House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Clinical Indemnities Reform
07 March 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Maria Caulfield Con Lewes
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Clinical defence organisations plan to introduce a Code of Practice by the end of 2024 to address gaps in clinical negligence cover for private patients.
- The Code of Practice will enhance transparency regarding discretionary indemnity for medical practitioners.
- The Department will assess the effectiveness of the Code of Practice and may pursue additional reforms if necessary.
Issue summary
The statement addresses progress on Recommendation 10 of the Inquiry Report regarding gaps in clinical negligence cover for private patients, particularly focusing on the introduction of a Code of Practice for medical defence organisations.
Action requested
Medical defence organisations propose to implement a sector-led Code of Practice by the end of 2024, aimed at providing greater transparency around discretionary indemnity. The Department will evaluate its implementation and may take further steps to reform the clinical negligence cover system if needed.
Key facts
- Medical defence organisations propose to implement a sector-led Code of Practice by the end of 2024.
- The Code aims to provide more information on how decisions are made to assist healthcare professionals in paying patients compensation.
- There will be an escalation procedure with an independent review for disputed claims assistance decisions.