Patient Choice
Section 75 of the 2012 Act provided for regulations to be made in relation to patient choice. Section 75 also covers procurement and is being repealed as part of this Act, which means the regulations covering patient choice would also be revoked. However, so that patients’ rights to choice will continue to be protected, the Act will add similar powers including those relating to guidance and enforcement to the NHS Act 2006. The power to make guidance and powers in relation to the enforcement of patient choice will be held by NHS England, following the planned merger with Monitor, under this Act. NHS England will have powers to resolve any breaches of patient choice.
	There are a wide range of choices that people should expect to be offered in the NHS services they use; for example, choosing a GP and GP practice and choosing where to go for an appointment as an outpatient (with some exceptions). The Act will allow for these, and other aspects of patient choice, to be preserved through regulations made under new powers.
	The intention is to preserve the existing requirements for patient choice, which are a tool for improving waiting times and people’s experience of care.