As we all know robust Information Governance (IG) enables us to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of personal confidential information. In the new commissioning landscape maintaining effective IG remains vitally important. At the same time it is essential that information is shared when it is needed to provide care. Dame Fiona Caldicott has been asked to undertake a review of IG to consider the right balance between sharing and protecting patient and service user information. It is anticipated that the IG review will report before the end of the financial year. Whilst the review may recommend changes, until these are accepted and implemented, it is essential that all information processing is fully compliant with existing IG rules and legal obligations particularly in the context of Data Controllers and Data Processors.
All organisations including CCGs need to be aware of their obligations to ensure that information flows have a sound legal basis and ensure that they remain compliant with the law during transition. If you require further information the IG Professional Leader Group has published some helpful FAQs from the June 2012 IG workshop.