Commentary on Sections Authorisation Section 4: Applications by NHS trusts
55.This section allows NHS trusts to make applications to become NHS foundation trusts. They may only do so with the support of the Secretary of State. The section sets out the minimum information which must be included in an application by an NHS trust for NHS foundation trust status. In addition, once an application to be an NHS foundation trust has been made, subsection (4) gives an NHS trust that has made an application the shadow powers necessary to prepare for authorisation to be an NHS foundation trust.