Smartcard Registration Authorities (RAs)
Published on: 16th July 2015 | Updated on: 22nd January 2026
The local NHS is responsible for commissioning local Registration Authorities (RAs) to provide and oversee NHS smartcards.
RA standards and processes
RA operating standards guidance was issued by NHS Digital to assist local NHS teams and LPCs to ensure that RAs are meeting appropriate standards.
The RA processes are also laid out in detail within the RA process and policy guidance document.
Escalating Smartcard/RA issues
Pharmacy owners that are dissatisfied with the local RA service, should in the first instance can email the RA and cc the Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) into the correspondence.
If necessary, pharmacy owners should then further escalate their concern with the LPC.
Further information on the escalation route which can be used can be found in our Smartcard resolution and escalation route factsheet.
For more information on this topic please email it@cpe.org.uk
