Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Law 200-

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made (23 October 2009) regarding: Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Law 200-.

Decision Reference: MD-S-2009-0059
Decision Summary Title :	Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) (Amendment No.2) (Jersey) Law 200-		Date of Decision Summary:	16 October 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Policy and Strategy Director		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) (Amendment No.2) (Jersey) Law 200-		Date of Written Report:	16 October 2009
Written Report Author:	Policy and Strategy Director		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) (Amendment No.2) (Jersey) Law 200-
Decision(s): 1. The Minister approved the draft Regulations and accompanying report 2. The Minister requested that the draft Regulations be lodged ‘au Greffe’.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Health and Social Services Department will be seeking to introduce a charge for pathology services provided to GPs, with effect from January 2010. Rather than pass this cost (estimated at £10) on directly to the patient, it is proposed that two new medical benefits should be introduced, to provide additional subsidies to the patient to match the cost of the charges made to the GP. The Council of Ministers has expressed its support for the introduction of these charges and associated medical benefits.
Resource Implications: No additional Social Security Department manpower is required to administer these benefits. The cost of the benefits is estimated at £750,000 in 2010. There are a growing number of pressures on the Health Insurance Fund and, while the Fund currently shows a healthy balance, this surplus will be depleted over the next few years. At present, the cost will be met from existing Health Insurance Fund resources.
Action required: To lodge the draft Regulations ‘au Greffe’ through the States Greffe for debate.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):