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Covid-19 – legal issues for GP practices
There is no sector that has been unaffected by Covid-19, but general practice has faced its own unique challenges. In this article, Alison Oliver examines some of the legal issues that have arisen for practices during the Covid-19 pandemic and highlights some key points for practices to consider.
10 legal issues arising from COVID-19 for private practitioners
Every sector of the economy in the UK and abroad is facing unprecedented challenges arising out of the current Covid-19 pandemic; the private healthcare sector is no exception. We have considered some of the legal issues that you may be facing in the current climate and how you might be able to respond to them.
Private practice practising privileges – What to do when problems arise
Stephen Hooper and Simon Eastwood give some essential guidance on practising privileges for independent practitioners.
Capacity to consent to dental treatment: Re TE [2020] 5 WLUK 300
The judgment of Mrs Justice Knowles last week illustrates potential difficulties dentists may face if a patient lacks capacity.
How will your PCN work with others?
One of the requirements of the Network Contract DES Specification for 2020/21 is for PCNs to agree how to work with local community services providers, mental health providers and community pharmacy providers.
Coming together under pressure: Network DES 2020
Justin Cumberlege, a partner in the healthcare law firm Hempsons, highlights some key points in the new Primary Care Network direct enhanced services contract
Medico Legal Magazine – Duties of an expert witness: the importance of knowing your limits
Regulatory expert, Stephen Hooper, highlights the importance of remaining objective as an expert witness.
Podcast – The need to know on the Network Contract Direct Enhanced Service (DES)
From the contract specifics, to the key considerations and the legal and practical implications in between, this podcast offers a bitesize overview of what primary care should be mindful of before 31 May 2020.
Newsflash: GOC Guidance
Hempsons' Regulatory and Crime Team have put together a comprehensive summary of the guidance provided by the General Optical Council in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How regulation has been impacted by the current coronavirus pandemic
This article will consider what is being expected of doctors who may not have been working in the NHS before the pandemic, how regulation has been amended to provide for this unprecedented situation, and how a doctor’s fitness to practise may still be investigated.
Network Contract DES Specification 2020 / 2021 – key dates for CCGs
The new Network Contract DES Contract Specification contains important key dates for practices, PCNs and commissioners. Those of particular relevance for CCGs are:
Network Contract DES Specification 2020 / 2021 – what it means for CCGs
Much remains unchanged in the new Network Contract DES Specification, but important changes that CCGs (where commissioning primary care under delegated authority) should be aware of are:
PCN DES spec 2020 – are you ready for 31st May?
The network contract DES specification for PCNs has been published and the first date to be aware of is 31st May. Listen to our podcast here
Revised Network Contract DES – key dates
The network contract DES for 2020/21 contains various key dates of which practices, PCNs and commissioners need to be aware. Key dates for 2020 are summarised here.