Glossary

Term	Definition
Digital service	A service provided on the web that enables people to interact with electronic health records.
Patient	A person whose information is being accessed by a proxy using a digital service.
Proxy	A person supporting a patient with their care by accessing their information using a digital service.
Proxy access	The capability for a proxy to access a patient’s information using a digital service linked to the patient’s electronic health record.
Clinical professional	A person registered with a professional body who is responsible and liable for a patient’s care, and whose professional status is regulated by a statutory body.
Staff	Wider professionals within a health and care organisation supporting clinical professionals with providing patient care.
Clinical authorisation	The process by which a clinical professional decides on proxy access, including the extent to which they delegate responsibility to staff.
Clinical system	Computer systems that enable clinical professionals and staff to manage patient records as part of providing direct care.
Mental capacity	A state where a patient over the age of 16 is presumed to be capable of making decisions for themselves, in line with The Mental Capacity Act 2005, and the Mental Health Act Code of Practice.
Gillick competence	A state where a patient under the age of 16 is judged by clinical assessment to have sufficient maturity, degree of intelligence and understanding to provide consent to a specific aspect of care, accounting for considerations recommended by the Fraser Guidelines and Mental Health Act Code of Practice Chapter 19.
Health and care organisation	Any NHS or non-NHS provider, organisation, company, or authority responsible for a patient’s care, including adult social care.
Authoritative source	A trusted source of information about individuals that has robust processes for keeping information up to date.

Last edited: 6 May 2026 4:33 pm

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