Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

The introduction of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, promoted and enforced by the Scottish Information Commissioner, recognises that members of the public have the right to know how public services are organised and run, how much they cost and how decisions are made. From 1 January 2005 the Act introduces a general statutory right of access to all types of 'recorded' information held by Scottish public authorities. From this date, General Practices will be regarded as public authorities as defined under the Act and will be obliged to respond to requests for information and provide that information, subject to particular conditions and exemptions set out in the Act. General Practices will have a legal duty to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. For the health sector, including General Practices, all publication Schemes, approved by the Scottish Information Commission must be adopted by 31 May 2004 and in place by 1 September 2004. From this date, individuals will be able to request information under the scheme. For GPs, a Publication Scheme may be described as being effectively a detailed guide to the information published by the practice. The required range of information includes details relating to the partnership or single practice, services offered and information concerning practice funding and practice decision-making processes. To assist General Practitioners in meeting their obligations under the legislation, the Scottish General Practitioners Committee has developed the British Medical Association Model Publication Scheme for General Practitioners in Scotland, which has been approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner. Culloden Medical Practice has chosen to adopt this Model Publication Scheme, which was based upon the Model Publication Scheme already agreed by the Department of Health and GPC in England, and adapted to meet the requirements of the Scottish legislation.

Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.pdf