STD062 - NHS Number

STD070 - Patient Identifiers for Identity Bands

STD062

NHS Number

ISB0149

0.1

ISB 0149 NHS Number

Data Standard (NHS)

DraftAlpha

STD0062-1

The Supplier system MUST be capable of storing the NHS Number as described in the NHS Data Dictionary on patient/service user records.

MUST

STD0062-2

The Supplier system MAY record the verification status of each recorded NHS Number.

MAY

STD0062-3

The Supplier system MUST allow users to find a patient/service user record using the NHS Number as the only search criterion.

MUST

STD0062-4

The Supplier system MAY allow users to find a patient/service user record using the NHS Number as part of the search criteria in conjunction with other demographic information.

MAY

STD0062-5

The Supplier system MUST allow users to find a patient/service user record without using the NHS Number as part of the search criteria

MUST

STD0062-6

The supplier system MUST include the NHS Number in any patient identifiable data/service user information sent electronically, with the following exceptions:

• The NHS Number is not available at time of transmission.

• The use of the NHS Number is in conflict with other requirements, standards, legislation, common law duty of confidentiality or policies.

MAY

STD0062-7

The Supplier system MUST display the NHS Number on every screen showing patient identifiable data/service user information (if available). The verification status of the NHS Number SHOULD also be displayed if maintained.

MUST

STD0062-8

The Supplier system MUST include the NHS Number on all hard-copy outputs containing patient identifiable data/service user information (if appropriate and available at time of output).

MUST

STD0062-9

The Supplier system MUST display and print the NHS Number for people to read in 3 3 4 format (e.g. 123 456 7890).

MUST

STD0062-10

The Supplier system MUST allow the NHS Number to be input in into the appropriate data input field on the screen as 10 digits with or without spaces.

MUST

STD0062-11

The Supplier system MUST validate (both format and check-digit) the NHS Number when input.

MUST

STD0062-12

The Supplier system MUST be capable of reporting where the same NHS Number (verified or not) is recorded on more than one patient/service user record.

MUST

STD0062-13

The Supplier system SHOULD be capable of reporting all patient/service user records without an NHS Number recorded.

SHOULD

The following requirements apply to the use of Applicable Systems by commissioner and
provider organisations, and to their communications, processes and behaviours

STD0062-14

When a system user uses the NHS Number to retrieve an electronic record the system supplier must allow other demographic information supplied MUST be used to confirm the patient’s/service user’s identity and that the record retrieved belongs to that patient/service user.

MUST

STD0062-15

When supplied, the NHS Number SHOULD be used instead of demographic data as the
patient/service user identifier.

SHOULD

STD0062-16

Data quality processes SHOULD be in place to resolve electronic patient/service user
records where the same NHS Number (verified or not) is recorded on more than one record

SHOULD

STD0062-17

Organisations MUST ensure all staff are trained in the correct use of information management technology systems, human behaviours and business processes required to support this Standard.

MUST

STD0062-18

At the start of each new episode of care or contact, or at the earliest opportunity the patient’s/service user’s demographic data, including NHS Number SHOULD be confirmed with the patient/service user or his/her parent or carer or other organisations working with the patient/service user.

SHOULD

STD0062-19

The patient’s/service user’s NHS Number SHOULD be determined at the beginning of (or prior to) the episode of care, where possible and practical.

SHOULD

STD0062-20

The parent or guardian MUST be given written confirmation of the NHS Number of a newborn child following allocation via the statutory notification of birth (through NHS Number for Babies Service (NN4B)) or the Personal Demographics Service (PDS).

MUST

STD0062-21

The patient’s/service user’s NHS Number SHOULD always be included as part of all communications, correspondence and filing systems involving patient/service user identifiable data/service user information. Additional patient/service user demographic information MUST also be included with the NHS Number.

SHOULD

STD0062-22

Organisations MUST promote the importance and use of the NHS Number to all staff.

MUST

STD0062-23

Organisations MUST have processes in place to support patients/service users to know their NHS Numbers and to supply it to them when requested.

MUST

STD0070-1

Core Identifiers

Supplier systems MUST contain the four core identifiers that uniquely identify a patient when used in combination and which must be present on the identity band are:

Last Name, First Name (LASTNAME, firstname)

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

Verified NHS Number (3 3 4 format, see NHS Number for full details)

MUST