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# System prepended metadata

title: Deposit Mechanism (More Money for Our NHS) Bill

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# Deposit Mechanism (More Money for Our NHS) Bill

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An Act of the Scottish Parliament to introduce a deposit scheme for GP appointments.

**Section 1 - Deposit Mechanisms**

1. Registered general practitioners (GPs) are required to charge a £5 pound deposit when booking appointments to the patient.
2. This deposit is to be refunded upon the patient's punctual arrival at the appointment, defined as arriving at the appointment either on time or no more than 5 minutes late.
3. The GP may choose to refund the deposit following a patient request if they believe there is a reasonable and unavoidable excuse for lateness.
4. If the patient believes the GP is unreasonably rejecting their request, and that a reasonable and unavoidable excuse for lateness exists, they may submit an appeal to the Department of Health. If the appeal is unsuccessful, they may not submit another for 6 months.
5. Unrefunded deposits will be paid to the Department of Health. 
6. GPs are prohibited from charging deposits to patients in the income tax band of £0 to £25,000.

**Section 2 - Commencement and Short Title**

1. This Act comes into force one year after receiving Royal Assent.
2. The Short Title of this act is the Deposit Mechanism (More Money for Our NHS) Act.

This Bill was written by the Rt. Hon. /u/MerrilyPutrid MBE on behalf of the Scottish Government...haha jk. unless??? (cabinet approves)

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**Opening Speech**

Presiding Officer,

sugma!