Is there a requirement under regulations to prescribe and administer Hepatitis B vaccination for occupational health purposes?
It could be argued that there may be an obligation under paragraph 15 of the new GMS Regulations to provide Hepatitis B to patients. Paragraph 15(3) of the GMS regulations requires GPs to manage their patients and paragraph 15(4) defines management as: • Offering consultation and, where appropriate, physical examination for the purpose of identifying the need, if any, for treatment or for further investigation; and • The making of such treatment or further investigation as is necessary and appropriate, including the referral of the patient for other services under the Act and liaison with other health care professionals involved in the patients treatment and care. This definition also applies to PMS and APMS. Firstly it is the employers duty under Health and Safety Legislation to assess whether the provision of Hepatitis B is necessary, therefore a doctor does not have a duty under paragraph 15 4(a) to conduct an examination to determine whether the vaccination is required. Secondly, i
