Published on: 2nd August 2010
In August Monitor launched a consultation on adopting the new version of the Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition (PRCC) for NHS foundation trusts.
This consultation closed on 27 August 2010.
During the consultation we welcomed views from NHS foundation trusts and others on the changes to the PRCC.
The PRCC set out the rules that commissioners and providers of NHS services are expected to follow to ensure cooperation and competition.
NHS foundation trusts are required by Monitor to follow the PRCC, and to take such action as may be required by Monitor, advised by the Cooperation and Competition Panel (CCP), to address a breach of the PRCC .
The Department of Health undertook a review of the PRCC in late 2009 and issued a revised version in March 2010. The Department of Health conducted a further review of the PRCC in July 2010 to ensure consistency with the White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS. This includes a new commitment that patients should have a choice of any willing provider wherever relevant and this is now reflected in Principle 5.
New Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition
Following our recent consultation, and review of responses, the new Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition (PRCC) will apply to NHS foundation trusts from 1 October 2010.
A copy of the new PRCC can be found on the Cooperation and Competition Panel’s website, here.