British National Formulary moves to NICE

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is to take over responsibility for the British National Formulary (BNF) from the Department of Health (DH).

The move comes as a result of the Darzi review and the establishment of a new service, NHS Evidence, which aims to bring clinical information and evidence together, offering healthcare professionals and patients good quality information in one place.

As the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on public health, health technologies and clinical practice, NICE will take over responsibility for the BNF.

Dr Gillian Leng, interim chief operating officer for NHS Evidence and NICE deputy chief executive, said: "We are delighted that the BNF will become a key part of NHS Evidence at NICE. NICE is looking forward to working in partnership with the BNF to ensure that it continues to provide high quality and clinically relevant advice."

The BNF provides independent, authoritative information about the use of medicines and is a key reference source for doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.