Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Regulations 2000 (“the principal Regulations”).

Regulations 2 to 6, 7(1) and 8 increase the charges payable under the principal Regulations but regulation 11 provides for the old charges to apply in respect of certain appliances ordered and pre-payment certificates applied for before the coming into force of the Regulations.

Regulation 7 amends regulation 9 of the principal Regulations. It extends the period of a pre-payment certificate for which a refund may be claimed on the death of the holder to the full months unexpired on that death. It extends the period (from one month to 4 months) in respect of which a refund may be claimed when the holder of a 12 month pre-payment certificate becomes entitled to exemption from or remission of prescription charges. It also extends the period for making a claim for a refund and makes provision for acceptance of a claim outside the specified time limits in cases where the Secretary of State is satisfied that the delay was for good cause.