March annually since 2004. There are no patient based links, as information about each indicator is collected separately, but it is possible to combine information from different practices to generate area data. Local alternatives In June 2014, NHS England approved a local alternative to the framework for practices in Somerset. Under the Somerset Practice Quality Scheme agreement practices that choose to take part only have to formally report against five of the indicators in the 2014-15 QOF. Clinical commissioning groups in Thanet and in York also asked permission to develop a local alternative but were refused. In January 2017, the clinical commissioning groups in Leeds agreed to suspend 80% of the QOF targets for the rest of 2016/17. A similar strategy has already been adopted by NHS Wales. References External links Official publication of QOF figures for England Health and Social Care Information Centre QOF Database Detailed and summary data produced from practice returns for QOF. Quality and outcomes framework guidance from NHS Employers Business Rulesets used to determine QOF achievement National Health Service