Market Entry
Published on: 20th May 2024 | Updated on: 27th September 2024
Market Entry Update:
6th September 2024:
Market Entry Applications Regulation Changes – comes into effect 1 October 2024
Regulations have been laid which come into effect from 1 October 2024 to ease the market entry application process.
Applications to open new pharmacies usually involve two parallel, related applications, the market entry application, for example, to establish a new NHS pharmacy, and a related fitness information application, to ensure that the new owner of the pharmacy (corporate or individual/partnership of pharmacist(s)) is a fit and proper person to own an NHS pharmacy. In many cases, fitness information is required from existing contractors.
The requirement for references (from referees nominated by the applicant) will no longer be required. References were considered to be of limited value and obtaining them often resulted in delays to the whole application process. This change should make this part of the process less onerous for applicants and help to reduce delays with market entry applications.
NHSE has determined that the same principles apply to notifications of changes of director and/or superintendent.
These changes apply to new and existing applications. However, with an existing application, if the ICB has relevant information that suggests a reference should be sought, it may do so.
Market Entry Applications
More information about delays with applications
Briefing – guidance for applicants – to seek to avoid delays
For more information on this topic please email comms.team@cpe.org.uk
