CMA: Private Medical Services Undertakings Released 2026

• The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) released its private medical services undertakings in 2026.
• This decision, published on November 4, 2026, means the undertakings are no longer in force.
• These undertakings, derived from the Fair Trading Act 1973, aimed to increase price competition.
• They specifically prohibited the British Medical Association from recommending fees for private medical services.
• The removal of these restrictions may influence future competitive strategies and pricing within the sector.

This development necessitates a careful review by legal professionals advising private medical service providers or the British Medical Association.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) officially announced the release of its private medical services undertakings in 2026, marking a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for the sector. This decision, finalized and published by the CMA on November 4, 2026, means that the previously enforced restrictions are no longer active. The undertakings, which had been in effect to foster greater price competition within private medical services, have now been formally removed from the official register of remedies that are currently in force.

The formal cessation of these CMA private medical services undertakings released 2026 signifies that the specific conditions they imposed are no longer binding. This development follows a comprehensive review process conducted by the Authority, culminating in the final decision to withdraw the measures. The immediate consequence is the removal of these particular regulatory constraints from the operational environment of private medical service providers across the UK.

These now-released Competition and Markets Authority undertakings originated from the Fair Trading Act 1973 monopoly provisions. They were specifically designed to address concerns regarding competition within the private medical services market. A core component of these undertakings was a direct requirement placed upon the British Medical Association (BMA).

This mandate prohibited the BMA from issuing any form of recommendation concerning the fees to be charged for private medical services. The intent behind these specific British Medical Association fee recommendations restrictions was to encourage a more competitive pricing environment. By preventing a major professional body from influencing pricing, the regulatory framework aimed to ensure that individual providers would set their fees independently, thereby promoting market-driven competition. The historical context of these measures is crucial for understanding the current regulatory shift in private medical services competition law UK. Further detailed documentation related to the inquiry that led to these undertakings is preserved and accessible via The National Archives website.

The formal release of these CMA private medical services undertakings released 2026 carries notable implications for the private medical sector. With the Competition and Markets Authority undertakings no longer in force, the specific prohibition on the British Medical Association's fee recommendations has been lifted. This change could potentially alter competitive strategies and pricing models within the industry. Providers and professional bodies will now operate without the direct regulatory constraint that previously aimed to stimulate price competition.

This development necessitates a careful review by legal professionals advising private medical service providers or the British Medical Association. The absence of these specific undertakings means that while general private medical services competition law UK principles still apply, the particular restrictions on British Medical Association fee recommendations are no longer a factor. Stakeholders will need to assess how this altered regulatory environment impacts their compliance obligations and strategic decisions moving forward, especially concerning pricing and market conduct.

Lawyers advising private medical service providers or the British Medical Association should note that the CMA's undertakings, which previously restricted fee recommendations, are no longer in force as of 2026. This change may impact competitive strategies and pricing models, requiring a review of compliance with current competition law without these specific restrictions.

Source: Original reporting via GOV.UK guidance