Explain
Designated clinical or medical officer (DCO or DMO)
A designated clinical officer (DCO), or designated medical officer (DMO), is a health professional. They help the local NHS carry out its duties for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. They are a contact point for the council and schools on health matters, including EHC needs assessments and plans. The role comes from the Code of Practice; it is not set out in the Act.
- Type of rule
- Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)
- Rule id
designated_clinical_officer- Rules version
- england-2026.10
- Law as at
- 30 September 2026
Sources
- SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 3.45Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)
- SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 3.46Official guidance
- SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 3.48Official guidance
Related
If you think this rule is wrong or out of date, please tell us. A person reads every report.