5 Implementation

5.2

The Welsh ministers have issued directions to the NHS in Wales on implementing NICE technology appraisal guidance. When a NICE technology appraisal guidance recommends the use of a drug or treatment, or other technology, the NHS in Wales must usually provide funding and resources for it within 2 months of the first publication of the final draft guidance.

5.3

When NICE recommends a treatment 'as an option', the NHS must make sure it is available within the period set out in the paragraphs above. This means that if the healthcare professional responsible for the care of postmenopausal women thinks that alendronate, etidronate, risedronate, raloxifene or strontium ranelate is the right treatment for the primary prevention of osteoporotic fragility fractures, it should be available for use, in line with NICE's recommendations.