The Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Commencement No. 12) Order 2026

The Order states that its purpose is to bring section 208 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 into force, in so far as it is not already in operation.

The document notes that section 208 amends the National Health Service Act 2006 to enable the NHS Commissioning Board (NHS England) to maintain lists of performers of local pharmaceutical services.

The explanatory note asserts that no separate impact assessment was produced because the Order itself has no direct impact on the private sector or civil society, though the underlying Act was subject to a full assessment.

Legal scholars might note that the 14-year delay between the passing of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the commencement of this specific section creates long-term regulatory uncertainty regarding pharmaceutical service listings.

Impact on pharmacy workers could be cited as a concern if the new listing requirements increase administrative burdens for those assisting pharmaceutical contractors.

Critics might question the clarity of the legal framework given that section 208 of the 2012 Act is commenced in relation to the 2006 Act, which has itself undergone numerous subsequent amendments.