Summary

The National Authentication service (also known as NHS Identity) is an implementation of OpenID Connect which replaces previous solutions (identity agent etc.) for authenticating NHS staff.

All new implementations must use the National Authentication service for authenticating staff, and any existing solutions must be transitioned to the new solution in line with NHS Digital's published guidance. The change being introduced by the National Authentication Service is backwards compatible with the existing Care Identity Service (CIS), so no changes are required to continue with current authentication and suppliers can migrate to use new APIs when ready within the lifetime of the framework.

The NHS Identity programme maintains a roadmap of future change on their website. 

Included in NHSE CCIO 7 priority areas for Interoperability.

Compliance, Assurance and Testing

NHS-Identity Sandpit Testing

Initial discovery integration work can be tried out in the new NHS-Identity sandpit environment. This environment provides an early view of the new authentication service and allows hands-on experience of its exciting new features. It is internet facing so can be accessed easily once an interested party has registered. In order to request access to this environment please email the NHS-Identity mailbox: nhs.identity@nhs.net. 

Documentation

Technical documentation is maintained at the National Identity pages on the NHS developer network.

For general information please refer to https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-identity.