Last Updated on Friday, 26 May 2006

Please note the following GPC guidance’s have a BMA copyright. The content, layout, design, data and graphics contained in this document are protected by UK and international copyright laws. You are not permitted to adapt, alter or create a derivative work from any of the material contained in the document or to use any of the material for any purpose other than for your personal non-commercial use.

GPC Guidance - Practice Based Commissioning: The Commissioning Plan and an Agreement with the PCT 2

RCGP/GPC Pandemic Flu – Interim Guidance. 2

GPC Guidance - Personal Administration Fee. 2

GPC Guidance - Practice Based Commissioning: Consortium Working 3

GPC Guidance - PMS practices and APMS GPs. 3

GPC Guidance - Implementing the IM&T Des: Data Accreditation 3

GPC Guidance - Practice Based Commissioning: Division of Freed Up Resources 3

GPC Guidance - Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS) 3

GPC Guidance - Focus on the Towards Practice Based Commissioning 4

GPC Guidance on QoF - Feb 06. 4

GPC Guidance on Partnership Agreements – Feb 2006. 4

Important Notice for Dispensing GPs in England & Wales. 4

Allergy recording in GP Clinical Systems – Jan 2006. 4

GPC Guidance for GPs - Focus on Agenda for Change and Practice Staff 4

Patients presenting with Dental Problems: GP Responsibilities. 4

Guidance for Medical Practitioners Summoned for Jury Service(Nov 05) 5

New GMS Contract – Additional Funding for General Practice IT (England) 5

GPC - Hepatitis B Immunisation for employees at risk - Guidance for GPs 5

GPC Guidance for GPs’ Accountants. 5

GPC Freedom of Information Act 2000. 5

GPC Guidance - Medical Certificates and Reports - The new GMS and PMS Contracts 5

GPC Focus on …... 6

GPC Guidance - Practice Based Commissioning: The Commissioning Plan and an Agreement with the PCT

This document is the second in a new series of guidance notes from the GPC on PBC.

For the most part, the series is aimed at practices who intend to take on a level of commissioning activity wider than the scope of the ‘Towards practice based commissioning’ Directed Enhanced Service (TPBC DES). Despite this, a large part of the guidance will still be relevant to practices undertaking the DES. Local Copy as PDF

RCGP/GPC Pandemic Flu – Interim Guidance

Infection control for general medical practices - May 2006

The joint Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)/General Practitioners Committee (GPC) Emergency Planning Group have produced a practical guide on infection control to help GP practices plan for and respond to the threat of pandemic flu. The guide is designed to help practices carry out their dual responsibility to provide good clinical care for patients and ensure that the risks to staff are minimised during the added and extreme pressures of a flu pandemic. It is divided into 12 sections which provides advice and recommendations on:

• general work procedures

• use of personal protective equipment such as surgical face masks and eye protection

• scenario planning

• treatment of patients in environments other than the GP surgery

• how practices can estimate weekly usage of medical supplies. – Local PDF Copy posted 24 May

GPC Guidance - Personal Administration Fee

Some of you may be aware that the Personal Administration Fee has now altered under the Statement of Financial Entitlements 2006. The GPC has produced a brief description of the changes for non-dispensing practice, also “A Focus On” document will be published in due course outlining the changes to Dispensing Practices of the recent negotiations.

Local PDF Copy – posted 8 May 06

GPC Guidance - Practice Based Commissioning: Consortium Working

This document is the first in a new series of guidance notes from the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) on practice based commissioning (PBC). For the most part, the series is aimed at practices who intend to take on a level of commissioning activity wider than the scope of the ‘Towards practice based commissioning’ Directed Enhanced Service (TPBC DES). Despite this, a large part of the guidance will still be relevant to practices undertaking the DES. Local PDF Copy– 28 Apr 06

GPC Guidance - PMS practices and APMS GPs

Information for PMS practices and APMS GPs following publication of Department of Health guidance on non-GMS contracting arrangements for 2006/07 – England only.

This GPC guidance note seeks to provide PMS practices and GPs holding APMS contracts for essential services and LMCs with information in light of the Department of Health guidance. Note that although the Department of Health guidance does not apply to PCT Medical Services (PCTMS), there may be implications for these practices. Where applicable, these are set out in this GPC guidance.

Local PDF Copy– 28 Apr 06

GPC Guidance - Implementing the IM&T Des: Data Accreditation

As part of the agreed changes to the GMS contract for April 2006, a directed enhanced service (DES) was developed to facilitate the use of information management and technology (IM&T) to support the delivery of the National Programme for IT. The specification for this DES can be found in Revisions to the GMS contract 2006/07: delivering investment in general practice which is on the BMA and NHS Employers websites. Practices and PCTs will need to familiarise themselves with the specification before reading this guidance note.

A key objective of this DES is to support practices to achieve accredited data quality standards that are fit for sharing in the NHS Care Records Service. This guidance provides PCTs and practices with further information about the data accreditation process. Additional technical guidance will be published by the end of summer 2006. Local PDF Copy– 28 Apr 06

GPC Guidance - Practice Based Commissioning: Division of Freed Up Resources

The incentive to free up resources from the indicative budget with practice/consortium-level control on how funding is reinvested in patient services is a key driver for practice engagement in practice based commissioning (PBC).

In its current guidance ‘Practice based commissioning: achieving universal coverage’ (January 2006), the Department of Health recommends that practices are able to access and redirect at least 70% of freed up resources, with the remaining percentage to go to PCTs to meet needs across the PCT area (paragraph 47). There has been some confusion however over the interpretation of paragraph 48 which states that ‘…as a last resort, these resources may be used to cover PCT overspends’ and whether ‘these resources’ refers to 100% of freed up resources, or just the PCT’s share. Local PDF Copy– 28 Apr 06

GPC Guidance - Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS)

The government is currently initiating far-reaching reform of health services organisation and delivery. Its reforms are based on a philosophy of diversification of health care providers, patient choice and competition and include initiatives in primary care such as practice based commissioning, choose and book and Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS).

APMS in particular has the potential to alter radically the face of primary care in the UK. The extent to which this will happen and the direction of any change following the introduction of APMS remain uncertain. While there are many legitimate concerns about APMS, this method of contracting, if fairly implemented, does offer GPs the potential to further shape primary healthcare provision. Local PDF Copy– 28 Apr 06

GPC Guidance - Focus on the Towards Practice Based Commissioning

Focus on the Towards Practice Based Commissioning

Directed Enhanced Service (England only) February 2006 - Local PDF Copy

GPC Guidance on QoF - Feb 06

GPC Focus on the Quality and Outcomes Framework 2006 - What Has Changed

QoF Points - Removal, Redistribution, Assignment - Appendix 1

Changes to the text of Existing Indicators - Appendix 2

GPC Guidance on Partnership Agreements – Feb 2006

Please note it is not part of the BMA service to provide commercial/management advice to practices or GPs. This guidance is for general use only and mainly concentrates on how partnerships should be considered in the light of any GMS/PMS/APMS contract/agreement together with the basic elements of partnership law. Practices/GPs are strongly urged to seek the specialist advice of accountants and independent lawyers in their relevant country in relation to the more detailed aspects of their partnership agreements, including drafting and the application of tax and accounting. This is especially important where advice is required on whether the arrangement is appropriate to an individual GP or practice’s needs. Local Copy

Important Notice for Dispensing GPs in England & Wales

Following changes in Department of Health funding, effective from 1 April 2006, dispensing doctors who wish to recover VAT incurred on the drugs they dispense will need to register for VAT. This decision has been imposed by the Department of Health & Welsh Assembly Government.

Information on how to register for VAT is now available on the Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website at the link below.

This Information provides:

· Advice about how doctors can register for VAT.

· Information about the VAT treatment of the goods and services they provide.

· Advice about how much VAT can be recovered on purchases.

We would encourage all dispensing practices in England & Wales to visit the HMRC website as soon as possible and follow the advice to register for VAT. http://tinyurl.com/8yvhe

This information applies to dispensing GPs only operating under GMS or PMS contractual arrangements.

Please note that the BMA does not provide specialist advice on VAT; practices should seek the advice of their accountants.

General Practitioners Committee - 3 February 2006

Allergy recording in GP Clinical Systems – Jan 2006

Introduction - In September we published an advice note regarding the handling of allergies in preparation for the electronic transfer of GP records. This guidance supersedes and formalises that advice. It has been developed after further discussion and consultation with the GP2GP team, users groups, suppliers and the GPC’s legal advisor - Local Copy

GPC Guidance for GPs - Focus on Agenda for Change and Practice Staff

Local PDF Copy also see… http://www.nhsemployers.org/pay-conditions/agenda-for-change.cfm

Patients presenting with Dental Problems: GP Responsibilities

Introduction: This guidance has been amended (superseding 1998 guidance) to take account of the changes in The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2004. It informs primary medical service contractors of their obligations in respect of patients either requesting emergency dental treatment or asking for an NHS prescription for drugs recommended by private or NHS dentists. Local PDF Copy

Guidance for Medical Practitioners Summoned for Jury Service(Nov 05)

Local PDF Copy

New GMS Contract – Additional Funding for General Practice IT (England)

Gateway Ref: 2159 - Local PDF Copy

GPC - Hepatitis B Immunisation for employees at risk - Guidance for GPs

The GPC receives many enquiries about administering Hepatitis B, particularly for occupational health purposes. We recognise that requests for immunisation against Hepatitis B do present considerable difficulties for practices. This guidance summarises our legal advice on the interpretation of the GMS, PMS and APMS Regulations and directions – August 2005 – Local Copy

GPC Guidance for GPs’ Accountants

This guidance has been prepared on behalf of the BMA’s Pensions Department and General Practitioners Committee by Kingston Smith Chartered Accountants in response to common queries received from GPs and their accountants on the new arrangements for assessing GP pensionable earnings – Local Copy

GPC Freedom of Information Act 2000

Frequently Asked Questions – Updated August 2005 Local Copy

GPC Guidance - Medical Certificates and Reports - The new GMS and PMS Contracts

This GPC receives many queries from GPs and LMCs with regard to their obligations or otherwise in relation to issuing medical reports and certificates. - Local PDF Copy

GPC Focus on …

(43) GPC Guidance - Focus on Community Hospital GPs: Interim Guidance – PDF – Feb 2005

(42) GPC Guidance - Focus on Quality Achievement Payments – PDF– Feb 2005

(41) GPC Guidance - Focus on QMAS Final – PDF – Sept 2004

(40) GPC Guidance - Focus on Pensions: An Overview – PDF – Sept 2004

(39) GPC Guidance - Focus on Pensions: Dynamising Factor – PDF – Sept 2004

(38) GPC Guidance - Focus on Pensions: Pension Flexibilities – PDF – Sept 2004

(37) GPC Guidance - Focus on Pensions: Superannuation Contributions - 2nd Update – PDF – Sept 2004

(36) GPC Guidance - Focus on Postgraduate Education after the Postgraduate Education Allowance – PDF - July 2004

(35) GPC Guidance - Focus on Superannuation Contributions – PDF - July 2004

(34) GPC Guidance - Focus on Out Of Hours – PDF - June 2004

(33) GPC Guidance - Focus on Sale of Goodwill – PDF - June 2004

(32) GPC Guidance - Focus on Cash to Accruals Conversion Factor – PDF - June 2004

(31) GPC Guidance - Focus on Salaried GPs – PDF - June 2004

(30) GPC Guidance - Focus on Private Practice – PDF - June 2004

(29) GPC Guidance - Focus on Review of the Quality & Outcomes Framework – PDF - May 2004

(28) GPC Guidance - Focus on Payments for Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations 2004/05 – PDF - May 2004

(27) GPC Guidance - Focus on Vaccinations & Immunisations – PDF - April 2004

(26) GPC Guidance - Focus on funding for Information Management & Technology - 3rd Ver- PDF – (Apr 04)

(25) GPC Guidance - Focus on Patient Registration - PDF – (Apr 04)

(24) GPC Guidance - Focus on Exception Reporting - PDF – (Mar 04)

(23) GPC Guidance - Focus on the Quality & Outcomes Framework - Update - PDF – (Mar 04)

(22) GPC Guidance - Focus on Patient Registration - PDF – (Mar 04)

(21) GPC Guidance - Focus on Postgraduate Education - PDF – (Mar 04)

(20) GPC Guidance - Focus on the Financial Monitoring of Enhanced Services - PDF – (Mar 04)

(19) GPC Guidance - Focus on Standard & Default Contracts - PDF – (Mar 04)

(18) GPC Guidance - Focus on The Role of LMCs (Updated) - PDF – (Feb 04)

(17) GPC Guidance - Focus on Practice Staff Under The New Contract - PDF – (Feb 04)

(16) GPC Guidance - Focus on how to Access Information - PDF – (Feb 04)

(15) GPC Guidance - Focus on GMS Indicative Contractor Budgets - PDF – (Feb 04)

(14) GPC Guidance - Focus on Choice of Nationally Accredited Systems - PDF– (Feb 04)

(13) GPC Guidance - Focus on Enhanced Services – PDF (Updated Jan 04)

(12) GPC Guidance - Focus on Health Service Body Status - PDF– (Jan 04)

(11) GPC Guidance - Focus on Personal Medical Services - PDF– (Jan 04)

(10) GPC Guidance - Focus on Preparing for Implementation PDF– (Jan 04)

(9) GPC Guidance - Focus on Practice Premises PDF– (Jan 04)

(8) GPC Guidance - Focus on Quality Payments – PDF – (Oct 03)

(7) GPC Guidance - Focus on The Role of LMCs – PDF – (Oct 03)

(6) GPC Guidance - Focus on Funding New GMS Contract - HTML - PDF (Oct 03)

(5) GPC Guidance - Focus on Funding for IM&T – PDF (Sept 03)

(4) GPC Guidance - Focus on The Quality & Outcomes Framework – PDF (Sept 03)

(3) GPC Guidance - Focus on Nature of Contract & Partnerships – PDF (Sept 03)

(2) GPC Guidance - Focus on Out Of Hours – PDF (Aug 03)

(1) GPC Guidance - Focus on Enhanced Services – PDF (July 2003)

These Focus on Guidance’s can also be found at - http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/__HubGMScontractguidance

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Last Updated on Friday, 26 May 2006
By John Baker Email: jb@devonlmc.org

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