Information for Smartcard users

How do I change my Passcode?

A direct link to the unlock service has been successfully piloted nationally throughout August 2023, and is now available for anyone to use. Click the following link to reset your smartcard passcode without the need to visit a sponsor or RA Agent: https://manage-care-identities.care-identity-service2.nhs.uk/#/self-service/unlock-authenticator. Guidance on how to use this functionality can be found at the foot of this page.

Alternatively you can change your passcode yourself by accessing the ‘My Profile’ section in Care Identity Service (CIS).  https://portal.national.ncrs.nhs.uk

!!PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK INTO A CHROME BROWSER!!

[CIS WILL NOT CURRENTLY LOAD USING EDGE BROWSER - Aug23] 

If you require assistance, you need to ask an RA Manager, Agent, Sponsor or Local Smartcard Administrator to help you. Alternatively, you can contact Registration.Authority@liverpoolft.nhs.uk for assistance.

 

What do I do if my card is used by someone else?

If your card is used by someone else:


a) inform your Registration Authority manager/agent and line manager immediately;

b) change your passcode.

 

Never share your Smartcard. All transactions made when your Smartcard is in use are recorded for audit purposes. Access is audited, and you will be held accountable for any inappropriate transactions made using your Smartcard, whether you were responsible for them or not.

 

How long are Smartcard certificates valid?

The certificates on your Smartcard allow you to authenticate your identity and connect to NHS Spine systems and services. These expire after two years. You will be prompted to renew your certificates by the system close to expiry.

 

You can renew your Smartcard certificates yourself within the 90 day renewal period.  You will receive a pop-up prompt when it is time for you to renew your certificates; this will take you through the self-renewal process or when logged in with your smartcard visit the CIS website using the same link to change your passcode (see above). 

You cannot self-renew your certificates once they have expired. If your certificates expire you will need to log a call with your Sponsor or Local Smartcard Administrator to help you. Alternatively, you can contact Registration.Authority@liverpoolft.nhs.uk for assistance.

Please note:  Every third renewal requires RA assistance.  They may choose to issue you with a new card at that time.

 

How do I unlock my card?

If you have registered for self-renewal you can do this yourself (see also Resetting your Smartcard). Self-renewal registration can only be completed whilst you card is active and unlocked.

If you have locked your Smartcard, you will need assistance from an RA Manager, Agent or Local Smartcard Administrator (LSA) to unlock your card. 

 

A list of sponsors can be found here

As a registered Smartcard user you can now access Smartcard enabled applications, such as Summary Care Record and e-RS, via the NHS Spine. Before doing so, please read this leaflet as there are some important things that you need to know.

 

Terms and conditions ofSmartcard use

You must read and accept the terms and conditions related to the use of your personal Smartcard, which you should have done as part of the registration process. Periodically, you might be asked to sign these terms and conditions again, digitally, when logging in.

 

Security and confidentiality

You have a duty to keep patient information secure and confidential at all times. Your Smartcard provides you with the appropriate level of access to the healthcare information that you need in order to carry out your role. Your smartcard is a token of your identity and any access to patient data using the card will be auditable to you. You should therefore treat your Smartcard as you would a credit or debit card – never share your passcode, always keep it safe, secure and use it appropriately.

  • Never allow anyone else to use your Smartcard
  • Never leave your Smartcard unattended
  • Never leave your Smartcard in the Smartcard reader when you are not actively using it

·       If your Smartcard is lost, damaged or stolen, contact your local Registration Authority (RA) immediately. They will cancel your card and replace it as soon as possible.

 

Information stored on your Smartcard

Your photo, name and unique user identity number are visible on your Smartcard. In addition, the electronic chip within the card contains encrypted information that permits you to access some IT systems and services. Your Smartcard does not contain any of your personal or identity data.

 

 

 

How to use your Smartcard

1.     Place your Smartcard in the reader
All PCs and laptops connected to the NHS Spine have a Smartcard reader.

2.     Enter your logon passcode
You selected and entered a confidential 4-8 character passcode when registering for your Smartcard. Enter this when prompted to do so.

3.     Access the services that you need
The system will check information from your card and your passcode. If they are correct, you will be given access to NHS Spine systems and services. Select the relevant role; you might have more than one. The level of access that you are given is determined by your role profile.

  

Your Smartcard is a national token of your identity which is not specific to a particular organisation.  You should retain your card if leaving an organisation for use in other health and social care settings, unless you are leaving healthcare permanently.

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