This webpage sets out the core data reporting requirements specific to NHS direct commissioned services (irrespective of delegation status) as required within the NHS standard contract.

1. Contract monitoring specifications and guidance

The reporting specifications for aggregate contract monitoring (ACM), patient level contract monitoring (PLCM), drugs patient level contract monitoring (DrPLCM), and devices patient level contract monitoring (DePLCM) are covered by information standards notices (ISNs); and are a core requirement within the NHS standard contract for all acute and mental health (covered under ‘national requirements reporting nationally’).

The purpose of these standards is to enable the interchange, in a uniform format, of monthly contract monitoring data between commissioners and providers of healthcare.

This ensures that contract monitoring and reporting is consistent and comparable across all commissioning organisations and their footprints.

Specifications for these reporting requirements, including user guidance can be found on the NHS Digital website.

2. Reporting specifications and associated guidance relating to specific direct commissioned services

This section contains reporting requirements and templates which are referenced within the ‘national requirements reported locally’ section of Schedule 6 (Item 9) of the standard contract for NHS services, as well as associated reference tables and guidance for implementation by providers.