Explanatory note

This Order brings into force further provisions of the Health Act 1999.

Provisions which are brought into force on 1st November 1999 in relation only to England relate to the duty of quality, payments by NHS bodies to local authorities, evasion of charges, and the Health Service Commissioners. Provisions which are brought into force on 1st November 1999 in relation to England and Wales relate to the Commission for Health Improvement. Section 25 (abolition of the Clinical Standards Advisory Group) and related provisions are brought into force on that date in relation to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Sections 18 (duty of quality) and 20 (functions of the Commission for Health Improvement), in so far as they relate to Primary Care Trusts, and section 21 (arrangements between the Commission for Health Improvement and the Audit Commission) are brought into force in relation to England on 4th January 2000.

Provisions which are brought into force on 1st April 2000 in relation to England and Wales relate to high security psychiatric services. Provisions which are brought into force on that date in relation only to England relate to indemnity cover for services provided under Part II of the National Health Service Act 1977, and partnership between NHS bodies and local authorities (including plans for improving health, payments or arrangements between NHS bodies and local authorities, and the repeal of provisions relating to Joint Consultative Committees).