The national data opt-out is a service that allows patients to opt out of their confidential patient information being used for research and planning. It was introduced for the health and social care system, in England on 25 May 2018. The public can change their national data opt out anytime by following below link or by calling NHS digital on 03003035678 or by signing up to using the NHS App.
https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/
https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/
The national data opt out doesnt apply where:
- information being disclosed is anonymised in accordance with the Information Commissioner’s Office anonymisation code of practice
- the individual has given their consent for their information to be used for a particular purpose, (e.g. a specific research study).
- there is an overriding public interest in the disclosure, (i.e. the public interest in disclosing the data overrides the public interest in maintaining confidentiality), also referred to as the ‘public interest test’.
- there is a legal requirement that sets aside the common law duty of confidentiality or the information is required by a court order