Reciprocal Health Agreement between the UK Department of Health and Jersey

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 1 April 2011:

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2011-0012
Decision Summary Title :	Reciprocal Health Agreement between UK Department of Health and Jersey		Date of Decision Summary:	1 April 2011
Decision Summary Author:	Deputy Chief Officer, Health and Social Services		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Healthcare Arrangement, Dated 1st Day of April 2011 Between The Department of Health and the Minister for Health and Social Services of Jersey		Date of Written Report:	1 April 2011
Written Report Author:	Deputy Chief Officer of Health and Social Services and the Overseas Healthcare Team of the Department of Health, UK		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK Department of Health- signing of a new agreement
Decision(s): The Minister agreed to sign the agreement laid out in the Healthcare Arrangement Dated 1st Day of April 2011
Reason(s) for decision: Within the limitations of the agreement, to ensure the provision of free health care for Jersey residents visiting the UK and likewise for UK residents who are visiting Jersey.
Resource Implications: £400k p.a due to the loss of income (Annual charges to UK patients for treatment whilst in Jersey since the cessation of the previous agreement).
Action required: The Greffier of the States is requested to arrange for the attached report to be presented to the States as an ‘R’ at the earliest opportunity.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):