STU 3 Candidate

This page is part of the FHIR Specification (v1.4.0: STU 3 Ballot 3). The current version which supercedes this version is 5.0.0. For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions

6.17 Resource Conformance - Content

FHIR Infrastructure Work GroupMaturity Level: 2Compartments: Not linked to any defined compartments

A conformance statement is a set of capabilities of a FHIR Server that may be used as a statement of actual server functionality or a statement of required or desired server implementation.

6.17.1 Scope and Usage

The conformance statement is a key part of the overall conformance framework in FHIR. It is used as a statement of the features of actual software, or of a set of rules for an application to conform to. This statement connects to all the detailed statements of functionality, such as StructureDefinitions and ValueSets. This composite statement of application functionality is used as either the source or target of a conformance assessment. For further information about Conformance testing, see Conformance Rules and Profiling FHIR.

Specifically, conformance statements are used in one of three ways:

6.17.1.1 Describe an actual implementation

In this scenario, the conformance statement describes the capabilities of a deployed and configured solution available at a particular access point or set of access points. The statement describes exactly how to interface with that deployed solution and thus provides for a degree of self-configuration of software solutions.

This is the type of profile that FHIR restful solutions are expected to make available on invocation of the conformance operation. It is also the type of statement that forms a basis for the testing, certification or commissioning of specific software installations.

6.17.1.2 Describe software solution capabilities

In this scenario, the conformance statement describes generic capabilities of a software application or component solution. The solution might be available for purchase or other acquisition and might be deployed and configured at any number of independent sites. Because it is not dependent on any particular implementation, the profile cannot provide specific details such as endpoint addresses. It may also need to document various configurations in which the application can be set up or describe the degree of customizability associated with the solution.

This type of statement may be used as a marketing tool by software and system developers to formally describe their capabilities. It can also be used as the basis for conformance testing of software solutions independent of a particular installation.

6.17.1.3 Describe a desired solution

In this scenario, the conformance statement describes the capabilities of a desired system. It might be used as part of an architectural design process to document needed system capabilities, or might be used as part of an RFP process to formally document the requirements of a requested solution and to document the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated.

These three types of profiles can be used together. A requirements statement can be compared against the solution statements proffered by respondents to an RFP. A solution statement for a software package forms the starting point for the implementation statement associated with a particular installation of that software package.

6.17.2 Background and Context

Conformance Statements provide for a degree of automatic configuration and adaptation. However, capturing absolutely every variation that could impact the interoperability of two systems, let alone keeping that detailed information up-to-date as systems evolve through maintenance and upgrades is rarely practical. Therefore, conformance statements should be seen as an interim step. They provide a degree of automation. However, they also provide a great deal of human-readable content that can minimize the need for direct communication between the operators of the systems being configured to interoperate.

This resource is referenced by testscript

6.17.3 Resource Content

Structure

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. Conformance IDomainResourceA conformance statement
Conformance statements of kind 'requirements' do not have software or implementation elements
A Conformance statement SHALL have at least one of REST, messaging or document
Conformance statements of kind 'software' do not have implementation elements
A Conformance statement SHALL have at least one of description, software, or implementation
Messaging end-point is required (and is only permitted) when statement is for an implementation
The set of documents must be unique by the combination of profile & mode
There can only be one REST declaration per mode
... url Σ0..1uriLogical uri to reference this statement
... version Σ0..1stringLogical id for this version of the statement
... name Σ0..1stringInformal name for this conformance statement
... status ?! Σ1..1codedraft | active | retired
ConformanceResourceStatus (Required)
... experimental Σ0..1booleanIf for testing purposes, not real usage
... date Σ1..1dateTimePublication Date(/time)
... publisher Σ0..1stringName of the publisher (Organization or individual)
... contact Σ0..*BackboneElementContact details of the publisher
.... name Σ0..1stringName of an individual to contact
.... telecom Σ0..*ContactPointContact details for individual or publisher
... description Σ I0..1stringHuman description of the conformance statement
... useContext Σ0..*CodeableConceptContent intends to support these contexts
Context of Use ValueSet (Extensible)
... requirements 0..1stringWhy this resource has been created
... copyright 0..1stringUse and/or publishing restrictions
... kind Σ1..1codeinstance | capability | requirements
ConformanceStatementKind (Required)
... software Σ I0..1BackboneElementSoftware that is covered by this conformance statement
.... name Σ1..1stringA name the software is known by
.... version Σ0..1stringVersion covered by this statement
.... releaseDate Σ0..1dateTimeDate this version released
... implementation Σ I0..1BackboneElementIf this describes a specific instance
.... description Σ1..1stringDescribes this specific instance
.... url Σ0..1uriBase URL for the installation
... fhirVersion Σ1..1idFHIR Version the system uses
... acceptUnknown Σ1..1codeno | extensions | elements | both
UnknownContentCode (Required)
... format Σ1..*codeformats supported (xml | json | mime type)
MimeType (Required)
... profile 0..*Reference(StructureDefinition)Profiles for use cases supported
... rest Σ I0..*BackboneElementIf the endpoint is a RESTful one
A given resource can only be described once per RESTful mode
.... mode Σ1..1codeclient | server
RestfulConformanceMode (Required)
.... documentation 0..1stringGeneral description of implementation
.... security 0..1BackboneElementInformation about security of implementation
..... cors 0..1booleanAdds CORS Headers (http://enable-cors.org/)
..... service 0..*CodeableConceptOAuth | SMART-on-FHIR | NTLM | Basic | Kerberos | Certificates
RestfulSecurityService (Extensible)
..... description 0..1stringGeneral description of how security works
..... certificate 0..*BackboneElementCertificates associated with security profiles
...... type 0..1codeMime type for certificate
MimeType (Required)
...... blob 0..1base64BinaryActual certificate
.... resource Σ I0..*BackboneElementResource served on the REST interface
Search parameter names must be unique in the context of a resource
..... type Σ1..1codeA resource type that is supported
ResourceType (Required)
..... profile 0..1Reference(StructureDefinition)Base System profile for all uses of resource
..... interaction 1..*BackboneElementWhat operations are supported?
...... code 1..1coderead | vread | update | delete | history-instance | history-type | create | search-type
TypeRestfulInteraction (Required)
...... documentation 0..1stringAnything special about operation behavior
..... versioning 0..1codeno-version | versioned | versioned-update
ResourceVersionPolicy (Required)
..... readHistory 0..1booleanWhether vRead can return past versions
..... updateCreate 0..1booleanIf update can commit to a new identity
..... conditionalCreate 0..1booleanIf allows/uses conditional create
..... conditionalUpdate 0..1booleanIf allows/uses conditional update
..... conditionalDelete 0..1codenot-supported | single | multiple - how conditional delete is supported
ConditionalDeleteStatus (Required)
..... searchInclude 0..*string_include values supported by the server
..... searchRevInclude 0..*string_revinclude values supported by the server
..... searchParam I0..*BackboneElementSearch params supported by implementation
Search parameters can only have chain names when the search parameter type is 'reference'
...... name 1..1stringName of search parameter
...... definition 0..1uriSource of definition for parameter
...... type 1..1codenumber | date | string | token | reference | composite | quantity | uri
SearchParamType (Required)
...... documentation 0..1stringServer-specific usage
...... target 0..*codeTypes of resource (if a resource reference)
ResourceType (Required)
...... modifier 0..*codemissing | exact | contains | not | text | in | not-in | below | above | type
SearchModifierCode (Required)
...... chain 0..*stringChained names supported
.... interaction 0..*BackboneElementWhat operations are supported?
..... code 1..1codetransaction | search-system | history-system
SystemRestfulInteraction (Required)
..... documentation 0..1stringAnything special about operation behavior
.... transactionMode 0..1codenot-supported | batch | transaction | both
TransactionMode (Required)
.... searchParam 0..*see searchParamSearch params for searching all resources
.... operation 0..*BackboneElementDefinition of an operation or a custom query
..... name 1..1stringName by which the operation/query is invoked
..... definition 1..1Reference(OperationDefinition)The defined operation/query
.... compartment 0..*uriCompartments served/used by system
... messaging I0..*BackboneElementIf messaging is supported
.... endpoint 0..*BackboneElementWhere messages should be sent
..... protocol 1..1Codinghttp | ftp | mllp +
MessageTransport (Extensible)
..... address 1..1uriAddress of end-point
.... reliableCache 0..1unsignedIntReliable Message Cache Length (min)
.... documentation 0..1stringMessaging interface behavior details
.... event 1..*BackboneElementDeclare support for this event
..... code 1..1CodingEvent type
MessageEvent (Preferred)
..... category 0..1codeConsequence | Currency | Notification
MessageSignificanceCategory (Required)
..... mode 1..1codesender | receiver
ConformanceEventMode (Required)
..... focus 1..1codeResource that's focus of message
ResourceType (Required)
..... request 1..1Reference(StructureDefinition)Profile that describes the request
..... response 1..1Reference(StructureDefinition)Profile that describes the response
..... documentation 0..1stringEndpoint-specific event documentation
... document I0..*BackboneElementDocument definition
.... mode 1..1codeproducer | consumer
DocumentMode (Required)
.... documentation 0..1stringDescription of document support
.... profile 1..1Reference(StructureDefinition)Constraint on a resource used in the document

doco Documentation for this format

UML Diagram

Conformance (DomainResource)An absolute URL that is used to identify this conformance statement when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance. This SHALL be a URL, SHOULD be globally unique, and SHOULD be an address at which this conformance statement is (or will be) publishedurl : uri [0..1]The identifier that is used to identify this version of the conformance statement when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the profile author manually and the value should be a timestampversion : string [0..1]A free text natural language name identifying the conformance statementname : string [0..1]The status of this conformance statement (this element modifies the meaning of other elements)status : code [1..1] « The lifecycle status of a Value Set or Concept Map. (Strength=Required)ConformanceResourceStatus! »A flag to indicate that this conformance statement is authored for testing purposes (or education/evaluation/marketing), and is not intended to be used for genuine usageexperimental : boolean [0..1]The date (and optionally time) when the conformance statement was published. The date must change when the business version changes, if it does, and it must change if the status code changes. In addition, it should change when the substantive content of the conformance statement changesdate : dateTime [1..1]The name of the individual or organization that published the conformancepublisher : string [0..1]A free text natural language description of the conformance statement and its use. Typically, this is used when the conformance statement describes a desired rather than an actual solution, for example as a formal expression of requirements as part of an RFPdescription : string [0..1]The content was developed with a focus and intent of supporting the contexts that are listed. These terms may be used to assist with indexing and searching of conformance statementsuseContext : CodeableConcept [0..*] « Indicates the countries, regions, disciplines and other aspects of use within which this artifact is targeted for use. (Strength=Extensible)Context of Use ValueSet+ »Explains why this conformance statement is needed and why it's been constrained as it hasrequirements : string [0..1]A copyright statement relating to the conformance statement and/or its contents. Copyright statements are generally legal restrictions on the use and publishing of the details of the system described by the conformance statementcopyright : string [0..1]The way that this statement is intended to be used, to describe an actual running instance of software, a particular product (kind not instance of software) or a class of implementation (e.g. a desired purchase)kind : code [1..1] « How a conformance statement is intended to be used. (Strength=Required)ConformanceStatementKind! »The version of the FHIR specification on which this conformance statement is basedfhirVersion : id [1..1]A code that indicates whether the application accepts unknown elements or extensions when reading resourcesacceptUnknown : code [1..1] « A code that indicates whether an application accepts unknown elements or extensions when reading resources. (Strength=Required)UnknownContentCode! »A list of the formats supported by this implementation using their content typesformat : code [1..*] « The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed. (Strength=Required)MimeType! »A list of profiles that represent different use cases supported by the system. For a server, "supported by the system" means the system hosts/produces a set of resources that are conformant to a particular profile, and allows clients that use its services to search using this profile and to find appropriate data. For a client, it means the system will search by this profile and process data according to the guidance implicit in the profile. See further discussion in [Using Profiles]{profiling.html#profile-uses}profile : Reference [0..*] « StructureDefinition »ContactThe name of an individual to contact regarding the conformancename : string [0..1]Contact details for individual (if a name was provided) or the publishertelecom : ContactPoint [0..*]SoftwareName software is known byname : string [1..1]The version identifier for the software covered by this statementversion : string [0..1]Date this version of the software releasedreleaseDate : dateTime [0..1]ImplementationInformation about the specific installation that this conformance statement relates todescription : string [1..1]An absolute base URL for the implementation. This forms the base for REST interfaces as well as the mailbox and document interfacesurl : uri [0..1]RestIdentifies whether this portion of the statement is describing ability to initiate or receive restful operationsmode : code [1..1] « The mode of a RESTful conformance statement. (Strength=Required)RestfulConformanceMode! »Information about the system's restful capabilities that apply across all applications, such as securitydocumentation : string [0..1]A code that indicates how transactions are supportedtransactionMode : code [0..1] « A code that indicates how transactions are supported. (Strength=Required)TransactionMode! »An absolute URI which is a reference to the definition of a compartment that the system supports. The reference is to a CompartmentDefinition resource by it's canonical URLcompartment : uri [0..*]SecurityServer adds CORS headers when responding to requests - this enables javascript applications to use the servercors : boolean [0..1]Types of security services are supported/required by the systemservice : CodeableConcept [0..*] « Types of security services used with FHIR. (Strength=Extensible)RestfulSecurityService+ »General description of how security worksdescription : string [0..1]CertificateMime type for certificatetype : code [0..1] « The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed. (Strength=Required)MimeType! »Actual certificateblob : base64Binary [0..1]ResourceA type of resource exposed via the restful interfacetype : code [1..1] « One of the resource types defined as part of FHIR. (Strength=Required)ResourceType! »A specification of the profile that describes the solution's overall support for the resource, including any constraints on cardinality, bindings, lengths or other limitations. See further discussion in [Using Profiles]{profiling.html#profile-uses}profile : Reference [0..1] « StructureDefinition »This field is set to no-version to specify that the system does not support (server) or use (client) versioning for this resource type. If this has some other value, the server must at least correctly track and populate the versionId meta-property on resources. If the value is 'versioned-update', then the server supports all the versioning features, including using e-tags for version integrity in the APIversioning : code [0..1] « How the system supports versioning for a resource. (Strength=Required)ResourceVersionPolicy! »A flag for whether the server is able to return past versions as part of the vRead operationreadHistory : boolean [0..1]A flag to indicate that the server allows or needs to allow the client to create new identities on the server (e.g. that is, the client PUTs to a location where there is no existing resource). Allowing this operation means that the server allows the client to create new identities on the serverupdateCreate : boolean [0..1]A flag that indicates that the server supports conditional createconditionalCreate : boolean [0..1]A flag that indicates that the server supports conditional updateconditionalUpdate : boolean [0..1]A code that indicates how the server supports conditional deleteconditionalDelete : code [0..1] « A code that indicates how the server supports conditional delete. (Strength=Required)ConditionalDeleteStatus! »A list of _include values supported by the serversearchInclude : string [0..*]A list of _revinclude (reverse include) values supported by the serversearchRevInclude : string [0..*]ResourceInteractionCoded identifier of the operation, supported by the system resourcecode : code [1..1] « Operations supported by REST at the type or instance level. (Strength=Required)TypeRestfulInteraction! »Guidance specific to the implementation of this operation, such as 'delete is a logical delete' or 'updates are only allowed with version id' or 'creates permitted from pre-authorized certificates only'documentation : string [0..1]SearchParamThe name of the search parameter used in the interfacename : string [1..1]An absolute URI that is a formal reference to where this parameter was first defined, so that a client can be confident of the meaning of the search parameter (a reference to [[[SearchParameter.url]]])definition : uri [0..1]The type of value a search parameter refers to, and how the content is interpretedtype : code [1..1] « Data types allowed to be used for search parameters. (Strength=Required)SearchParamType! »This allows documentation of any distinct behaviors about how the search parameter is used. For example, text matching algorithmsdocumentation : string [0..1]Types of resource (if a resource is referenced)target : code [0..*] « One of the resource types defined as part of FHIR. (Strength=Required)ResourceType! »A modifier supported for the search parametermodifier : code [0..*] « A supported modifier for a search parameter. (Strength=Required)SearchModifierCode! »Contains the names of any search parameters which may be chained to the containing search parameter. Chained parameters may be added to search parameters of type reference, and specify that resources will only be returned if they contain a reference to a resource which matches the chained parameter value. Values for this field should be drawn from Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam.name on the target resource typechain : string [0..*]SystemInteractionA coded identifier of the operation, supported by the systemcode : code [1..1] « Operations supported by REST at the system level. (Strength=Required)SystemRestfulInteraction! »Guidance specific to the implementation of this operation, such as limitations on the kind of transactions allowed, or information about system wide search is implementeddocumentation : string [0..1]OperationThe name of the operation or query. For an operation, this is the name prefixed with $ and used in the url. For a query, this is the name used in the _query parameter when the query is calledname : string [1..1]Where the formal definition can be founddefinition : Reference [1..1] « OperationDefinition »MessagingLength if the receiver's reliable messaging cache in minutes (if a receiver) or how long the cache length on the receiver should be (if a sender)reliableCache : unsignedInt [0..1]Documentation about the system's messaging capabilities for this endpoint not otherwise documented by the conformance statement. For example, process for becoming an authorized messaging exchange partnerdocumentation : string [0..1]EndpointA list of the messaging transport protocol(s) identifiers, supported by this endpointprotocol : Coding [1..1] « The protocol used for message transport. (Strength=Extensible)MessageTransport+ »The network address of the end-point. For solutions that do not use network addresses for routing, it can be just an identifieraddress : uri [1..1]EventA coded identifier of a supported messaging eventcode : Coding [1..1] « One of the message events defined as part of FHIR. (Strength=Preferred)MessageEvent? »The impact of the content of the messagecategory : code [0..1] « The impact of the content of a message. (Strength=Required)MessageSignificanceCategory! »The mode of this event declaration - whether application is sender or receivermode : code [1..1] « The mode of a message conformance statement. (Strength=Required)ConformanceEventMode! »A resource associated with the event. This is the resource that defines the eventfocus : code [1..1] « One of the resource types defined as part of FHIR. (Strength=Required)ResourceType! »Information about the request for this eventrequest : Reference [1..1] « StructureDefinition »Information about the response for this eventresponse : Reference [1..1] « StructureDefinition »Guidance on how this event is handled, such as internal system trigger points, business rules, etcdocumentation : string [0..1]DocumentMode of this document declaration - whether application is producer or consumermode : code [1..1] « Whether the application produces or consumes documents. (Strength=Required)DocumentMode! »A description of how the application supports or uses the specified document profile. For example, when are documents created, what action is taken with consumed documents, etcdocumentation : string [0..1]A constraint on a resource used in the documentprofile : Reference [1..1] « StructureDefinition »Contacts to assist a user in finding and communicating with the publishercontact[0..*]Software that is covered by this conformance statement. It is used when the conformance statement describes the capabilities of a particular software version, independent of an installationsoftware[0..1]Identifies a specific implementation instance that is described by the conformance statement - i.e. a particular installation, rather than the capabilities of a software programimplementation[0..1]Certificates associated with security profilescertificate[0..*]Information about security implementation from an interface perspective - what a client needs to knowsecurity[0..1]Identifies a restful operation supported by the solutioninteraction[1..*]Search parameters for implementations to support and/or make use of - either references to ones defined in the specification, or additional ones defined for/by the implementationsearchParam[0..*]A specification of the restful capabilities of the solution for a specific resource typeresource[0..*]A specification of restful operations supported by the systeminteraction[0..*]Search parameters that are supported for searching all resources for implementations to support and/or make use of - either references to ones defined in the specification, or additional ones defined for/by the implementationsearchParam[0..*]Definition of an operation or a named query and with its parameters and their meaning and typeoperation[0..*]A definition of the restful capabilities of the solution, if anyrest[0..*]An endpoint (network accessible address) to which messages and/or replies are to be sentendpoint[0..*]A description of the solution's support for an event at this end-pointevent[1..*]A description of the messaging capabilities of the solutionmessaging[0..*]A document definitiondocument[0..*]

XML Template

<Conformance xmlns="http://hl7.org/fhir"> doco
 <!-- from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language -->
 <!-- from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension -->
 <url value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 Logical uri to reference this statement -->
 <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Logical id for this version of the statement -->
 <name value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Informal name for this conformance statement -->
 <status value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 draft | active | retired -->
 <experimental value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If for testing purposes, not real usage -->
 <date value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 1..1 Publication Date(/time) -->
 <publisher value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name of the publisher (Organization or individual) -->
 <contact>  <!-- 0..* Contact details of the publisher -->
  <name value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name of an individual to contact -->
  <telecom><!-- 0..* ContactPoint Contact details for individual or publisher --></telecom>
 </contact>
 <description value="[string]"/><!-- ?? 0..1 Human description of the conformance statement -->
 <useContext><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Content intends to support these contexts --></useContext>
 <requirements value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Why this resource has been created -->
 <copyright value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Use and/or publishing restrictions -->
 <kind value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 instance | capability | requirements -->
 <software>  <!-- ?? 0..1 Software that is covered by this conformance statement -->
  <name value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 A name the software is known by -->
  <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Version covered by this statement -->
  <releaseDate value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 0..1 Date this version released -->
 </software>
 <implementation>  <!-- ?? 0..1 If this describes a specific instance -->
  <description value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Describes this specific instance -->
  <url value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 Base URL for the installation -->
 </implementation>
 <fhirVersion value="[id]"/><!-- 1..1 FHIR Version the system uses -->
 <acceptUnknown value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 no | extensions | elements | both -->
 <format value="[code]"/><!-- 1..* formats supported (xml | json | mime type)  -->
 <profile><!-- 0..* Reference(StructureDefinition) Profiles for use cases supported --></profile>
 <rest>  <!-- ?? 0..* If the endpoint is a RESTful one -->
  <mode value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 client | server -->
  <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 General description of implementation -->
  <security>  <!-- 0..1 Information about security of implementation -->
   <cors value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Adds CORS Headers (http://enable-cors.org/) -->
   <service><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept OAuth | SMART-on-FHIR | NTLM | Basic | Kerberos | Certificates --></service>
   <description value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 General description of how security works -->
   <certificate>  <!-- 0..* Certificates associated with security profiles -->
    <type value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 Mime type for certificate  -->
    <blob value="[base64Binary]"/><!-- 0..1 Actual certificate -->
   </certificate>
  </security>
  <resource>  <!-- 0..* Resource served on the REST interface -->
   <type value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 A resource type that is supported -->
   <profile><!-- 0..1 Reference(StructureDefinition) Base System profile for all uses of resource --></profile>
   <interaction>  <!-- 1..* What operations are supported? -->
    <code value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 read | vread | update | delete | history-instance | history-type | create | search-type -->
    <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Anything special about operation behavior -->
   </interaction>
   <versioning value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 no-version | versioned | versioned-update -->
   <readHistory value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Whether vRead can return past versions -->
   <updateCreate value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If update can commit to a new identity -->
   <conditionalCreate value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If allows/uses conditional create -->
   <conditionalUpdate value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If allows/uses conditional update -->
   <conditionalDelete value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 not-supported | single | multiple - how conditional delete is supported -->
   <searchInclude value="[string]"/><!-- 0..* _include values supported by the server -->
   <searchRevInclude value="[string]"/><!-- 0..* _revinclude values supported by the server -->
   <searchParam>  <!-- 0..* Search params supported by implementation -->
    <name value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Name of search parameter -->
    <definition value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 Source of definition for parameter -->
    <type value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 number | date | string | token | reference | composite | quantity | uri -->
    <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Server-specific usage -->
    <target value="[code]"/><!-- 0..* Types of resource (if a resource reference) -->
    <modifier value="[code]"/><!-- 0..* missing | exact | contains | not | text | in | not-in | below | above | type -->
    <chain value="[string]"/><!-- 0..* Chained names supported -->
   </searchParam>
  </resource>
  <interaction>  <!-- 0..* What operations are supported? -->
   <code value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 transaction | search-system | history-system -->
   <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Anything special about operation behavior -->
  </interaction>
  <transactionMode value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 not-supported | batch | transaction | both -->
  <searchParam><!-- 0..* Content as for Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam Search params for searching all resources --></searchParam>
  <operation>  <!-- 0..* Definition of an operation or a custom query -->
   <name value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Name by which the operation/query is invoked -->
   <definition><!-- 1..1 Reference(OperationDefinition) The defined operation/query --></definition>
  </operation>
  <compartment value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..* Compartments served/used by system -->
 </rest>
 <messaging>  <!-- ?? 0..* If messaging is supported -->
  <endpoint>  <!-- 0..* Where messages should be sent -->
   <protocol><!-- 1..1 Coding http | ftp | mllp + --></protocol>
   <address value="[uri]"/><!-- 1..1 Address of end-point -->
  </endpoint>
  <reliableCache value="[unsignedInt]"/><!-- 0..1 Reliable Message Cache Length (min) -->
  <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Messaging interface behavior details -->
  <event>  <!-- 1..* Declare support for this event -->
   <code><!-- 1..1 Coding Event type --></code>
   <category value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 Consequence | Currency | Notification -->
   <mode value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 sender | receiver -->
   <focus value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 Resource that's focus of message -->
   <request><!-- 1..1 Reference(StructureDefinition) Profile that describes the request --></request>
   <response><!-- 1..1 Reference(StructureDefinition) Profile that describes the response --></response>
   <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Endpoint-specific event documentation -->
  </event>
 </messaging>
 <document>  <!-- ?? 0..* Document definition -->
  <mode value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 producer | consumer -->
  <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Description of document support -->
  <profile><!-- 1..1 Reference(StructureDefinition) Constraint on a resource used in the document --></profile>
 </document>
</Conformance>

JSON Template

{doco
  "resourceType" : "Conformance",
  // from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language
  // from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension
  "url" : "<uri>", // Logical uri to reference this statement
  "version" : "<string>", // Logical id for this version of the statement
  "name" : "<string>", // Informal name for this conformance statement
  "status" : "<code>", // R!  draft | active | retired
  "experimental" : <boolean>, // If for testing purposes, not real usage
  "date" : "<dateTime>", // R!  Publication Date(/time)
  "publisher" : "<string>", // Name of the publisher (Organization or individual)
  "contact" : [{ // Contact details of the publisher
    "name" : "<string>", // Name of an individual to contact
    "telecom" : [{ ContactPoint }] // Contact details for individual or publisher
  }],
  "description" : "<string>", // C? Human description of the conformance statement
  "useContext" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Content intends to support these contexts
  "requirements" : "<string>", // Why this resource has been created
  "copyright" : "<string>", // Use and/or publishing restrictions
  "kind" : "<code>", // R!  instance | capability | requirements
  "software" : { // C? Software that is covered by this conformance statement
    "name" : "<string>", // R!  A name the software is known by
    "version" : "<string>", // Version covered by this statement
    "releaseDate" : "<dateTime>" // Date this version released
  },
  "implementation" : { // C? If this describes a specific instance
    "description" : "<string>", // R!  Describes this specific instance
    "url" : "<uri>" // Base URL for the installation
  },
  "fhirVersion" : "<id>", // R!  FHIR Version the system uses
  "acceptUnknown" : "<code>", // R!  no | extensions | elements | both
  "format" : ["<code>"], // R!  formats supported (xml | json | mime type) 
  "profile" : [{ Reference(StructureDefinition) }], // Profiles for use cases supported
  "rest" : [{ // C? If the endpoint is a RESTful one
    "mode" : "<code>", // R!  client | server
    "documentation" : "<string>", // General description of implementation
    "security" : { // Information about security of implementation
      "cors" : <boolean>, // Adds CORS Headers (http://enable-cors.org/)
      "service" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // OAuth | SMART-on-FHIR | NTLM | Basic | Kerberos | Certificates
      "description" : "<string>", // General description of how security works
      "certificate" : [{ // Certificates associated with security profiles
        "type" : "<code>", // Mime type for certificate 
        "blob" : "<base64Binary>" // Actual certificate
      }]
    },
    "resource" : [{ // Resource served on the REST interface
      "type" : "<code>", // R!  A resource type that is supported
      "profile" : { Reference(StructureDefinition) }, // Base System profile for all uses of resource
      "interaction" : [{ // R!  What operations are supported?
        "code" : "<code>", // R!  read | vread | update | delete | history-instance | history-type | create | search-type
        "documentation" : "<string>" // Anything special about operation behavior
      }],
      "versioning" : "<code>", // no-version | versioned | versioned-update
      "readHistory" : <boolean>, // Whether vRead can return past versions
      "updateCreate" : <boolean>, // If update can commit to a new identity
      "conditionalCreate" : <boolean>, // If allows/uses conditional create
      "conditionalUpdate" : <boolean>, // If allows/uses conditional update
      "conditionalDelete" : "<code>", // not-supported | single | multiple - how conditional delete is supported
      "searchInclude" : ["<string>"], // _include values supported by the server
      "searchRevInclude" : ["<string>"], // _revinclude values supported by the server
      "searchParam" : [{ // Search params supported by implementation
        "name" : "<string>", // R!  Name of search parameter
        "definition" : "<uri>", // Source of definition for parameter
        "type" : "<code>", // R!  number | date | string | token | reference | composite | quantity | uri
        "documentation" : "<string>", // Server-specific usage
        "target" : ["<code>"], // Types of resource (if a resource reference)
        "modifier" : ["<code>"], // missing | exact | contains | not | text | in | not-in | below | above | type
        "chain" : ["<string>"] // Chained names supported
      }]
    }],
    "interaction" : [{ // What operations are supported?
      "code" : "<code>", // R!  transaction | search-system | history-system
      "documentation" : "<string>" // Anything special about operation behavior
    }],
    "transactionMode" : "<code>", // not-supported | batch | transaction | both
    "searchParam" : [{ Content as for Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam }], // Search params for searching all resources
    "operation" : [{ // Definition of an operation or a custom query
      "name" : "<string>", // R!  Name by which the operation/query is invoked
      "definition" : { Reference(OperationDefinition) } // R!  The defined operation/query
    }],
    "compartment" : ["<uri>"] // Compartments served/used by system
  }],
  "messaging" : [{ // C? If messaging is supported
    "endpoint" : [{ // Where messages should be sent
      "protocol" : { Coding }, // R!  http | ftp | mllp +
      "address" : "<uri>" // R!  Address of end-point
    }],
    "reliableCache" : "<unsignedInt>", // Reliable Message Cache Length (min)
    "documentation" : "<string>", // Messaging interface behavior details
    "event" : [{ // R!  Declare support for this event
      "code" : { Coding }, // R!  Event type
      "category" : "<code>", // Consequence | Currency | Notification
      "mode" : "<code>", // R!  sender | receiver
      "focus" : "<code>", // R!  Resource that's focus of message
      "request" : { Reference(StructureDefinition) }, // R!  Profile that describes the request
      "response" : { Reference(StructureDefinition) }, // R!  Profile that describes the response
      "documentation" : "<string>" // Endpoint-specific event documentation
    }]
  }],
  "document" : [{ // C? Document definition
    "mode" : "<code>", // R!  producer | consumer
    "documentation" : "<string>", // Description of document support
    "profile" : { Reference(StructureDefinition) } // R!  Constraint on a resource used in the document
  }]
}

Structure

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraintsdoco
.. Conformance IDomainResourceA conformance statement
Conformance statements of kind 'requirements' do not have software or implementation elements
A Conformance statement SHALL have at least one of REST, messaging or document
Conformance statements of kind 'software' do not have implementation elements
A Conformance statement SHALL have at least one of description, software, or implementation
Messaging end-point is required (and is only permitted) when statement is for an implementation
The set of documents must be unique by the combination of profile & mode
There can only be one REST declaration per mode
... url Σ0..1uriLogical uri to reference this statement
... version Σ0..1stringLogical id for this version of the statement
... name Σ0..1stringInformal name for this conformance statement
... status ?! Σ1..1codedraft | active | retired
ConformanceResourceStatus (Required)
... experimental Σ0..1booleanIf for testing purposes, not real usage
... date Σ1..1dateTimePublication Date(/time)
... publisher Σ0..1stringName of the publisher (Organization or individual)
... contact Σ0..*BackboneElementContact details of the publisher
.... name Σ0..1stringName of an individual to contact
.... telecom Σ0..*ContactPointContact details for individual or publisher
... description Σ I0..1stringHuman description of the conformance statement
... useContext Σ0..*CodeableConceptContent intends to support these contexts
Context of Use ValueSet (Extensible)
... requirements 0..1stringWhy this resource has been created
... copyright 0..1stringUse and/or publishing restrictions
... kind Σ1..1codeinstance | capability | requirements
ConformanceStatementKind (Required)
... software Σ I0..1BackboneElementSoftware that is covered by this conformance statement
.... name Σ1..1stringA name the software is known by
.... version Σ0..1stringVersion covered by this statement
.... releaseDate Σ0..1dateTimeDate this version released
... implementation Σ I0..1BackboneElementIf this describes a specific instance
.... description Σ1..1stringDescribes this specific instance
.... url Σ0..1uriBase URL for the installation
... fhirVersion Σ1..1idFHIR Version the system uses
... acceptUnknown Σ1..1codeno | extensions | elements | both
UnknownContentCode (Required)
... format Σ1..*codeformats supported (xml | json | mime type)
MimeType (Required)
... profile 0..*Reference(StructureDefinition)Profiles for use cases supported
... rest Σ I0..*BackboneElementIf the endpoint is a RESTful one
A given resource can only be described once per RESTful mode
.... mode Σ1..1codeclient | server
RestfulConformanceMode (Required)
.... documentation 0..1stringGeneral description of implementation
.... security 0..1BackboneElementInformation about security of implementation
..... cors 0..1booleanAdds CORS Headers (http://enable-cors.org/)
..... service 0..*CodeableConceptOAuth | SMART-on-FHIR | NTLM | Basic | Kerberos | Certificates
RestfulSecurityService (Extensible)
..... description 0..1stringGeneral description of how security works
..... certificate 0..*BackboneElementCertificates associated with security profiles
...... type 0..1codeMime type for certificate
MimeType (Required)
...... blob 0..1base64BinaryActual certificate
.... resource Σ I0..*BackboneElementResource served on the REST interface
Search parameter names must be unique in the context of a resource
..... type Σ1..1codeA resource type that is supported
ResourceType (Required)
..... profile 0..1Reference(StructureDefinition)Base System profile for all uses of resource
..... interaction 1..*BackboneElementWhat operations are supported?
...... code 1..1coderead | vread | update | delete | history-instance | history-type | create | search-type
TypeRestfulInteraction (Required)
...... documentation 0..1stringAnything special about operation behavior
..... versioning 0..1codeno-version | versioned | versioned-update
ResourceVersionPolicy (Required)
..... readHistory 0..1booleanWhether vRead can return past versions
..... updateCreate 0..1booleanIf update can commit to a new identity
..... conditionalCreate 0..1booleanIf allows/uses conditional create
..... conditionalUpdate 0..1booleanIf allows/uses conditional update
..... conditionalDelete 0..1codenot-supported | single | multiple - how conditional delete is supported
ConditionalDeleteStatus (Required)
..... searchInclude 0..*string_include values supported by the server
..... searchRevInclude 0..*string_revinclude values supported by the server
..... searchParam I0..*BackboneElementSearch params supported by implementation
Search parameters can only have chain names when the search parameter type is 'reference'
...... name 1..1stringName of search parameter
...... definition 0..1uriSource of definition for parameter
...... type 1..1codenumber | date | string | token | reference | composite | quantity | uri
SearchParamType (Required)
...... documentation 0..1stringServer-specific usage
...... target 0..*codeTypes of resource (if a resource reference)
ResourceType (Required)
...... modifier 0..*codemissing | exact | contains | not | text | in | not-in | below | above | type
SearchModifierCode (Required)
...... chain 0..*stringChained names supported
.... interaction 0..*BackboneElementWhat operations are supported?
..... code 1..1codetransaction | search-system | history-system
SystemRestfulInteraction (Required)
..... documentation 0..1stringAnything special about operation behavior
.... transactionMode 0..1codenot-supported | batch | transaction | both
TransactionMode (Required)
.... searchParam 0..*see searchParamSearch params for searching all resources
.... operation 0..*BackboneElementDefinition of an operation or a custom query
..... name 1..1stringName by which the operation/query is invoked
..... definition 1..1Reference(OperationDefinition)The defined operation/query
.... compartment 0..*uriCompartments served/used by system
... messaging I0..*BackboneElementIf messaging is supported
.... endpoint 0..*BackboneElementWhere messages should be sent
..... protocol 1..1Codinghttp | ftp | mllp +
MessageTransport (Extensible)
..... address 1..1uriAddress of end-point
.... reliableCache 0..1unsignedIntReliable Message Cache Length (min)
.... documentation 0..1stringMessaging interface behavior details
.... event 1..*BackboneElementDeclare support for this event
..... code 1..1CodingEvent type
MessageEvent (Preferred)
..... category 0..1codeConsequence | Currency | Notification
MessageSignificanceCategory (Required)
..... mode 1..1codesender | receiver
ConformanceEventMode (Required)
..... focus 1..1codeResource that's focus of message
ResourceType (Required)
..... request 1..1Reference(StructureDefinition)Profile that describes the request
..... response 1..1Reference(StructureDefinition)Profile that describes the response
..... documentation 0..1stringEndpoint-specific event documentation
... document I0..*BackboneElementDocument definition
.... mode 1..1codeproducer | consumer
DocumentMode (Required)
.... documentation 0..1stringDescription of document support
.... profile 1..1Reference(StructureDefinition)Constraint on a resource used in the document

doco Documentation for this format

UML Diagram

Conformance (DomainResource)An absolute URL that is used to identify this conformance statement when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance. This SHALL be a URL, SHOULD be globally unique, and SHOULD be an address at which this conformance statement is (or will be) publishedurl : uri [0..1]The identifier that is used to identify this version of the conformance statement when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the profile author manually and the value should be a timestampversion : string [0..1]A free text natural language name identifying the conformance statementname : string [0..1]The status of this conformance statement (this element modifies the meaning of other elements)status : code [1..1] « The lifecycle status of a Value Set or Concept Map. (Strength=Required)ConformanceResourceStatus! »A flag to indicate that this conformance statement is authored for testing purposes (or education/evaluation/marketing), and is not intended to be used for genuine usageexperimental : boolean [0..1]The date (and optionally time) when the conformance statement was published. The date must change when the business version changes, if it does, and it must change if the status code changes. In addition, it should change when the substantive content of the conformance statement changesdate : dateTime [1..1]The name of the individual or organization that published the conformancepublisher : string [0..1]A free text natural language description of the conformance statement and its use. Typically, this is used when the conformance statement describes a desired rather than an actual solution, for example as a formal expression of requirements as part of an RFPdescription : string [0..1]The content was developed with a focus and intent of supporting the contexts that are listed. These terms may be used to assist with indexing and searching of conformance statementsuseContext : CodeableConcept [0..*] « Indicates the countries, regions, disciplines and other aspects of use within which this artifact is targeted for use. (Strength=Extensible)Context of Use ValueSet+ »Explains why this conformance statement is needed and why it's been constrained as it hasrequirements : string [0..1]A copyright statement relating to the conformance statement and/or its contents. Copyright statements are generally legal restrictions on the use and publishing of the details of the system described by the conformance statementcopyright : string [0..1]The way that this statement is intended to be used, to describe an actual running instance of software, a particular product (kind not instance of software) or a class of implementation (e.g. a desired purchase)kind : code [1..1] « How a conformance statement is intended to be used. (Strength=Required)ConformanceStatementKind! »The version of the FHIR specification on which this conformance statement is basedfhirVersion : id [1..1]A code that indicates whether the application accepts unknown elements or extensions when reading resourcesacceptUnknown : code [1..1] « A code that indicates whether an application accepts unknown elements or extensions when reading resources. (Strength=Required)UnknownContentCode! »A list of the formats supported by this implementation using their content typesformat : code [1..*] « The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed. (Strength=Required)MimeType! »A list of profiles that represent different use cases supported by the system. For a server, "supported by the system" means the system hosts/produces a set of resources that are conformant to a particular profile, and allows clients that use its services to search using this profile and to find appropriate data. For a client, it means the system will search by this profile and process data according to the guidance implicit in the profile. See further discussion in [Using Profiles]{profiling.html#profile-uses}profile : Reference [0..*] « StructureDefinition »ContactThe name of an individual to contact regarding the conformancename : string [0..1]Contact details for individual (if a name was provided) or the publishertelecom : ContactPoint [0..*]SoftwareName software is known byname : string [1..1]The version identifier for the software covered by this statementversion : string [0..1]Date this version of the software releasedreleaseDate : dateTime [0..1]ImplementationInformation about the specific installation that this conformance statement relates todescription : string [1..1]An absolute base URL for the implementation. This forms the base for REST interfaces as well as the mailbox and document interfacesurl : uri [0..1]RestIdentifies whether this portion of the statement is describing ability to initiate or receive restful operationsmode : code [1..1] « The mode of a RESTful conformance statement. (Strength=Required)RestfulConformanceMode! »Information about the system's restful capabilities that apply across all applications, such as securitydocumentation : string [0..1]A code that indicates how transactions are supportedtransactionMode : code [0..1] « A code that indicates how transactions are supported. (Strength=Required)TransactionMode! »An absolute URI which is a reference to the definition of a compartment that the system supports. The reference is to a CompartmentDefinition resource by it's canonical URLcompartment : uri [0..*]SecurityServer adds CORS headers when responding to requests - this enables javascript applications to use the servercors : boolean [0..1]Types of security services are supported/required by the systemservice : CodeableConcept [0..*] « Types of security services used with FHIR. (Strength=Extensible)RestfulSecurityService+ »General description of how security worksdescription : string [0..1]CertificateMime type for certificatetype : code [0..1] « The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed. (Strength=Required)MimeType! »Actual certificateblob : base64Binary [0..1]ResourceA type of resource exposed via the restful interfacetype : code [1..1] « One of the resource types defined as part of FHIR. (Strength=Required)ResourceType! »A specification of the profile that describes the solution's overall support for the resource, including any constraints on cardinality, bindings, lengths or other limitations. See further discussion in [Using Profiles]{profiling.html#profile-uses}profile : Reference [0..1] « StructureDefinition »This field is set to no-version to specify that the system does not support (server) or use (client) versioning for this resource type. If this has some other value, the server must at least correctly track and populate the versionId meta-property on resources. If the value is 'versioned-update', then the server supports all the versioning features, including using e-tags for version integrity in the APIversioning : code [0..1] « How the system supports versioning for a resource. (Strength=Required)ResourceVersionPolicy! »A flag for whether the server is able to return past versions as part of the vRead operationreadHistory : boolean [0..1]A flag to indicate that the server allows or needs to allow the client to create new identities on the server (e.g. that is, the client PUTs to a location where there is no existing resource). Allowing this operation means that the server allows the client to create new identities on the serverupdateCreate : boolean [0..1]A flag that indicates that the server supports conditional createconditionalCreate : boolean [0..1]A flag that indicates that the server supports conditional updateconditionalUpdate : boolean [0..1]A code that indicates how the server supports conditional deleteconditionalDelete : code [0..1] « A code that indicates how the server supports conditional delete. (Strength=Required)ConditionalDeleteStatus! »A list of _include values supported by the serversearchInclude : string [0..*]A list of _revinclude (reverse include) values supported by the serversearchRevInclude : string [0..*]ResourceInteractionCoded identifier of the operation, supported by the system resourcecode : code [1..1] « Operations supported by REST at the type or instance level. (Strength=Required)TypeRestfulInteraction! »Guidance specific to the implementation of this operation, such as 'delete is a logical delete' or 'updates are only allowed with version id' or 'creates permitted from pre-authorized certificates only'documentation : string [0..1]SearchParamThe name of the search parameter used in the interfacename : string [1..1]An absolute URI that is a formal reference to where this parameter was first defined, so that a client can be confident of the meaning of the search parameter (a reference to [[[SearchParameter.url]]])definition : uri [0..1]The type of value a search parameter refers to, and how the content is interpretedtype : code [1..1] « Data types allowed to be used for search parameters. (Strength=Required)SearchParamType! »This allows documentation of any distinct behaviors about how the search parameter is used. For example, text matching algorithmsdocumentation : string [0..1]Types of resource (if a resource is referenced)target : code [0..*] « One of the resource types defined as part of FHIR. (Strength=Required)ResourceType! »A modifier supported for the search parametermodifier : code [0..*] « A supported modifier for a search parameter. (Strength=Required)SearchModifierCode! »Contains the names of any search parameters which may be chained to the containing search parameter. Chained parameters may be added to search parameters of type reference, and specify that resources will only be returned if they contain a reference to a resource which matches the chained parameter value. Values for this field should be drawn from Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam.name on the target resource typechain : string [0..*]SystemInteractionA coded identifier of the operation, supported by the systemcode : code [1..1] « Operations supported by REST at the system level. (Strength=Required)SystemRestfulInteraction! »Guidance specific to the implementation of this operation, such as limitations on the kind of transactions allowed, or information about system wide search is implementeddocumentation : string [0..1]OperationThe name of the operation or query. For an operation, this is the name prefixed with $ and used in the url. For a query, this is the name used in the _query parameter when the query is calledname : string [1..1]Where the formal definition can be founddefinition : Reference [1..1] « OperationDefinition »MessagingLength if the receiver's reliable messaging cache in minutes (if a receiver) or how long the cache length on the receiver should be (if a sender)reliableCache : unsignedInt [0..1]Documentation about the system's messaging capabilities for this endpoint not otherwise documented by the conformance statement. For example, process for becoming an authorized messaging exchange partnerdocumentation : string [0..1]EndpointA list of the messaging transport protocol(s) identifiers, supported by this endpointprotocol : Coding [1..1] « The protocol used for message transport. (Strength=Extensible)MessageTransport+ »The network address of the end-point. For solutions that do not use network addresses for routing, it can be just an identifieraddress : uri [1..1]EventA coded identifier of a supported messaging eventcode : Coding [1..1] « One of the message events defined as part of FHIR. (Strength=Preferred)MessageEvent? »The impact of the content of the messagecategory : code [0..1] « The impact of the content of a message. (Strength=Required)MessageSignificanceCategory! »The mode of this event declaration - whether application is sender or receivermode : code [1..1] « The mode of a message conformance statement. (Strength=Required)ConformanceEventMode! »A resource associated with the event. This is the resource that defines the eventfocus : code [1..1] « One of the resource types defined as part of FHIR. (Strength=Required)ResourceType! »Information about the request for this eventrequest : Reference [1..1] « StructureDefinition »Information about the response for this eventresponse : Reference [1..1] « StructureDefinition »Guidance on how this event is handled, such as internal system trigger points, business rules, etcdocumentation : string [0..1]DocumentMode of this document declaration - whether application is producer or consumermode : code [1..1] « Whether the application produces or consumes documents. (Strength=Required)DocumentMode! »A description of how the application supports or uses the specified document profile. For example, when are documents created, what action is taken with consumed documents, etcdocumentation : string [0..1]A constraint on a resource used in the documentprofile : Reference [1..1] « StructureDefinition »Contacts to assist a user in finding and communicating with the publishercontact[0..*]Software that is covered by this conformance statement. It is used when the conformance statement describes the capabilities of a particular software version, independent of an installationsoftware[0..1]Identifies a specific implementation instance that is described by the conformance statement - i.e. a particular installation, rather than the capabilities of a software programimplementation[0..1]Certificates associated with security profilescertificate[0..*]Information about security implementation from an interface perspective - what a client needs to knowsecurity[0..1]Identifies a restful operation supported by the solutioninteraction[1..*]Search parameters for implementations to support and/or make use of - either references to ones defined in the specification, or additional ones defined for/by the implementationsearchParam[0..*]A specification of the restful capabilities of the solution for a specific resource typeresource[0..*]A specification of restful operations supported by the systeminteraction[0..*]Search parameters that are supported for searching all resources for implementations to support and/or make use of - either references to ones defined in the specification, or additional ones defined for/by the implementationsearchParam[0..*]Definition of an operation or a named query and with its parameters and their meaning and typeoperation[0..*]A definition of the restful capabilities of the solution, if anyrest[0..*]An endpoint (network accessible address) to which messages and/or replies are to be sentendpoint[0..*]A description of the solution's support for an event at this end-pointevent[1..*]A description of the messaging capabilities of the solutionmessaging[0..*]A document definitiondocument[0..*]

XML Template

<Conformance xmlns="http://hl7.org/fhir"> doco
 <!-- from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language -->
 <!-- from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension -->
 <url value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 Logical uri to reference this statement -->
 <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Logical id for this version of the statement -->
 <name value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Informal name for this conformance statement -->
 <status value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 draft | active | retired -->
 <experimental value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If for testing purposes, not real usage -->
 <date value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 1..1 Publication Date(/time) -->
 <publisher value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name of the publisher (Organization or individual) -->
 <contact>  <!-- 0..* Contact details of the publisher -->
  <name value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name of an individual to contact -->
  <telecom><!-- 0..* ContactPoint Contact details for individual or publisher --></telecom>
 </contact>
 <description value="[string]"/><!-- ?? 0..1 Human description of the conformance statement -->
 <useContext><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Content intends to support these contexts --></useContext>
 <requirements value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Why this resource has been created -->
 <copyright value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Use and/or publishing restrictions -->
 <kind value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 instance | capability | requirements -->
 <software>  <!-- ?? 0..1 Software that is covered by this conformance statement -->
  <name value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 A name the software is known by -->
  <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Version covered by this statement -->
  <releaseDate value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 0..1 Date this version released -->
 </software>
 <implementation>  <!-- ?? 0..1 If this describes a specific instance -->
  <description value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Describes this specific instance -->
  <url value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 Base URL for the installation -->
 </implementation>
 <fhirVersion value="[id]"/><!-- 1..1 FHIR Version the system uses -->
 <acceptUnknown value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 no | extensions | elements | both -->
 <format value="[code]"/><!-- 1..* formats supported (xml | json | mime type)  -->
 <profile><!-- 0..* Reference(StructureDefinition) Profiles for use cases supported --></profile>
 <rest>  <!-- ?? 0..* If the endpoint is a RESTful one -->
  <mode value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 client | server -->
  <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 General description of implementation -->
  <security>  <!-- 0..1 Information about security of implementation -->
   <cors value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Adds CORS Headers (http://enable-cors.org/) -->
   <service><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept OAuth | SMART-on-FHIR | NTLM | Basic | Kerberos | Certificates --></service>
   <description value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 General description of how security works -->
   <certificate>  <!-- 0..* Certificates associated with security profiles -->
    <type value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 Mime type for certificate  -->
    <blob value="[base64Binary]"/><!-- 0..1 Actual certificate -->
   </certificate>
  </security>
  <resource>  <!-- 0..* Resource served on the REST interface -->
   <type value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 A resource type that is supported -->
   <profile><!-- 0..1 Reference(StructureDefinition) Base System profile for all uses of resource --></profile>
   <interaction>  <!-- 1..* What operations are supported? -->
    <code value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 read | vread | update | delete | history-instance | history-type | create | search-type -->
    <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Anything special about operation behavior -->
   </interaction>
   <versioning value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 no-version | versioned | versioned-update -->
   <readHistory value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Whether vRead can return past versions -->
   <updateCreate value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If update can commit to a new identity -->
   <conditionalCreate value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If allows/uses conditional create -->
   <conditionalUpdate value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If allows/uses conditional update -->
   <conditionalDelete value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 not-supported | single | multiple - how conditional delete is supported -->
   <searchInclude value="[string]"/><!-- 0..* _include values supported by the server -->
   <searchRevInclude value="[string]"/><!-- 0..* _revinclude values supported by the server -->
   <searchParam>  <!-- 0..* Search params supported by implementation -->
    <name value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Name of search parameter -->
    <definition value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 Source of definition for parameter -->
    <type value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 number | date | string | token | reference | composite | quantity | uri -->
    <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Server-specific usage -->
    <target value="[code]"/><!-- 0..* Types of resource (if a resource reference) -->
    <modifier value="[code]"/><!-- 0..* missing | exact | contains | not | text | in | not-in | below | above | type -->
    <chain value="[string]"/><!-- 0..* Chained names supported -->
   </searchParam>
  </resource>
  <interaction>  <!-- 0..* What operations are supported? -->
   <code value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 transaction | search-system | history-system -->
   <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Anything special about operation behavior -->
  </interaction>
  <transactionMode value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 not-supported | batch | transaction | both -->
  <searchParam><!-- 0..* Content as for Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam Search params for searching all resources --></searchParam>
  <operation>  <!-- 0..* Definition of an operation or a custom query -->
   <name value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Name by which the operation/query is invoked -->
   <definition><!-- 1..1 Reference(OperationDefinition) The defined operation/query --></definition>
  </operation>
  <compartment value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..* Compartments served/used by system -->
 </rest>
 <messaging>  <!-- ?? 0..* If messaging is supported -->
  <endpoint>  <!-- 0..* Where messages should be sent -->
   <protocol><!-- 1..1 Coding http | ftp | mllp + --></protocol>
   <address value="[uri]"/><!-- 1..1 Address of end-point -->
  </endpoint>
  <reliableCache value="[unsignedInt]"/><!-- 0..1 Reliable Message Cache Length (min) -->
  <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Messaging interface behavior details -->
  <event>  <!-- 1..* Declare support for this event -->
   <code><!-- 1..1 Coding Event type --></code>
   <category value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 Consequence | Currency | Notification -->
   <mode value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 sender | receiver -->
   <focus value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 Resource that's focus of message -->
   <request><!-- 1..1 Reference(StructureDefinition) Profile that describes the request --></request>
   <response><!-- 1..1 Reference(StructureDefinition) Profile that describes the response --></response>
   <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Endpoint-specific event documentation -->
  </event>
 </messaging>
 <document>  <!-- ?? 0..* Document definition -->
  <mode value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 producer | consumer -->
  <documentation value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Description of document support -->
  <profile><!-- 1..1 Reference(StructureDefinition) Constraint on a resource used in the document --></profile>
 </document>
</Conformance>

JSON Template

{doco
  "resourceType" : "Conformance",
  // from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language
  // from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension
  "url" : "<uri>", // Logical uri to reference this statement
  "version" : "<string>", // Logical id for this version of the statement
  "name" : "<string>", // Informal name for this conformance statement
  "status" : "<code>", // R!  draft | active | retired
  "experimental" : <boolean>, // If for testing purposes, not real usage
  "date" : "<dateTime>", // R!  Publication Date(/time)
  "publisher" : "<string>", // Name of the publisher (Organization or individual)
  "contact" : [{ // Contact details of the publisher
    "name" : "<string>", // Name of an individual to contact
    "telecom" : [{ ContactPoint }] // Contact details for individual or publisher
  }],
  "description" : "<string>", // C? Human description of the conformance statement
  "useContext" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Content intends to support these contexts
  "requirements" : "<string>", // Why this resource has been created
  "copyright" : "<string>", // Use and/or publishing restrictions
  "kind" : "<code>", // R!  instance | capability | requirements
  "software" : { // C? Software that is covered by this conformance statement
    "name" : "<string>", // R!  A name the software is known by
    "version" : "<string>", // Version covered by this statement
    "releaseDate" : "<dateTime>" // Date this version released
  },
  "implementation" : { // C? If this describes a specific instance
    "description" : "<string>", // R!  Describes this specific instance
    "url" : "<uri>" // Base URL for the installation
  },
  "fhirVersion" : "<id>", // R!  FHIR Version the system uses
  "acceptUnknown" : "<code>", // R!  no | extensions | elements | both
  "format" : ["<code>"], // R!  formats supported (xml | json | mime type) 
  "profile" : [{ Reference(StructureDefinition) }], // Profiles for use cases supported
  "rest" : [{ // C? If the endpoint is a RESTful one
    "mode" : "<code>", // R!  client | server
    "documentation" : "<string>", // General description of implementation
    "security" : { // Information about security of implementation
      "cors" : <boolean>, // Adds CORS Headers (http://enable-cors.org/)
      "service" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // OAuth | SMART-on-FHIR | NTLM | Basic | Kerberos | Certificates
      "description" : "<string>", // General description of how security works
      "certificate" : [{ // Certificates associated with security profiles
        "type" : "<code>", // Mime type for certificate 
        "blob" : "<base64Binary>" // Actual certificate
      }]
    },
    "resource" : [{ // Resource served on the REST interface
      "type" : "<code>", // R!  A resource type that is supported
      "profile" : { Reference(StructureDefinition) }, // Base System profile for all uses of resource
      "interaction" : [{ // R!  What operations are supported?
        "code" : "<code>", // R!  read | vread | update | delete | history-instance | history-type | create | search-type
        "documentation" : "<string>" // Anything special about operation behavior
      }],
      "versioning" : "<code>", // no-version | versioned | versioned-update
      "readHistory" : <boolean>, // Whether vRead can return past versions
      "updateCreate" : <boolean>, // If update can commit to a new identity
      "conditionalCreate" : <boolean>, // If allows/uses conditional create
      "conditionalUpdate" : <boolean>, // If allows/uses conditional update
      "conditionalDelete" : "<code>", // not-supported | single | multiple - how conditional delete is supported
      "searchInclude" : ["<string>"], // _include values supported by the server
      "searchRevInclude" : ["<string>"], // _revinclude values supported by the server
      "searchParam" : [{ // Search params supported by implementation
        "name" : "<string>", // R!  Name of search parameter
        "definition" : "<uri>", // Source of definition for parameter
        "type" : "<code>", // R!  number | date | string | token | reference | composite | quantity | uri
        "documentation" : "<string>", // Server-specific usage
        "target" : ["<code>"], // Types of resource (if a resource reference)
        "modifier" : ["<code>"], // missing | exact | contains | not | text | in | not-in | below | above | type
        "chain" : ["<string>"] // Chained names supported
      }]
    }],
    "interaction" : [{ // What operations are supported?
      "code" : "<code>", // R!  transaction | search-system | history-system
      "documentation" : "<string>" // Anything special about operation behavior
    }],
    "transactionMode" : "<code>", // not-supported | batch | transaction | both
    "searchParam" : [{ Content as for Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam }], // Search params for searching all resources
    "operation" : [{ // Definition of an operation or a custom query
      "name" : "<string>", // R!  Name by which the operation/query is invoked
      "definition" : { Reference(OperationDefinition) } // R!  The defined operation/query
    }],
    "compartment" : ["<uri>"] // Compartments served/used by system
  }],
  "messaging" : [{ // C? If messaging is supported
    "endpoint" : [{ // Where messages should be sent
      "protocol" : { Coding }, // R!  http | ftp | mllp +
      "address" : "<uri>" // R!  Address of end-point
    }],
    "reliableCache" : "<unsignedInt>", // Reliable Message Cache Length (min)
    "documentation" : "<string>", // Messaging interface behavior details
    "event" : [{ // R!  Declare support for this event
      "code" : { Coding }, // R!  Event type
      "category" : "<code>", // Consequence | Currency | Notification
      "mode" : "<code>", // R!  sender | receiver
      "focus" : "<code>", // R!  Resource that's focus of message
      "request" : { Reference(StructureDefinition) }, // R!  Profile that describes the request
      "response" : { Reference(StructureDefinition) }, // R!  Profile that describes the response
      "documentation" : "<string>" // Endpoint-specific event documentation
    }]
  }],
  "document" : [{ // C? Document definition
    "mode" : "<code>", // R!  producer | consumer
    "documentation" : "<string>", // Description of document support
    "profile" : { Reference(StructureDefinition) } // R!  Constraint on a resource used in the document
  }]
}

 

Alternate definitions: Schema/Schematron, Resource Profile (XML, JSON), Questionnaire

6.17.3.1 Terminology Bindings

PathDefinitionTypeReference
Conformance.status The lifecycle status of a Value Set or Concept Map.RequiredConformanceResourceStatus
Conformance.useContext Indicates the countries, regions, disciplines and other aspects of use within which this artifact is targeted for use.ExtensibleContext of Use ValueSet
Conformance.kind How a conformance statement is intended to be used.RequiredConformanceStatementKind
Conformance.acceptUnknown A code that indicates whether an application accepts unknown elements or extensions when reading resources.RequiredUnknownContentCode
Conformance.format
Conformance.rest.security.certificate.type 		The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed.RequiredBCP 13 (RFCs 2045, 2046, 2047, 4288, 4289 and 2049)
Conformance.rest.mode The mode of a RESTful conformance statement.RequiredRestfulConformanceMode
Conformance.rest.security.service Types of security services used with FHIR.ExtensibleRestfulSecurityService
Conformance.rest.resource.type
Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam.target
Conformance.messaging.event.focus 		One of the resource types defined as part of FHIR.Requiredhttp://hl7.org/fhir/valueset/resource-typesResourceType
Conformance.rest.resource.interaction.code Operations supported by REST at the type or instance level.RequiredTypeRestfulInteraction
Conformance.rest.resource.versioning How the system supports versioning for a resource.RequiredResourceVersionPolicy
Conformance.rest.resource.conditionalDelete A code that indicates how the server supports conditional delete.RequiredConditionalDeleteStatus
Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam.type Data types allowed to be used for search parameters.RequiredSearchParamType
Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam.modifier A supported modifier for a search parameter.RequiredSearchModifierCode
Conformance.rest.interaction.code Operations supported by REST at the system level.RequiredSystemRestfulInteraction
Conformance.rest.transactionMode A code that indicates how transactions are supported.RequiredTransactionMode
Conformance.messaging.endpoint.protocol The protocol used for message transport.ExtensibleMessageTransport
Conformance.messaging.event.code One of the message events defined as part of FHIR.Preferredhttp://hl7.org/fhir/valueset/message-eventsMessageEvent
Conformance.messaging.event.category The impact of the content of a message.RequiredMessageSignificanceCategory
Conformance.messaging.event.mode The mode of a message conformance statement.RequiredConformanceEventMode
Conformance.document.mode Whether the application produces or consumes documents.RequiredDocumentMode

6.17.3.2 Constraints

  • cnf-1: A Conformance statement SHALL have at least one of REST, messaging or document (expression: rest or messaging or document)
  • cnf-12: On Conformance.rest.resource: Search parameter names must be unique in the context of a resource (expression on Conformance.rest.resource: searchParam.select(name).distinct())
  • cnf-13: On Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam: Search parameters can only have chain names when the search parameter type is 'reference' (expression on Conformance.rest.resource.searchParam: chain.empty() or type = 'reference')
  • cnf-14: Conformance statements of kind 'requirements' do not have software or implementation elements (expression: (software.empty() and implementation.empty()) or kind != 'requirements')
  • cnf-15: Conformance statements of kind 'software' do not have implementation elements (expression: implementation.empty() or kind != 'capability')
  • cnf-2: A Conformance statement SHALL have at least one of description, software, or implementation (expression: description or software or implementation)
  • cnf-3: Messaging end-point is required (and is only permitted) when statement is for an implementation (expression: messaging.endpoint.empty() or kind = 'instance')
  • cnf-7: The set of documents must be unique by the combination of profile & mode (expression: document.select(profile+mode).distinct())
  • cnf-8: There can only be one REST declaration per mode (expression: rest.select(mode).distinct())
  • cnf-9: On Conformance.rest: A given resource can only be described once per RESTful mode (expression on Conformance.rest: resource.select(type).distinct())

6.17.4 Notes:

  • The Conformance resource provides for an application to describe its use of the RESTful paradigm messaging events, or FHIR documents. Usually, an application would only describe one, but more than one may be described
  • RESTful conformance rules:
    • RESTful servers are required to provide this resource on demand. Servers SHALL specify what resource types and operations are supported, and SHOULD also specify profiles for each resource type.
    • RESTful clients SHOULD publish a conformance statement
    • The search parameters that a server supports (or a client makes use of) are specified in the resource profile that the conformance statement references
    • Resource Types or operations that are not listed are not supported
  • Messaging conformance rules:
    • The interpretation of request and response depends on the mode. If the mode is sender, then request specifies what the application sends, and response specifies what it accepts. If the mode is "receiver", then this is reversed
    • If a request or response is not specified for an event, then no rules are made for it
    • Events that are not listed are not supported
  • Document conformance rules:
    • Document profiles should directly constrain the Document.information.class & type elements so that there is no ambiguity concerning which profile any given document conforms to.
  • Other service based use of resources: Due to the variability of these services, the Conformance resource does not attempt to describe service based use of resources. The various service specifications will need to describe this usage in their own way.

6.17.4.1 Supporting Profiles

A conformance profile declares two different kinds of profiles for the functionality it describes. For a discussion of the use of these two types of resources, see two uses for profiles.

6.17.5 Search Parameters

Search parameters for this resource. The common parameters also apply. See Searching for more information about searching in REST, messaging, and services.

NameTypeDescriptionPaths
contexttokenA use context assigned to the conformance statementConformance.useContext
datedateThe conformance statement publication dateConformance.date
descriptionstringText search in the description of the conformance statementConformance.description
eventtokenEvent code in a conformance statementConformance.messaging.event.code
fhirversiontokenThe version of FHIRConformance.version
formattokenformats supported (xml | json | mime type)Conformance.format
modetokenMode - restful (server/client) or messaging (sender/receiver)Conformance.rest.mode
namestringName of the conformance statementConformance.name
publisherstringName of the publisher of the conformance statementConformance.publisher
resourcetokenName of a resource mentioned in a conformance statementConformance.rest.resource.type
resourceprofilereferenceA profile id invoked in a conformance statementConformance.rest.resource.profile
(StructureDefinition)
securityservicetokenOAuth | SMART-on-FHIR | NTLM | Basic | Kerberos | CertificatesConformance.rest.security.service
softwarestringPart of a the name of a software applicationConformance.software.name
statustokenThe current status of the conformance statementConformance.status
supported-profilereferenceProfiles for use cases supportedConformance.profile
(StructureDefinition)
urluriThe uri that identifies the conformance statementConformance.url
versiontokenThe version identifier of the conformance statementConformance.version