Commentary on Sections Part 2 –Standards Chapter 2 - Nhs Health Care: Introductory Section 46: Standards set by Secretary of State
149.Section 46 gives the Secretary of State the power to prepare and publish a statement of standards in relation to the provision of health care by and for English NHS bodies and cross-border Special Health Authorities. It is envisaged that these standards are likely to be informed by Government National Service Frameworks (NSFs)(8), guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)(9) and other relevant sources.
150.Subsection (4) makes it clear that English NHS bodies and cross-border Special Health Authorities should take these standards into account in making arrangements under section 45. Section 54(2) enables the CHAI to advise the Secretary of State or the Assembly of any changes that it considers should be made in relation to these standards.