An Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the NHS organisation that plans and funds healthcare services in a local area. These organisations replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in 2022 and are now responsible for managing local NHS budgets and deciding how services are commissioned.
ICBs also help coordinate care between hospitals, community teams and mental health services. They oversee NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) as well, including arranging CHC assessments, making eligibility decisions and funding care for people with more complex health needs.
Understanding how an Integrated Care Board works is important when navigating continuing healthcare, completing a CHC checklist, or supporting someone through a continuing healthcare assessment.
Read more: Can an ICB overturn a DST recommendation?
What does an Integrated Care Board do?
An ICB NHS organisation plans and funds most NHS care services in its region. It manages the local healthcare budget and commissions services, including hospitals, community healthcare, and mental health support.
ICBs also work to ensure services operate as part of a coordinated care network, helping patients move more smoothly between providers.
This approach supports community integrated care, clearer care plans, and better long-term healthcare planning.
A further responsibility of the Integrated Care Board is ensuring fair and consistent continuing healthcare assessments across its area.
ICBs vs ICSs – what’s the difference?
The Integrated Care Board (ICB) sits within a wider Integrated Care System (ICS).
An ICS is the partnership that brings together NHS organisations, local authorities, and community providers to improve how services work together.
The ICB is the formal NHS decision-making body within that system. It holds the regional NHS budget, commissions services, and oversees NHS Continuing Healthcare assessments and funding decisions.
What is the role of ICBs in NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS for adults with significant medical needs.
The Integrated Care Board manages the entire continuing healthcare process. This includes overseeing the continuing healthcare checklist, arranging the full CHC assessment, and reviewing the Decision Support Tool used during multidisciplinary assessments.
Once the assessment is completed, the ICB reviews the evidence and confirms the final CHC funding decision. All decisions must follow the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Do ICBs make decisions about CHC funding?
Yes, the Integrated Care Board is legally responsible for determining eligibility for CHC funding.
After a continuing healthcare assessment, a multidisciplinary team reviews the individual’s needs and makes a recommendation. The ICB panel then confirms the final outcome.
Eligibility decisions must be based on a person’s health needs rather than financial considerations.
How do ICBs affect care planning?
ICBs help coordinate care for people with complex health needs. This may involve developing a personalised care plan, arranging specialist support, or coordinating services between hospitals and community providers.
For example, someone who is leaving the hospital after treatment in a critical care ward or ICU may require ongoing support in the community, and in these situations, the Integrated Care Board works with healthcare providers to ensure care continues safely outside the hospital.
How does a CHC assessment work?
The continuing healthcare assessment process begins with the CHC checklist, a screening tool used to identify whether a person may qualify for continuing healthcare.
If the checklist indicates potential eligibility, a full CHC assessment is carried out by a multidisciplinary team. Evidence from medical professionals, care providers, and existing care plans is reviewed using the Decision Support Tool.
The final recommendation is then reviewed and confirmed by the Integrated Care Board.
What should families expect when dealing with an ICB?
Families going through the continuing healthcare process should expect several stages of assessment and communication with healthcare professionals.
This often includes discussions with nurse assessors, evidence gathering about care needs, and formal review meetings. The process can take time, and experiences may vary slightly between regions.
Because the CHC assessment process can be complex, many families seek guidance when preparing evidence and presenting their case to the ICB. For any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.
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