Health and Social Care Legislation
Regulations governing the NHS, healthcare provision, social care services, public health measures, and medical standards.
The Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) (Relevant Public Authorities and Designated Senior Officers) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, specifying which public authorities can access communications data and for what reasons.
The changes add several new authorities, like the Department for Business and Trade and the Security Industry Authority, while others, such as some ambulance services, lose this power.
The amendments also fine-tune access for existing authorities, such as the Department for Transport, by limiting access depending on the specific agency within the department.
These alterations are intended to improve the targeting of investigations while maintaining safeguards against misuse.
The Health and Care Act 2022 (Commencement No. 10 and Transitional and Saving Provision) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective July 7th, 2025, bring into force section 95 of the Health and Care Act 2022, establishing updated information standards in the health and social care sector.
They also include transitional provisions to ensure a smooth transition from existing standards under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, preventing disruption to ongoing processes.
The regulations apply to England and Wales.
The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025
These regulations mandate personal and building emergency evacuation plans for high-rise residential buildings in England.
They require responsible persons to identify residents with disabilities affecting evacuation, conduct person-centred fire risk assessments, implement mitigating measures, and create evacuation plans, also sharing information with local fire and rescue authorities.
The regulations include provisions for regular reviews and emphasize data protection compliance.
The Tuberculosis in Animals (England) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Tuberculosis in Animals (England) (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2021 Order to clarify the power to slaughter animals infected with tuberculosis, remove outdated references to the European Union Common Agricultural Policy, and broaden the Secretary of State's authority to publish information aiding tuberculosis prevention.
The amendment also adds several parishes to Schedule 3, expanding the specified areas covered under the order.
It comes into force on July 15, 2025 and covers England and Wales.
The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts and Personal Medical Services Agreements) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2015 National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) and (Personal Medical Services Agreements) Regulations.
Key changes mandate contractor approval for out-of-area patient registration, mandatory GP Connect functionality for electronic patient record access, links to patient guidance on practice websites, patient safety event recording, updated requirements for practice contact methods, and clarified procedures for removing violent patients and those with unknown addresses.
Changes also simplify processes concerning partnership changes.
These regulations apply to England and Wales and became effective primarily on July 21, 2025, with certain provisions starting on October 1, 2025.
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (Commencement No. 7) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective June 25, 2025, implement several sections of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.
Key provisions include allowing victims of certain crimes to submit impact statements at mental health tribunals and appointing a standing advocate for victims of major incidents.
The regulations also clarify information-sharing practices and data protection concerns related to these processes.
These provisions represent the seventh set of commencement regulations under the 2024 Act.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
These regulations, issued under the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, bring into effect sections 3 and 5 of that Act on June 23, 2025.
This specifically mandates water and sewerage undertakers in England to create and publish annual pollution reduction plans, and incorporate nature-based solutions into their drainage and sewerage management plans.
The regulations include enforcement measures for non-compliance.
The Branded Health Service Medicines (Costs) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Branded Health Service Medicines (Costs) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 modify the 2018 regulations governing payments from manufacturers and suppliers of branded medicines.
Key changes include altering payment percentages for different periods and updating auditing requirements for presentation reports, allowing an alternative 'agreed upon' procedure instead of a full audit.
The amendments aim to improve efficiency, ensure fair payment, and streamline administrative processes.