Conversion to national opt out

GP Practices should no longer record type 2 opt outs in the patient record. 


Since 25th May 2018 patients with existing type 2 opt outs have been contacted by NHS Digital explaining about a new national opt out. The letter informs patients that their previous opt out has been converted to a new national opt out.   


More details about this can be found at www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters


The CTV3 codes for a type 2 opt out are; 

  • 'Dissent from disclosure of personal confidential data HSCIC (XaaVL)'
  • 'Dissent withdrawn disclosure personal confidential dta HSCIC (XaaVM)' 


Any type 2 opt outs recorded by GP practices between 25th May and 1st October 2018 will be converted to national opt outs by NHS Digital. 


After 1st October GP practices should not record any further type 2 opt outs, but as these codes are still available in the read code browser it is likely that this will occur.  


Report to identify coding

To help practices identify instances a report called 'Type 2 Opt Out after 11/10/18 - send 'Letter to Patient: Type 2 Opt Out' which can be found at 'Reporting > Clinical Reporting > Ardens > Records > Sharing'.  The report is set to look for coding recorded since 11th October 2018. 


NB: We recommend that this is added to a batch report that will automatically run on a regular basis and create a task to a designated individual.

Letter to patient

Any patients that appear in the report results should be contacted to advise them of the change in opt outs. There is a letter that can be printed from the patient record which directs patients to the new website or contact centre.


Data sharing information leaflet

The Ardens data sharing information leaflet has been updated to include information about opting out.  

Practice privacy statement

Practices should ensure that their privacy statements are updated to reflect this change in opt out process.  


Suggested text;

“Your record may be shared with other healthcare professionals and additions to this record may also be made by relevant healthcare professionals and organisations involved in your direct healthcare. You may have the right to demand that this record is not shared with anyone who is not involved in the provision of your direct healthcare. If you wish to enquire further as to your rights in respect of not sharing information then please contact our Data Protection Officer.

To find out more about the wider use of confidential personal information and to register your choice to opt out if you do not want your data to be used in this way, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/ 

Note: if you do choose to opt out, you can still consent to your data being used for specific purposes. However, if you are happy with this use of information you do not need to do anything. You may however change your choice at any time.”