How opt-outs are recorded and managed
Find out how national data opt-outs are stored and used to uphold patient choice.
NHS Digital provides the national data opt-out service on behalf of the health and care system in England. When a patient or someone acting for them (their proxy) chooses to set or change their opt-out choice, we record it against their NHS number on the Spine. It can take up to 21 days for a choice or change to be recorded and applied to data uses or disclosures. This is known as a 'fair processing' period.
Read more about how we process data to provide this service.
The legal basis for recording and managing national data opt-outs
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care directed us to create the national data opt-out system and record patient choices.
Last edited: 10 July 2025 11:18 am