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Part of DAPB3051 Identity Verification and Authentication Standard for Health and Care, Authorisation Use Case: Proxy

1.0 Overview

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1.1 Purpose

This standard defines a consistent approach to granting and managing proxy access to digital services.  

Proxy access is where an authorised person, called a "proxy”, can access a patient's medical information on a digital service to support the patient with their care.  

This standard addresses: 

  • when it is appropriate to grant proxy access 

  • what clinical professionals and staff need to check to grant proxy access 

  • redacting sensitive information from a proxy’s view 

  • managing and revoking proxy access 

  • the requirements clinical systems need to meet in relation to proxy access 

This standard must be read in conjunction with the implementation guidance developed to support its practical application, titled Proxy access: advice and guidance.

NHS England will update this standard as and when required. The national Data Alliance Partnership Board (DAPB) will approve publication of all versions. Feedback on this standard is welcome at any time by emailing [email protected].  

Last edited: 6 May 2026 1:51 pm

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Use of the terms must and should in this guidance

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1.1 Purpose

Chapters

  1. DAPB3051 Identity Verification and Authentication Standard for Health and Care, Authorisation Use Case: Proxy
  2. Glossary
  3. Use of the terms "must" and "should" in this guidance
  4. 1.0 Overview
  5. 1.1 Purpose of this standard
  6. 1.2 Who this standard applies to
  7. 1.3 What this standard does not cover
  8. 1.4 Compatibility with other standards and guidelines
  9. 2.1 Types of proxy access: formal and informal proxy access
  10. 2.2 Types of proxy access: Records access by a clinical professional
  11. 3.0 Roles and responsibilities
  12. 4.0 Grant proxy access
  13. 4.1 Assess if access is appropriate
  14. 4.1.1 Establish whether access is necessary
  15. 4.1.2 Establish whether access is relevant
  16. 4.1.3 Establish whether access is safe
  17. 4.2 Establish a basis for access
  18. 4.3 Check evidence relevant to the basis for access
  19. 4.3.1 Verify the proxy and patient’s identity
  20. 4.3.2 Understand if the patient has the ability to consent
  21. 4.3.3 Obtain the patient’s informed consent to proxy access, if appropriate
  22. 4.3.4 Verify evidence of a basis for access if the patient cannot consent
  23. 4.4 Redact sensitive information based on what is being shared
  24. 4.5 Audit decisions about proxy access
  25. 4.6 Communicate the outcome of a decision to grant or deny proxy access
  26. 5.0 The scope of proxy access
  27. 6.0 System audit of proxy access
  28. 7.0 Managing proxy access
  29. 7.1 Ongoing reviews of proxy access
  30. 7.2 Age and development based reviews of access
  31. 7.3 Time-bound reviews of access
  32. 7.4 Wider events that materially affect proxy access
  33. Appendix A: Ways to evidence a basis for access if the patient is not capable of providing informed consent
  34. Appendix B: Driver diagram articulating the strategic aims of this information standard