The Statement of Financial Entitlements (Amendment) Directions 2009 has been published, enabling the introduction of payment mechanisms for the new five clinical directed enhanced services including the alcohol DES (see section 7H). It says:
Direction 3(1)(b) of the Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2008(a) ..... requires each PCT to establish (if it had not already done so), operate and, as appropriate, revise an Alcohol Related Risk Reduction Scheme for its area. ....... As part of its Alcohol Related Risk Reduction Scheme, a PCT must offer to each contractor in its area the opportunity to enter into arrangements in respect of the period up to and including 31st March 2010, thereby affording the contractor a reasonable opportunity to participate in the Scheme during that period. However, before entering into any such arrangements, the PCT must satisfy itself of the matters set out in direction 3(2)(a) and (b) of the DES Directions [basically the contractor needs to be equipped ie trained to do it properly].
I confess it's the first time I've heard the DES called the 'Alcohol Related Risk Reduction Scheme' but never mind. The bottom line seems to be that GPs will be submitting their bills for screening newly registered patients (at £2.33 a pop) after March 31st.
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