BMA support services for GP practices
GP employer advisory service
We provide an employer advice service for GP partners, practice managers and medical managers.Interpersonal mediation service for GP partners in dispute
We’re here to support GP partnerships through when disagreements arise between partners. We offer mediation as part of your BMA membership.Primary care networks
BMA services for primary care networks
Running a PCN (primary care network) can be challenging. The BMA has you covered via our range of services, learning, community app, conference and legal services.What is a primary care network?
Primary care networks (PCN) are groups of practices working together to focus local patient care. Find out what you need to know about PCNs.How to create and run a primary care network
Access our resources and advice on what you need to establish a PCN. Including our handbook, where to start, data sharing, tax guidance, funding and workforce.Primary care network funding
Information on the amended DES (directed enhanced service), the additional roles reimbursement scheme, the investment and impact fund and financial entitlements for PCNs.Funding and contracts
Global sum allocation formula
We remind GP practices how funding for GMS practices is calculated using the Carr-Hill formula, and what is taken into account.GMS contract and PMS agreement differences
To help GP practices make an informed decision, we set out the similarities and differences that exist between a contractors’ obligations whether they hold a GMS contract or PMS agreement.Minimum practice income guarantee (MPIG) phase out
This page explains what MPIG is, how it is being phased out and what practices should be doing. The BMA is on hand if you have any concerns.Quality and outcomes framework (QOF)
QOF is a voluntary annual reward and incentive programme for GP practices in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find the latest frameworks for 2020/21.Locum GP cover for parental and sickness leave
GP practices can recoup locum costs incurred when GPs are on parental or sickness leave. This guidance outlines the schemes that allow practices to access funding easily.Trading in goodwill
This guidance is to help GPs and local medical committees (LMCs) with decisions relating to trading in goodwill and to better understand the sale of goodwill regulations.Vaccinations
Vaccinations fees and arrangements
Vaccinations and immunisations guidance for GP practices, including new charges and changes to programmes.Hepatitis B vaccinations
Our guide for GPs clarifies where practices can charge, in three areas: travel, occupational health and for medical/lifestyle reasons.Travel vaccinations
Advice for GPs and LMCs on the regulations for travel immunisations – some must always be given with no fee, some cannot, and some can be given as either an NHS or private service.Prescribing
Prescribing in general practice
This guidance covers the most asked questions around prescribing in primary care and informs GPs of the BMA general practice committee’s policies in prescribing.Principles for dispensing doctors and community pharmacists
We signpost you to guides and principles to follow when dispensing medications.Prescribing over-the-counter medicines
NHS England published revised commissioning guidance on reducing prescribing of over-the-counter medicines. Read what conditions are included, what prescribers need to do and if you are in breach of the contract.Anticipatory prescribing for end-of-life care
Anticipatory prescribing and ‘just in case’ boxes are an important part of end-of-life care. This guidance is designed to help GPs prescribe, use best practice, and consider potential issues.The falsified medicines directive
The EU-wide falsified medicines directive means all medicines have a unique code that must be tracked, verified and decommissioned when dispensed to a patient. Read about the impact on GP practices.Patient group and patient specific directions
This guidance is for GP practices to check the situations in which you should use a patient group direction. Get examples and definitions of when you should use a patient group or patient specific direction to administer prescription only medicines.Prescription direction to certain pharmacies
'Prescription direction' is when a patient is directed to a certain pharmacy for their prescription. Read our best practice guide on what to avoid when directing to pharmacies.NHS electronic prescription service
The NHS EPS allows you to send prescriptions to a pharmacy of the patient's choice. Read about the benefits, issuing paper tokens and making a nomination.Managing workload
Pushing back on workload from secondary care
The NHS standard contract 2017-19 has put requirements on hospitals to shift workload onto GP practices. We provide guidance on this and letters you can use if you need to take action.Prescribing over-the-counter medicines in nurseries and schools
GPs are often asked to prescribe over-the-counter medication to satisfy nurseries and schools. This is a misuse of GP time, and is not necessary.Pushing back on inappropriate workload
We've created letter templates to help GP practices push back on inappropriate workload from CCGs, prescribers, hospitals and your area team.Controlling workload in general practice strategy
Workload is, arguably, the most important factor in managing working conditions for GPs nationally. We've proposed a workload control strategy to address the factors involved.Managing your practice list
Removing patients from your practice list
Both practices and patients have the right to end a patient-doctor relationship that isn't working. We outline the reasons and procedures for removing a patient from a GP list.Removing violent patients and the special allocation scheme
GP practices may find themselves in a situation where they are faced by a violent or aggressive patient. In such cases the patient can be immediately removed from the practice list, and the special allocation scheme can provide GP services in a secure environment.Out-of-area GP registrations and patient choice
GP practices can register patients who live outside their practice area, with home visit services provided separately. Our guidance explains the regulations, registration process and key concerns.Closing your patient list in Scotland
This guidance is to help GPs decide whether they should formally apply to close their practice list, or if informal list measures would be better suited to their situation.Patient registration
Practices should know the rules regarding temporary residents, homeless patients, overseas visitors, the duty to give treatment, and when they can decline to register a patient.Practice list validation by PCSE
GP practices in England need to ensure that practice lists only include registered patients who they are providing services for. Follow our guidelines to ensure that patients are only removed from lists when appropriate.Requirement for all patients to have a named GP
All registered patients must have a named accountable GP. Find out named GPs' responsibilities and what practices are required to do.The CQC
How to prepare for a CQC inspection
A practical guide for GP practices preparing for their inspection by the CQC – including pre-inspection, what happens on the day, outcomes, case studies and essential resources.What the CQC do
We have produced this guidance for GP practices to explain the CQC’s inspection model to help you prepare for when they visit your practice.Employment advice
Training resource for GP practice staff
It can be difficult to know what mandatory and statutory training GP practice staff should do. Read our guidance to help you make informed decisions best for your staff and practice.GP retention scheme
The GP retention scheme is support for GPs who are considering leaving the profession. Our guide outlines key points including eligibility, hours, CPD, the salary supplement and allowance.Employment status
Our guidance, prepared by BMA Law, states the factors which may be considered by HMRC when making deciding someone's employment status. We recommend seeking legal advice in individual cases.Joint employment of shared staff in GP practices
This is a guide for GP practices on how to employ shared staff in a joint contract between employers and the doctor.Managing the disciplinary process: guide for GP practices
Our guide will help you manage the process to resolution: from investigations through disciplinary hearing and appeals, to early resolution, settlement agreements and claims.Employing locum GPs and deciding their fee
Our guidance for employers includes factors to consider when employing a locum, responsibilities, negotiations and what to pay.Locum pension contributions: guide for GP practices
GP practices in England and Wales are legally required to pay 14.38% employer’s pension contributions to locums. Practices should be aware of these considerations and exceptions.Employing clinical pharmacists in GP practices
Having a clinical pharmacist on the team can ease workload, reduce waiting times and improve effectiveness. In England, all GP practices in primary care networks can access funding to employ pharmacists.Employing physiotherapists in GP practices
This guidance aims to provide GP practices with advice on employing a physio and the potential of their role within general practice.Employing physician associates in GP practices
Advice for GP practices thinking of employing a PA (physician associate), including the role and remit, indemnity, recommended supervision, code of conduct and preceptorship programme.Employing trainees on the 2016 junior doctor contract
What practices employing GP trainees under the 2016 contract must be aware of: work scheduling, exception reporting, guardians of safe working and transitional pay protection.
Remember, as part of your BMA membership, you are entitled to specialist tailored HR and employment advice tailored to your situation.
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