NHS body status limits a contact holder to using NHS dispute resolution regulations should a contract dispute occur. Should a GMS contract holder elect not to be an NHS body, the GMS contract holder can choose to use either the NHS dispute procedure or the Law Courts to resolve a dispute.

Becoming an health service body is an option given to the contract holder annually as they renew their contract.

A contract holder may at any time request in writing request a variation of the contract to include in, or remove from, the contract provision to the effect that the contract is an NHS contract.  The Board must agree to the variation.

Doncaster LMC currently advises that contract holders should opt out of being a health service body.