Commentary on Sections Section 4 - Duty to establish bodies for local areas
Inserts new sections 15B and 15C into the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act. The former places a duty on the Department to make regulations to establish bodies (Area Integrated Partnership Boards) for local areas. Each Board is to exercise such functions relating to the matters detailed as may be prescribed and must exercise those functions with the aim of improving the health and social well–being of the people in its area and reducing health inequalities as described in the provision. New section 15C gives the Department to power to issue directions and guidance to such Boards.
No regulations can be made by the Department in respect of such Boards unless the draft regulations have been laid before and approved by the Assembly.