Medical Card/G.P. Visit Card National Assessment Guidelines

Section 48 of the Health Act 1970
“(1) For the purpose of determining whether a person is or is not a person with full eligibility or a
person with limited eligibility, or a person entitled to a particular service provided under the Health
Acts, 1947 to 1970, a Health Board may require that person to make a declaration in such form as it
considers appropriate in relation to his means and may take such steps as it thinks fit to verify the
declaration.”
Section 49 of the Health Act 1970
(1) Where a person is recorded by a Health Board as entitled, because of specified circumstances, to
a service provided by the board under the Health Acts, 1947 to 1970, he shall notify the board of any
change in those circumstances which disentitles him to the service.”
(2) A person who knowingly contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence under this
section and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £50.”
Section 50 of the Health Act 1970
“Where a person has obtained a service under the Health Acts, 1947 to 1970, and it is ascertained
that he was not entitled to the service, the appropriate Health Board may charge therefore a charge
approved of or directed by the Minister.”
Section 52 of the Health Act 1970
“(1) A Health Board shall make available in-patient services for persons with full eligibility and
persons with limited eligibility.
(2) A Health Board shall make available in-patient services for children not included among the
persons referred to in subsection (1) in respect of diseases and disabilities of a permanent or longterm
nature prescribed with the consent of the Minister for Finance.”
Section 56 of the Health Act 1970
(1) “For the purpose of this section “out-patient services” means institutional services other than inpatient
services provided at, or by persons attached to, a hospital or home and institutional services
provided at a laboratory, clinic, health centre or similar premises, but does not include –
a) the giving of any drug, medicine or other preparation, except where it is administered to the
patient direct by a person providing the service or is for psychiatric treatment, or
b) dental, ophthalmic or aural services.
(2) A Health Board shall make available out-patient services without charge for persons with full
eligibility and for persons with limited eligibility.
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