirements.

Clarification on requirements for PNAs

PCTs are reminded that their first PNAs must meet the requirements of the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2005 as amended by statutory instrument 2010 No 914.  In particular Schedule 3A sets out the minimum requirements for PNAs, although PCTs may include any information they believe to be pertinent in assessing the need for pharmaceutical services in their areas.

The guidance document produced by DH will assist PCTs in understanding the requirements of the Regulations, however PCTs should bear in mind that it is the law that must be applied and not the interpretation set out in the document.  PCTs should also bear in mind that the guidance produced by NHS Employers was produced prior to the laying of the Regulations and was therefore written without knowledge of the regulatory requirements.  When in doubt PCTs should refer to the regulations.

When collecting data for their PNAs PCTs should ensure they capture the information set out in Schedule 3A as a minimum and can adapt the guides in the NHS Employers document accordingly.