Overview

This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to extend its provisions to private healthcare companies and organizations bidding for NHS contracts. This means these private entities will be subject to greater transparency regarding their dealings with the NHS.

Description

The bill modifies the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to include private healthcare companies and those bidding for NHS contracts within its scope. This includes:

• Inclusion of Private Entities: Defines "private healthcare company" and "body seeking health service contracts" to encompass those providing, having provided, or bidding to provide NHS services.
• Scope of Information: Limits the application of the Act to information relating to contracts or bids, matters affecting service provision, and contract performance.
• Publication Requirements: Mandates that these private entities include in their publication schemes details of any relevant penalties (imposed within the last 5 years by contracts, courts, or regulatory bodies) relating to healthcare service provision on the company, its subsidiaries, parent companies, partners, and employees/directors.
• Definition of "NHS Body": Clearly defines what constitutes an "NHS body" for the purpose of this amendment, including Special Health Authorities, NHS trusts, NHS foundation trusts, Local Health Boards, the National Health Service Commissioning Board, and clinical commissioning groups.
• Geographical Scope: The Act applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to directly increase or decrease government spending. The cost of implementing and enforcing the increased transparency requirements on private healthcare companies would need further assessment.

Groups Affected

The following groups will be affected:

• Private Healthcare Companies: Subject to increased transparency regarding their contracts and performance with the NHS.
• Organizations Bidding for NHS Contracts: Transparency requirements extend to their bids and dealings with NHS bodies.
• The Public: Increased access to information regarding private healthcare provision within the NHS system.
• NHS Bodies: Will have greater oversight and transparency of their contracts with private healthcare providers.

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