Practical commissioning: your questions answered about influencing clinical commissioning

Q The Health and Social Care Act has passed. What are the next steps for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)?

A Shadow CCGs must progress through authorisation at speed. Most are expected to be authorised as statutory bodies, ready to take on a full commissioning role by 1 April 2013.

First, CCGs must make ensure all local GP organisations are signed up to the CCG constitution and that this constitution fits national guidance. Second, all CCGs must agree a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with an Authorised Commissioning Support Organisation (CSO).

The CSO will provide support in agreed areas such as contracting, monitoring and procurement for an agreed fee per head of the CCGs population. CCGs are allowed total running costs of £25 per head, compared with the £70 plus per head PCTs were allowed. CCGs must make efficiencies wherever possible; this will include collaborative working with other CCGs and partner organisations such as local authorities.