The NHS Commissioning Board (NHSCB) has confirmed that all 46 CCGs in the fourth and final wave have now applied to be authorised. This means all 211 have now applied to become statutory organisations.
Fears had emerged that some organisations may not apply in time to be authorised by April 2013, after five CCGs deferred their applications in September.
NHSCB national director for commissioning development Dame Barbara Hakin said: ‘The submission of applications for all 211 CCGs marks a real milestone in the work to establish a clinically-led commissioning system in England. In all four waves, every single CCG submitted its evidence on time and this reflects the hard work and dedication CCG leaders have shown throughout the authorisation process.’
Final authorisation decisions for the 35 CCGs in the first wave are due to be made by the NHSCB on 5 December.
There are three authorisation outcomes for CCGs. The first is 'authorised', the second is 'authorised with conditions' and the third is 'established but not authorised'.
Shadow CCGs which are 'established but not authorised' will have the same legal status as CCGs authorised with conditions and are still statutory bodies. But the NHSCB could carry out these CCGs’ duties or arrange support from neighbouring CCGs.
