GP obligations relating to Certification
- The GP is obliged to provide data essential for a clinical referral free of charge.
- A GP has a statutory duty to supply a registered patient, free of charge, with any of the prescribed certificates set out in Schedule 4 of the NHS Regulations.
- A doctor has a professional and legal obligation to act in the patient's best interests at all times and must any provide information that is essential to prevent death or serious harm to an individual.
- A GP has a legal obligation to provide any certificate required under a Court order or by order of a Coroner.
- There is specific legislation and government and professional policy that imposes an obligation to provide information that is essential for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
- There are other occasions where a GP may be obliged to provide information, for example where it is overwhelmingly in the public interest to do so, or where it is essential for the pursuit of due legal process. Specific legal advice may be required before providing such information.
In almost all other situations there is no legal, contractual or professional obligation for the GP to provide a certificate or report. However, he or she may choose to do so as a private service for which they may charge the patient, or a third party that requests the information. Wessex LMCS letter template for your use notifying requesting party of fee to be applied here.
