NICE appeal: Latest news

Our representatives included the Society's Director of Research and Senior Policy Officer, representatives from the Royal College of Nursing and Age Concern, and a carer.

A key point presented by the Society was the need for flexibility around how the proposed MMSE thresholds are implemented. The current guidance states only people who score between ten and twenty on the MMSE will be eligible for the drugs.

Although we do not support the current thresholds, if they stand, we believe clinicians should be able to prescribe the drugs to people who fall outside these scores to avoid possible discrimination.

People who could be discriminated against include those with language problems, a first language other than English, or people with higher or lower than average levels of education. Due to the unreliability of the test, a person's MMSE score can also vary over a short period of time.

Other points made by the Society concerned made were NICE's under-estimation of full-time care costs, and the increase in the use of unlicensed antipsychotic drugs if the decision stands.

Given the rarity of successful NICE appeals in the past, it is highly unlikely that this appeal will completely overturn NICE's decision. Nonetheless, we hope our arguments will lead to more flexibility being built in to the guidance. The results of the appeal are expected by 14 August.