Summary

The NHS login "Federation interface" described in the specification below will enable a Citizen user to use one consistent account for sign-in and ID verification to Solutions and it will be mandatory for suppliers to provide an option to use NHS login as a result of this.

The federation interface works by redirecting a user logging into a GP Solution client to the NHS login platform, validating the authentication request, obtaining end-user consent/authorisation, and returning the ID and Access tokens to the client.

The NHS login platform is currently available as an Alpha for connections. 

Included in NHSE CCIO 7 priority areas for Interoperability. This is SRO Priority.

Documentation

The NHS login programme has published the Identity Verification and Authentication Standard for Digital Health and Care Services via the official NHS Digital website. This details a unified and consistent approach to identity management across digital health and care services, covering: verification, authentication and clinical authorisation

The Technical Interface is based upon OpenID Connect and the latest version; v1.4g can be accessed below: