ANNEX A: OUTLINE OF THE EXISTING LAW Existing legislation about the NHS The Health Act 1999 Quality
388.Section 18 of the Health Act imposes a “duty of quality” on Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and NHS trusts. Sections 19 to 24 provide for the establishment and operation of a new independent statutory body known as the Commission for Health Improvement, which is responsible for monitoring the quality of care for which NHS bodies have responsibility. The Commission is able to conduct a variety of reviews and investigations (section 20(1)).