Directions, Section 255 Requests and Data Provision Notices

The health secretary and other parts of the health service can ask us to collect information on specific topics so that they can improve patient care.

Data Provision Notices (DPNs)

We issue a Data Provision Notice (DPN) each time we use our statutory power under sections 259(1)(a) and 259(1)(b) of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. See below for a list of our current DPNs.

Mandatory Requests from NHS Improvement

Shows active mandatory requests from NHS Improvement. From 5 July 2022 all future requests once approved by NHS Digital will be listed as NHS England directions.

Mandatory requests from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Section 255 of the Health and Social Care Act enables the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to make a request to HSCIC (now known as NHS Digital) on matters concerning the provision of health services or adult social care.

NHS England Directions

Section 254 of the Health and Social Care Act enables NHS England to direct the HSCIC (now known as NHS Digital) on matters concerning the provision of NHS services in England. NHS England can instruct NHS Digital to put in place systems to collect and analyse information and develop or operate information or communication systems.

NHS Scotland non-mandatory requests

Section 255(1) of the Health and Social Care Act enables organisations to make a request to the HSCIC (now known as NHS Digital) to establish and operate a system for the collection and analysis of information, where the information is required to support the provision of health or adult social care.

NHS wales non-mandatory requests

Secretary of State Directions

Section 254 of the Health and Social Care Act enables the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to direct the HSCIC (known as NHS Digital) on matters concerning the provision of health services or adult social care in England.

Isle of Man non mandatory requests

Northern Ireland non-mandatory requests

Last edited: 23 November 2022 8:28 am