How does PBC affect existing rules on procurement?
Answer Practice based commissioning provides practices with the incentives and opportunities to get involved in the provision of care. Under practice based commissioning, PCTs remain responsible for the decisions and contracting arrangements for new services agreed. They must therefore balance the requirement to follow rules on procurement with the need to foster innovation and avoid an unduly bureaucratic or lengthy process. The following brief guidance has been agreed with the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency. We intend to produce more complete guidance in due course, and are working with the NHS Primary Care Contracting Team to produce this.
