What is the national data opt-out?

  • The national data opt-out allows patients to choose to stop their confidential patient information from being used for purposes beyond their individual care.
  • The national data opt-out cannot be set through GP systems.
  • Anyone registered with the NHS who has an NHS number can register an opt-out online or via a contact centre, details of which are included in the patient materials.
  • The national data opt-out has been applied by NHS Digital since 25 May 2018 and by 2020 all health and care organisations must apply national data opt-outs in line with the policy. For more information see:
  • https://digital.nhs.uk/national-data-opt-out

 

What was a type 2 objection?

The type 2 objection instructed NHS Digital not to share a patient’s confidential information for purposes beyond their individual care. It was recorded in the GP patient record, using the following codes:

Read v2 – 9Nu4. ‘Dissent from disclosure of personal confidential data by Health and Social Care Information Centre’

CTv3 – XaaVL ‘Dissent from disclosure of personal confidential data by Health and Social Care Information Centre’

The national data opt-out has replaced type 2 opt-outs. GP practices must no longer use the type 2 opt-out code as it is no longer collected and processed.

 

 Is this about the Summary Care Record (SCR) ?

No, the national data opt-out does not affect the use of data for the patient’s individual care and treatment.  It should not be confused with SCR or any other local clinical record-sharing schemes for patient care.