Explanatory Notes

Health Act 2006

2006 CHAPTER 28

19 July 2006

Summary and Background

4.The Act makes a number of changes intended to protect the health of the public and to improve the running of the NHS. The Act covers smoke-free public places and workplaces; power to amend the minimum age of sale of tobacco; prevention and control of health care associated infections; management of controlled drugs in the NHS; provision of pharmacy and ophthalmic services; countering NHS fraud; and replacing the NHS Appointments Commission with a new body with a wider role. In addition the Act contains changes relating to administration of the Social Care Bursary scheme; the audit of special health authorities; injury cost recovery in the NHS; the transfer of the criminal liabilities of NHS bodies; and provisions to remove out-of-date references to Welsh health authorities.