Overview

This bill, initially titled the Healthcare (International Arrangements) Bill, was amended to become the Healthcare (European Economic Area and Switzerland Arrangements) Bill. It focuses on regulating healthcare arrangements specifically with the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, post-Brexit. The amendments clarify the scope of the bill, ensure proper consultation with devolved governments, and establish reporting requirements for government spending on these arrangements.

Description

The amendments primarily narrow the bill's geographical scope from "outside the United Kingdom" to specifically include only the EEA and Switzerland. Key changes include:

• Scope Limitation: The bill's application is restricted to the EEA and Switzerland.
• Function Conferral: Regulations under the bill cannot confer functions on non-public authorities.
• Time Limit: Regulations related to reciprocal healthcare agreements are limited to five years post-Brexit ("exit day").
• Devolved Government Consultation: Mandatory consultation with devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) is required before implementing regulations within their legislative competence.
• Transparency and Reporting: The Secretary of State must report annually to Parliament on payments made under the Act.
• Secondary Legislation: Amendments clarify the power to make regulations, restricting it to matters that do not involve changing primary legislation.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it mandates annual reports to Parliament detailing payments made under the Act's provisions. This ensures transparency on the costs associated with healthcare arrangements with the EEA and Switzerland.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: May experience changes to accessing healthcare services in the EEA and Switzerland.
• EEA and Swiss Citizens: May experience changes to accessing healthcare services in the UK.
• Healthcare Providers: May be affected by new regulations governing cross-border healthcare interactions.
• Devolved Governments: Will be consulted on regulations impacting their legislative competence.
• Parliament: Will receive annual reports on government spending relating to the bill.

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