We have ensured that compliance with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance features in the ‘Standards for Better Health’.
Interventional procedures guidance and technology appraisals from NICE are reflected respectively in core standards C3 and C5 of ‘Standards for Better Health’ published by the Department in July 2004. In addition clinical guidelines and public health guidance is covered by developmental standard D2. The Healthcare Commission published its first assessment of national health service trusts against these standards this year.
The Department issued in 2001 a statutory direction that requires the NHS to provide funding within three months from the date of publication of all NICE technology appraisal guidance regardless of whether it relates to drugs or devices.