New ARRS Eligibility and Funding Rules for GPs
Newly Qualified GP funding stream at a glance
- GPs must have qualified within the last two years to be eligible for ARRS funding
- Can be used for GPs on a fixed-term contract with a minimum duration of 6 months.
- PCNs can claim up to ยฃ92,462 in England and ยฃ95,233 in London for eligible GPs, including employer costs.
- An extra ยฃ82 million in ARRS GP funding is available until March 2024, with no six-month minimum employment term for GPs.
NHS England has now clarified the eligibility criteria for GPs employed under the ARRS, effective from 1 October, 2024. GPs must have qualified within the last two years to be eligible for ARRS funding. Additionally, GPs who have previously held substantive roles in general practice or who are hired as locums do not qualify for this scheme. This can be used for GPs on a fixed-term contract with a minimum duration of 6 months.
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) can claim a maximum reimbursement of ยฃ92,462 for eligible GPs across England, with a higher reimbursement of ยฃ95,233 for those employed within London. These figures include employer costs such as National Insurance and pensions.
This expansion of the ARRS to GPs, initially announced in August by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, is aimed at tackling unemployment among newly qualified GPs. However, concerns have been raised by some within the sector about the limited time to prepare for the implementation, as many PCNs are still adjusting to the changes.
The new contract also outlines that an additional ยฃ82 million of funding for ARRS GP roles will not be included in the PCN baseline but will form part of a separate โGP sum.โ Importantly, the requirement for a six-month minimum employment term, applicable to other ARRS roles, does not extend to GPs, as funding is only available until the end of March 2024.
A PCN may claim reimbursement for General Practitioners from within the Additional Roles Reimbursement GP Sum and in accordance with the terms set out in this section 7.3, section 10 and Table 3c, except where:
1) General Medical Practitioners have been substantively employed as a General Medical Practitioner in general practice previously, subject to express agreement with the commissioner; or
2) the General Medical Practitioner is to be employed in a temporary capacity i.e. locums; and/or
3) the General Medical Practitioner is beyond the second anniversary of their certificate of completion of training, issued by the General Medical Council, at the start of their employment or engagement.
Navigating Primary Care Funding
Navigating primary care funding can be complex, but having access to expert advice services can make a significant difference for healthcare providers and patients alike. These services can offer valuable insights into available funding options, helping healthcare practices to secure the necessary resources to enhance patient care. From understanding government schemes like the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) to exploring joining a Primary Care Network (PCN), professional advice can streamline the application process and improve the likelihood of successful funding.
With the ever changing nature of funding streams we can play a crucial step in keeping you abreast of these changes.
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Our industry experts have over a 60 years of healthcare experience between them. Our Clinical Lead,ย Dr Shalin Parikh,ย has been a GP for over 12 years and supports our clinicians. Ourย Director of Business Development and Service Delivery, Lorraine Gray, has over 35 years of healthcare experience a Senior Nurse and then running as a Chief Operating Officer for a busy primary care integrated urgent care facility. Lorraine still holds her NMC pin. Our Director of Primary Care Partnership, Mariann Cleverley, has been operating as Head of Primary Care for a leading integrated urgent care for the past 14 years as well as a PCN Business Manager.
Funding streams we can assist you with
- Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS)
- Quality Outcome Framework (QOF)
- Direct Enhanced Service (DES)
- Primary Care Network (PCN) funding streams
- Investment and Impact Fund (IIF)
- PCNย network contract DES including proactive careย initiatives