Technology appraisal committee

Our technology appraisal recommendations are prepared by an independent advisory committee. This is called the technology appraisal committee (TAC).

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Committee members

Members are appointed for a 3-year term, and are drawn from:

  • the NHS
  • patient and carer organisations
  • academia
  • pharmaceutical and medical devices industries.

The committee is divided into 4 branches. Committee members are allocated to a branch and will normally remain in the same one for the duration of their membership.

Although the committee seeks the views of organisations representing health professionals, patients, carers, manufacturers and government, its advice is independent of any vested interests.

Consultees and commentators

Consultee organisations include:

  • national groups representing patients and carers
  • bodies representing health professionals
  • manufacturers or sponsors of the technology in development
  • the Department of Health
  • the Welsh Assembly Government
  • specialised commissioning groups
  • primary care trusts and local health boards.

Consultees can submit evidence during the appraisal, comment on the appraisal documents and appeal against the appraisal committee's final recommendations. In addition, consultee organisations (with the exception of manufacturers) are asked to nominate patient experts or clinical specialists.

Commentator organisations include:

  • manufacturers of comparator technologies
  • NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
  • the relevant National Collaborating Centre (a group commissioned by NICE to develop clinical guidelines), if relevant
  • research groups working in the area
  • other groups, including:
    • NHS Confederation
    • NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency
    • British National Formulary
    • Scottish Medicines Consortium
    • Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
    • Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland
    • professional or patient organisations covering Wales only.

We invite commentators to take part in the appraisal process and comment on the various documents produced. Commentators cannot appeal against the final appraisal determination.

Learn more about developing NICE technology appraisal guidance.

Next meeting dates

There are 4 TAC committees (A, B, C, and D). Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all our technology appraisal advisory committee meetings are currently being held virtually.

Committee A

  • Tuesday 8 June 2021
  • Tuesday 6 July 2021
  • Tuesday 3 August 2021
  • Tuesday 7 September 2021
  • Tuesday 5 October 2021
  • Tuesday 2 November 2021
  • Tuesday 7 December 2021.

Committee B

  • Wednesday 9 June 2021
  • Wednesday 7 July 2021
  • Wednesday 4 August 2021
  • Thursday 9 September 2021
  • Thursday 7 October 2021
  • Thursday 4 November 2021.

Committee C

  • Wednesday 16 June 2021
  • Tuesday 13 July 2021
  • Wednesday 11 August 2021
  • Tuesday 14 September 2021
  • Wednesday 13 October 2021
  • Tuesday 9 November 2021.

Committee D

  • Thursday 17 June 2021
  • Wednesday 14 July 2021
  • Thursday 12 August 2021
  • Thursday 16 September 2021
  • Thursday 14 October 2021
  • Thursday 11 November 2021.

Minutes from previous meetings