Locum guide to NHS smart cards
Please see the link below for general and thorough information about NHS smart cards.
https://digital.nhs.uk/services/care-identity-service/smartcard-and-authentication-users
Following we explain how it can impact on locum healthcare professionals
What is a Smart card?
Once a healthcare worker is employed by an NHS organisation, they need to provide their proof of identity to get a smartcard. Each NHS organisation has a person who is responsible for handling this, and they are known as the Registration Authority (RA) for that organisation.
An NHS smart card serves as a form of data protection; safeguarding clinical and personal information on the EPS from any individuals who are not cleared to access it, and also allows access to the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) and Summary Care Record (SCR). If your role means you may need access to clinical and personal data, a Care Identity profile will be created for you and a smart card issued.
Who needs an NHS Smart card?
NHS smartcard services are required for roles that involve access to patient or clinical data. These roles include those in emergency departments, pharmacies, and cervical screening services.
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Emergency department roles
These include administrator, service manager, clinician, information analyst, and administrator/clinical support
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Pharmacy roles
These include roles that allow access to the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), such as changing EPS nominations and downloading prescriptions
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Cervical screening services roles
These roles include access to the NHS Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS)
How smartcards are used
- Smartcards are used to authenticate healthcare workers before they can access patient information
- Smartcards can be used to sign in to Windows desktops
- Smartcards can be used to identify NHS staff
How to get a smartcard
- A Care Identity profile is created for roles that require access to clinical or personal data
- The user’s identity is verified
- The user receives a smartcard or other authenticator
- The user selects their role when they insert their smartcard and enter their PIN
- The user should treat their smartcard like a credit or debit card
- The user should never share their passcode
This post is just a very brief summary of key points as we understand them. Like everything in Healthcare and science facts change based on new information, so if there are any errors or oversights, please let us know and we will update. We are not responsible for smart card services or operations, which are dealt with by NHS England through NHS Digital