Clinical Commissioning Groups: An overview of the authorisation process

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 includes radical reform of the way that health care is commissioned in England. This RCN factual briefing is intended as a user-friendly summary of the authorisation process for CCGs, focusing in particular on the nursing role in the new commissioning landscape. 

The RCN would encourage wider involvement of nurses in the work of CCGs than just the statutory registered nurse seat, however, to make sure that nursing’s skills and knowledge are properly used to improve service design. Nurses should be considered for other roles on the governing body (for example, the Chair and Accountable Officer roles, or as a practice representative), if they have the skills and experience required.

For further information, please email papa.ukintl.dept@rcn.org.uk