Health and Social Care Legislation

Regulations governing the NHS, healthcare provision, social care services, public health measures, and medical standards.

The Branded Health Service Medicines (Costs) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Wed 10th Jun 26

These Regulations, made by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, amend the Branded Health Service Medicines (Costs) Regulations 2018, which establishes a scheme requiring manufacturers and suppliers of branded medicines for the National Health Service (NHS) to pay amounts based on net sales income; the amendments update specific payment percentages applicable for periods beginning July 1st, 2026, and for subsequent years across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

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The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Temporary Class Drug) Order 2026

Published: Wed 10th Jun 26

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Temporary Class Drug) Order 2026 exercises powers under the 1971 Act to designate a list of identified synthetic opioid substances, their isomers, salts, and preparations, as drugs subject to temporary control across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, effective from June 11, 2026, while ensuring existing safe custody and misuse regulations immediately apply to them.

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The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Mon 18th May 26

These Regulations amend the 2015 rules governing National Health Service charges for overseas visitors in England by introducing and clarifying exemptions related to specific diseases and the circumstances under which visitors seek treatment.

Specifically, the amendment clarifies that charges must generally be applied if an overseas visitor came to the UK explicitly for the diagnosis or treatment of a condition listed in Schedule 1, unless the travel was state-approved or funded.

Furthermore, the Regulations add Hantavirus disease, including its severe forms, to the list of conditions exempt from visitor charges, ensuring treatment is free for overseas visitors, and mandates that charges made since May 1st, 2026, for this specific disease must not be recovered or must be repaid.

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The Goods Vehicles (Testing, Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

The Veterans (Compensation and Preferential Treatment) Act 2017 provides a legislative basis for affording compensation and preferential treatment to qualifying members of the armed forces, establishing rights related to pensions, awards for injury or disease due to service, and preferential access to certain public services, solidifying the state's commitment to those who have served.

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The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Fri 8th May 26

These Regulations, made by the Secretary of State, amend the 2014 Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations by removing two specific exemptions from the definition of 'regulated activities' concerning the temporary treatment of disease, disorder, or injury provided at sporting grounds, gymnasiums, or during cultural events; consequently, such treatments will become subject to regulation by the Care Quality Commission, while an exception for incidental transport services during these events is retained, with amendments coming into force in phases starting September 2026 and fully by December 2027 across England and Wales.

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The Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) (Amendment) Order 2026

Published: Fri 1st May 26

These Regulations establish the comprehensive contractual framework governing the provision of primary medical services, such as general practitioner (GP) services, under the National Health Service (NHS) in England, detailing requirements for commissioning, contract terms, performance standards, dispute resolution, and termination processes binding upon NHS bodies and primary medical service providers.

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The Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

The Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, made on April 20, 2026, and coming into force on August 12, 2026, amend Schedule 2 of the 2019 EU Exit Regulations to incorporate 'magnesium L-threonate monohydrate' into the list of approved mineral substances for manufacturing food supplements.

These regulations were enacted by the Secretary of State under powers related to exiting the European Union, apply to England for substance use, and extend to England and Wales for procedural purposes, following consultation compliant with EU food law principles.

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The Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) (Relevant Public Authorities) Regulations 2026

These Regulations, made by the Secretary of State under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, amend Schedule 4 of that Act to remove specific ambulance service trusts in England and Northern Ireland from the list of relevant public authorities permitted to obtain communications data, thereby revoking their statutory power to access such data as of May 11, 2026.

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