Background
The Government wishes to create a climate of openness and transparency around the NHS. To that end it is requiring all NHS contractors to divulge certain information about their dealings with the NHS, on request. This requirement covers a variety of contractors, not just optometrists and opticians.
Contractors are required to have a registered Publication Scheme. This is a document held by a practice or group of practices which lays out what information will be made available to the public.
This note explains how to use the model publication scheme that the optical bodies have registered with the Information Commissioner. A previous scheme, which was written by officials employed by the NHS, proved to be unworkable. It has no status other than being another alternative model scheme and can be safely ignored.
Who has to have a publication scheme?
All GOS contractors who receive GOS payments - that is to say excluding locums paid on a fee per session basis and those who are salaried employees - will have to comply with the Freedom of Information Act. Every practice should have a publication scheme, whether of its own or one covering a group of practices.
If you are an employed and salaried optometrist or engaged as a locum on a fee per session basis, you do not have to have a publication scheme. However you should check with your employer or with the practice that you are covered by their publication scheme.
Note that the legislation now applies to England, Wales and Scotland.
There is a separate scheme for Scottish optometrists (see below).
When does the publication scheme have to be in place?
The scheme had to be in place by October 31 2003.Since that date members of the public have been entitled to ask a practice for its publication scheme.
Do I have to use this publication scheme?
No. The Department of Health has produced an alternative scheme, which we believe to be unworkable. You are free to use this if you so wish. You can create your own publication scheme but you will need to register it with the Information Commissioner.
What do I have to do when I have completed the scheme?
You must register the scheme with the Information Commissioner, using the form provided below. You should keep copies of the scheme in the practice to give to anyone who requests it. You may also publish it on your website - if you have one.
Full guidance on completing the publication scheme is available in pdf format on the right of this page, as are the publication schemes registered and recommended by ABDO, AOP, The College of Optometrists and FODO, and the Declaration Form needed to register your scheme.
