The panel driver interface provides a way for an ISPF or CLIST programmer to write an application program to invoke the RACF® panels without exiting from the current application or facility. After RACF processing is complete, RACF automatically returns to the application from which it was invoked.

ISMF (a part of DFSMS) uses the panel driver interface for the PROTECT line operator it provides for use on its data set lists under ISPF. If you use the PROTECT line operator you must ensure that the RACF panels, skeletons, and message libraries are allocated whenever ISMF is being used.

For a detailed explanation of the panel driver interface, see z/OS Security Server RACF Macros and Interfaces.