BMA launches CCG constitution guidance
The BMA has launched new guidance to empower GPs to ‘say no' to CCGs they feel are placing unacceptable demands on practices.
The guidance, Clinical Commissioning Group Constitutions, is designed to help CCGs ensure they have effective constitutions in place, including ‘good relationships with member practices and the local profession'.
It says constitutions should include responsibilities of member practices to their CCG, but also clearly outline how practices can hold their CCG to account, and how the CCG should communicate decisions and developments to all GPs in a timely fashion, and remunerate GPs for time dedicated to CCG business.
It also recommends CCGs define what it means to be a member practice, who is eligible for membership, the application process and the process by which membership can be terminated, including appeals processes.
The guidance calls for constitutions to include electoral and appointment processes. It says this should include how remuneration for elected positions will be determined, electoral timetable and processes, who can stand and vote in elections, and how elected officers will be held accountable.
It says: ‘All GPs, regardless of contractual status, should have the opportunity to stand for all elected positions (at board level or below) and vote in elections.'
GPC chair Dr Laurence Buckman said: ‘We are encouraged to hear GPs are having the courage to say no. This document is part of the empowering process. We hope GPs will resist inappropriate pressure.'
