Overview

This bill aims to ensure equal access to NHS fertility services across England. It mandates national standards for eligibility, treatment types, and treatment numbers, standardizes pricing, and empowers the Secretary of State to direct NICE and NHS Improvement to ensure equitable access and provision.

Description

The Access to Fertility Services Bill establishes a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure equal access to NHS fertility services in England. This will be achieved through:

National Standards and Eligibility:

The bill requires the creation of regulations setting national standards for fertility treatment eligibility, types of treatment offered, and the number of treatment cycles available. These regulations must align with NICE guidelines (CG156 and QS73) and cannot use non-clinical factors in eligibility criteria.

National Tariff:

The bill brings the pricing of NHS fertility services under the national tariff system established by the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Powers of the Secretary of State:

The Secretary of State can issue directions to NICE and NHS Improvement if their actions are perceived to hinder equitable access or provision of fertility services. The Secretary of State can intervene if these directions are not followed.

Timeframe and Implementation:

Regulations under sections 2 and 3 must be implemented within 18 months of the Act's passage. All statutory instruments require parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill is likely to increase government spending on NHS fertility services. Exact figures are not provided in the bill but would depend on the details of the regulations regarding eligibility, treatment types, and number of cycles provided. The national tariff system should aid in cost control.

Groups Affected

• Women seeking NHS fertility treatment: Potentially benefit from improved and more equitable access across England.
• NHS Trusts providing fertility services: Will need to adapt to national standards and pricing.
• NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence): Subject to potential direction from the Secretary of State regarding its guidelines and recommendations.
• NHS Improvement: Subject to potential direction from the Secretary of State regarding service provision and monitoring.
• UK Government: Will incur increased spending on fertility services; the amount depending on the specifics of implementation.

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