The Act Part 6 – Health Care: Scrutiny and Improvement Section 10C – Health service functions
195.Subsections (1)(a) to (c) require HIS to exercise the functions of supporting, ensuring and monitoring the quality of health care provided by the NHS in Scotland (including quality assurance, and accreditation) the promotion of user involvement in the planning and development of health services by Health Boards, Special Health Boards and the Common Services Agency; and the discharge of those bodies’ functions in a way that encourages equal opportunities. Subsection (2) confers certain functions exercisable by the Scottish Ministers under particular provisions of the 1978 Act on HIS. Subsection (3)(a) provides that HIS must make available to the public information on the availability and quality of health service services which under subsection (3)(b) should be made available in any format that may reasonably be requested. Information provided might include details about the location and types of services available as well as the results of HIS's inspections of services provided under the health service.
196.Subsections (5) to (7) provide a definition for health service functions which HIS may exercise.
197.Subsection (3)(c) requires HIS to provide advice to Scottish Ministers when requested, and subsection (3)(d) allows it to do so at any time even without a request by Scottish Ministers. Subsection (3)(e) requires HIS to provide advice to service users and persons representing carers of such users, local authorities, health boards, special health boards and the Common Services Agency, health service providers or prospective providers, and any other bodies set out in regulations, about any aspect of its functions. For example, HIS might offer advice to service providers on how to meet any standards and outcomes. Subsection (3)(f) provides a power for HIS to publish information arising out of its inspection and other work such as good practice guidance. Subsection (4) allows HIS to charge a reasonable fee for any advice, forms or documents it provides in connection with its obligations under subsection (3)(e).