Patient Information Advisory Group (PIAG)

• BPSU studies are approved on the basis that there is no patient contact and consent is not sought.  An understanding of the reasons for this are laid out in the document Ethics, Consent and Confidentiality.

• BPSU studies are required to collect minimal identifier information in order to discount duplication.  In order to do so BPSU studies need to comply with Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Bill 2001.

• In order to comply they need to receive approval from PIAG. For further details on PIAG click here.

• From July 2005 all BPSU studies therefore have to complete a PIAG application to obtain Section 60 support. The BPSU and PIAG have agreed an application procedure.

• To make the application procedure easier the BPSU has produced templates which include suggested text to be used.

• We suggest you download the applications, guidance and templates and read carefully before completion.

• PIAG application form Section 1
• PIAG application form Section 2
• PIAG Guidance on the application forms
• PIAG user involvement guide
• BSPU-PIAG application form template (Sections 1 and 2)
• BPSU-PIAG template - System Level Security Policy (SLSP)

• Specific advice regarding the PIAG application procedure is available from the BPSU office.

• We suggest you send the completed forms to the BPSU before submission for comment.

• Approved applications are placed on the Section 60 Register.

• Approved applications are reviewed/renewed annually.