The accountability framework defines the means that can be used to:

• ensure traceability of actions carried out in relation to a healthcare IS;
• guarantee the value of recorded traces;
• control the use made of this healthcare IS.

Generally speaking, the PGSSI-S needs to be applied as soon as personal health data are being handled. It is relevant to the public sector as well as the private sector, health professionals, workers of the social-health and social sectors, healthcare establishments and service providers. 

As a patient, the PGSSI-S is a seal of guarantee on the accountability of digital health ecosystems.

Complying with the PGSSI-S frames of reference is either required by law (if the documents have been approved by a ministerial decree) or meant to be followed on a short-term basis until the documents are approved by the ministry.