National Institute for Health and Clinical Excelle

= NICE

a special health authority covering England and Wales, set up in April 1999 and originally called the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. It consists of officials from the Department of Health and the NHS, health professionals, and patients. NICE aims to promote high-quality treatment and cost-effectiveness of treatments and services. It defines the standards of care to be provided by the NHS, providing guidance and advice on best clinical practice and aiming to reduce geographical variations in care. In 2005 NICE took over the functions of the Health Development Agency, including providing guidance on preventing disease and promoting health.

See: clinical governance