The role of the Committee shall be to carry out the functions relating to the commissioning of Primary Medical Services section 83 of the NHS Act.

This includes the following:

• GMS, PMS and APMS contracts (including the design of PMS and APMS contracts, monitoring of contracts, taking contractual action such as issuing breach/remedial notices, and removing a contract);
• Managing the design and commissioning of enhanced services (“Local Enhanced/Incentive Services” and “Directed Enhanced Services”);
• Design of local incentive schemes in addition to or as an alternative to the national framework, including the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF);
• Decision making on whether to establish new GP practices in an area;
• Approving practice mergers and closures; and
• Making decisions on ‘discretionary’ payments (e.g., returner/retainer schemes).

The Committee will also carry out the following activities:

• To make decisions on commissioning of primary care medical services;
• To receive information on the quality of commissioned primary care medical services and identifying any actions needed to address concerns, working in conjunction with the Quality and Safety Committee;
• To plan, including needs assessment, primary care medical services;
• To undertake reviews of primary medical care services;
• To co‐ordinate a consistent approach to the commissioning of primary care services generally;
• The Committee should ensure an appropriate level of patient participation and engagement, and to take account of patient experience.
• To make decisions about local investment and primary care on behalf of the ICB
• Taking procurement decisions in respect of primary medical services these shall be in line with statutory requirements and guidance, the ICB’s Constitution and Standing Orders and the Delegation agreement between NHS England and the ICB.
• To review those risks on the ICB risk register and Assurance Framework which have been assigned to the committee and ensure that appropriate and effective mitigating actions are in place.  Where the Committee receives insufficient assurance, it will challenge. Assess risks and escalate to the ICB or NHS England if necessary.