The Scottish Government has published DL(2026)08, which advises of the updated Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs) guidance within the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM), on 3 August 2026.
Updates to the TBPs guidance resulted in a number of changes across both the NIPCM and the Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CH IPCM).
DL(2026)08 details the background work and engagement which has led to the changes to this guidance.
The Care Inspectorate and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) have confirmed that they are supporting a six-month bedding-in period following the launch of this guidance, in line with the approach taken for the introduction of other new standards and guidance. This will apply to NHS Boards and care homes for adults and older people, recognising the time required to fully implement the changes and inspections undertaken during this period will take account of these implementation arrangements.
What has changed?
Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland has worked in conjunction with Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSDS) to develop education and training materials to support NHS Boards, Health and Social Care Partnerships and care providers.
You can find out more about the updated guidance in their ‘what’s changed?’ guide and their ‘frequently asked questions’ resource, which provides answers to some common queries associated with the changes.
How does this affect primary care dentistry?
During engagement on the updated guidance, primary care representatives highlighted a number of practical implementation considerations, particularly in relation to independent contractor services, access to respiratory protective equipment and face fit testing arrangements reflecting a level of complexity within this sector.
The Scottish Government has recognised the specific position and noted that the guidance represents a statement of best practice, informed by the evidence base and recommendations of an extraordinary working group comprising a wide range of stakeholders and subject matter experts. The Scottish Government has also committed to working with primary care contractors and NHS Boards to support and enable implementation. A primary care implementation group will be formed to include NHS Boards, PSDS, Scottish Government and representative stakeholders and will consider how to best provide additional guidance and associated support to all those working in primary care settings.
They state that the Scottish Government, ARHAI Scotland and partners will continue to work with NHS Boards, care providers and primary care contractors to support implementation of the guidance, over the coming months.
What happens next?
The Scottish Government have indicated that a six-month lead-in time is anticipated from the date of issuance and implementation preparedness and procurement routes in primary care settings.
They have said that independent contractor status and responsibilities will be considered and a further formal update will be issued to coincide with the start of the 2027-8 financial year, which they have said will align with future budget allocations. This will consider a sustainable route to access FFP3 respiratory protection, and associated face fit testing.
ARHAI published an implementation bundle in June 2026 to support infection prevention and control teams rolling out key messaging ahead of guidance updates in August. Variations in current arrangements relating to respiratory protective equipment and face fit testing across sectors have been highlighted, and Scottish Government and partners will continue to monitor implementation challenges, specifically in community and primary care settings, following publication.
Further information
For the full guidance please refer to the NIPCM, Chapter 2: Transmission Based Precautions (TBPs) and the CH IPCM.
The Scottish Government have recommended that any questions about these changes are directed to ARHAI Scotland.