The Secretary of State for Health has extended the time limited exemption previously given for invoice validation and risk stratification purposes.
Extended until 31 March 2017; it allows processing of information by CSUs on behalf of CCGs in these particular areas.
This section 251 exemption came about because it was recognised (four years ago) that some essential activities of the NHS and important medical research, required the use of identifiable patient information but it is not always practical to obtain consent. More information on the updated extension dates and approval notifications can be found on the Confidentiality Advisory Group website.