Release 4

This page is part of the FHIR Specification (v4.0.1: R4 - Mixed Normative and STU) in it's permanent home (it will always be available at this URL). The current version which supercedes this version is 5.0.0. For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions . Page versions: R5 R4B R4 R3 R2

FHIR Infrastructure Work GroupMaturity Level: NormativeStandards Status: Normative
This page has been approved as part of an ANSI standard. See the Infrastructure Package for further details.

This page provides the detailed descriptions for the data types

Table of Contents

Primitive Types
ElementinstanttimedatedateTimedecimalbooleanintegerstringuribase64BinarycodeidoidunsignedIntpositiveIntmarkdownurlcanonicaluuid
Complex Types
ElementIdentifierHumanNameAddressContactPointTimingQuantitySimpleQuantityAttachmentRangePeriodRatioCodeableConceptCodingSampledDataAgeDistanceDurationCountMoneyMoneyQuantityAnnotationSignatureBackboneElement

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

todo

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Attachment
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdAttachment
Definition

For referring to data content defined in other formats.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

Many models need to include data defined in other specifications that is complex and opaque to the healthcare model. This includes documents, media recordings, structured data, etc.

Comments

When providing a summary view (for example with Observation.value[x]) Attachment should be represented with a brief display text such as "Signed Procedure Consent".

Invariants
Defined on this element
att-1Rule If the Attachment has data, it SHALL have a contentTypedata.empty() or contentType.exists()
Attachment.contentType
Element IdAttachment.contentType
Definition

Identifies the type of the data in the attachment and allows a method to be chosen to interpret or render the data. Includes mime type parameters such as charset where appropriate.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingMimeType (Required)
Typecode
Requirements

Processors of the data need to be able to know how to interpret the data.

Summarytrue
Attachment.language
Element IdAttachment.language
Definition

The human language of the content. The value can be any valid value according to BCP 47.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingCommon Languages (Preferred but limited to All Languages)
Typecode
Requirements

Users need to be able to choose between the languages in a set of attachments.

Summarytrue
Attachment.data
Element IdAttachment.data
Definition

The actual data of the attachment - a sequence of bytes, base64 encoded.

Cardinality0..1
Typebase64Binary
Requirements

The data needs to able to be transmitted inline.

Comments

The base64-encoded data SHALL be expressed in the same character set as the base resource XML or JSON.

Attachment.url
Element IdAttachment.url
Definition

A location where the data can be accessed.

Cardinality0..1
Typeurl
Requirements

The data needs to be transmitted by reference.

Summarytrue
Comments

If both data and url are provided, the url SHALL point to the same content as the data contains. Urls may be relative references or may reference transient locations such as a wrapping envelope using cid: though this has ramifications for using signatures. Relative URLs are interpreted relative to the service url, like a resource reference, rather than relative to the resource itself. If a URL is provided, it SHALL resolve to actual data.

Attachment.size
Element IdAttachment.size
Definition

The number of bytes of data that make up this attachment (before base64 encoding, if that is done).

Cardinality0..1
TypeunsignedInt
Requirements

Representing the size allows applications to determine whether they should fetch the content automatically in advance, or refuse to fetch it at all.

Summarytrue
Comments

The number of bytes is redundant if the data is provided as a base64binary, but is useful if the data is provided as a url reference.

Attachment.hash
Element IdAttachment.hash
Definition

The calculated hash of the data using SHA-1. Represented using base64.

Cardinality0..1
Typebase64Binary
Requirements

Included so that applications can verify that the contents of a location have not changed due to technical failures (e.g., storage rot, transport glitch, incorrect version).

Summarytrue
Comments

The hash is calculated on the data prior to base64 encoding, if the data is based64 encoded. The hash is not intended to support digital signatures. Where protection against malicious threats a digital signature should be considered, see Provenance.signature for mechanism to protect a resource with a digital signature.

Attachment.title
Element IdAttachment.title
Definition

A label or set of text to display in place of the data.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Requirements

Applications need a label to display to a human user in place of the actual data if the data cannot be rendered or perceived by the viewer.

Summarytrue
Attachment.creation
Element IdAttachment.creation
Definition

The date that the attachment was first created.

Cardinality0..1
TypedateTime
Requirements

This is often tracked as an integrity issue for use of the attachment.

Summarytrue

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Identifier
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdIdentifier
Definition

An identifier - identifies some entity uniquely and unambiguously. Typically this is used for business identifiers.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

Need to be able to identify things with confidence and be sure that the identification is not subject to misinterpretation.

Summarytrue
Identifier.use
Element IdIdentifier.use
Definition

The purpose of this identifier.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingIdentifierUse (Required)
Typecode
Is Modifiertrue (Reason: This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary id for a permanent one.)
Requirements

Allows the appropriate identifier for a particular context of use to be selected from among a set of identifiers.

Summarytrue
Comments

Applications can assume that an identifier is permanent unless it explicitly says that it is temporary.

Identifier.type
Element IdIdentifier.type
Definition

A coded type for the identifier that can be used to determine which identifier to use for a specific purpose.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingIdentifierType (Extensible)
TypeCodeableConcept
Requirements

Allows users to make use of identifiers when the identifier system is not known.

Summarytrue
Comments

This element deals only with general categories of identifiers. It SHOULD not be used for codes that correspond 1..1 with the Identifier.system. Some identifiers may fall into multiple categories due to common usage. Where the system is known, a type is unnecessary because the type is always part of the system definition. However systems often need to handle identifiers where the system is not known. There is not a 1:1 relationship between type and system, since many different systems have the same type.

Identifier.system
Element IdIdentifier.system
Definition

Establishes the namespace for the value - that is, a URL that describes a set values that are unique.

Cardinality0..1
Typeuri
Requirements

There are many sets of identifiers. To perform matching of two identifiers, we need to know what set we're dealing with. The system identifies a particular set of unique identifiers.

Summarytrue
Comments

Identifier.system is always case sensitive.

Identifier.value
Element IdIdentifier.value
Definition

The portion of the identifier typically relevant to the user and which is unique within the context of the system.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Summarytrue
Comments

If the value is a full URI, then the system SHALL be urn:ietf:rfc:3986. The value's primary purpose is computational mapping. As a result, it may be normalized for comparison purposes (e.g. removing non-significant whitespace, dashes, etc.) A value formatted for human display can be conveyed using the Rendered Value extension. Identifier.value is to be treated as case sensitive unless knowledge of the Identifier.system allows the processer to be confident that non-case-sensitive processing is safe.

Identifier.period
Element IdIdentifier.period
Definition

Time period during which identifier is/was valid for use.

Cardinality0..1
TypePeriod
Summarytrue
Identifier.assigner
Element IdIdentifier.assigner
Definition

Organization that issued/manages the identifier.

Cardinality0..1
TypeReference(Organization)
Summarytrue
Comments

The Identifier.assigner may omit the .reference element and only contain a .display element reflecting the name or other textual information about the assigning organization.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Coding
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdCoding
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

References to codes are very common in healthcare models.

Summarytrue
Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information.

Coding.system
Element IdCoding.system
Definition

The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

Cardinality0..1
Typeuri
Requirements

Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

Summarytrue
Comments

The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

Coding.version
Element IdCoding.version
Definition

The version of the code system which was used when choosing this code. Note that a well-maintained code system does not need the version reported, because the meaning of codes is consistent across versions. However this cannot consistently be assured, and when the meaning is not guaranteed to be consistent, the version SHOULD be exchanged.

NoteThis is a business versionId, not a resource version id (see discussion)
Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Summarytrue
Comments

Where the terminology does not clearly define what string should be used to identify code system versions, the recommendation is to use the date (expressed in FHIR date format) on which that version was officially published as the version date.

Coding.code
Element IdCoding.code
Definition

A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

Cardinality0..1
Typecode
Requirements

Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

Summarytrue
Coding.display
Element IdCoding.display
Definition

A representation of the meaning of the code in the system, following the rules of the system.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Requirements

Need to be able to carry a human-readable meaning of the code for readers that do not know the system.

Summarytrue
Coding.userSelected
Element IdCoding.userSelected
Definition

Indicates that this coding was chosen by a user directly - e.g. off a pick list of available items (codes or displays).

Cardinality0..1
Typeboolean
Requirements

This has been identified as a clinical safety criterium - that this exact system/code pair was chosen explicitly, rather than inferred by the system based on some rules or language processing.

Summarytrue
Comments

Amongst a set of alternatives, a directly chosen code is the most appropriate starting point for new translations. There is some ambiguity about what exactly 'directly chosen' implies, and trading partner agreement may be needed to clarify the use of this element and its consequences more completely.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

CodeableConcept
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdCodeableConcept
Definition

A concept that may be defined by a formal reference to a terminology or ontology or may be provided by text.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

This is a common pattern in healthcare - a concept that may be defined by one or more codes from formal definitions including LOINC and SNOMED CT, and/or defined by the provision of text that captures a human sense of the concept.

Summarytrue
Comments

Not all terminology uses fit this general pattern. In some cases, models should not use CodeableConcept and use Coding directly and provide their own structure for managing text, codings, translations and the relationship between elements and pre- and post-coordination.

CodeableConcept.coding
Element IdCodeableConcept.coding
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

Cardinality0..*
TypeCoding
Requirements

Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

Summarytrue
Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

CodeableConcept.text
Element IdCodeableConcept.text
Definition

A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Requirements

The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

Summarytrue
Comments

Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Quantity
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdQuantity
Definition

A measured amount (or an amount that can potentially be measured). Note that measured amounts include amounts that are not precisely quantified, including amounts involving arbitrary units and floating currencies.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

Need to able to capture all sorts of measured values, even if the measured value are not precisely quantified. Values include exact measures such as 3.51g, customary units such as 3 tablets, and currencies such as $100.32USD.

Summarytrue
Comments

The context of use may frequently define what kind of quantity this is and therefore what kind of units can be used. The context of use may also restrict the values for the comparator.

Invariants
Defined on this element
qty-3Rule If a code for the unit is present, the system SHALL also be presentcode.empty() or system.exists()
Quantity.value
Element IdQuantity.value
Definition

The value of the measured amount. The value includes an implicit precision in the presentation of the value.

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Requirements

Precision is handled implicitly in almost all cases of measurement.

Summarytrue
Comments

The implicit precision in the value should always be honored. Monetary values have their own rules for handling precision (refer to standard accounting text books).

Quantity.comparator
Element IdQuantity.comparator
Definition

How the value should be understood and represented - whether the actual value is greater or less than the stated value due to measurement issues; e.g. if the comparator is "<" , then the real value is < stated value.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingQuantityComparator (Required)
Typecode
Is Modifiertrue (Reason: This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because the comparator modifies the interpretation of the value significantly. If there is no comparator, then there is no modification of the value)
Meaning if MissingIf there is no comparator, then there is no modification of the value
Requirements

Need a framework for handling measures where the value is <5ug/L or >400mg/L due to the limitations of measuring methodology.

Summarytrue
Quantity.unit
Element IdQuantity.unit
Definition

A human-readable form of the unit.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Requirements

There are many representations for units of measure and in many contexts, particular representations are fixed and required. I.e. mcg for micrograms.

Summarytrue
Quantity.system
Element IdQuantity.system
Definition

The identification of the system that provides the coded form of the unit.

Cardinality0..1
Typeuri
Requirements

Need to know the system that defines the coded form of the unit.

Summarytrue
Invariants
Affect this element
qty-3Rule If a code for the unit is present, the system SHALL also be presentcode.empty() or system.exists()
Quantity.code
Element IdQuantity.code
Definition

A computer processable form of the unit in some unit representation system.

Cardinality0..1
Typecode
Requirements

Need a computable form of the unit that is fixed across all forms. UCUM provides this for quantities, but SNOMED CT provides many units of interest.

Summarytrue
Comments

The preferred system is UCUM, but SNOMED CT can also be used (for customary units) or ISO 4217 for currency. The context of use may additionally require a code from a particular system.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Money
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdMoney
Definition

An amount of economic utility in some recognized currency.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Summarytrue
Money.value
Element IdMoney.value
Definition

Numerical value (with implicit precision).

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Requirements

The amount of the currency. The value includes an implicit precision in the presentation of the value.

Summarytrue
Comments

Monetary values have their own rules for handling precision (refer to standard accounting text books).

Money.currency
Element IdMoney.currency
Definition

ISO 4217 Currency Code.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingCurrencyCode (Required)
Typecode
Requirements

A code indicating the currency, taken from ISO 4217.

Summarytrue

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Range
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdRange
Definition

A set of ordered Quantities defined by a low and high limit.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

Need to be able to specify ranges of values.

Summarytrue
Comments

The stated low and high value are assumed to have arbitrarily high precision when it comes to determining which values are in the range. I.e. 1.99 is not in the range 2 -> 3.

Invariants
Defined on this element
rng-2Rule If present, low SHALL have a lower value than highlow.empty() or high.empty() or (low <= high)
Range.low
Element IdRange.low
Definition

The low limit. The boundary is inclusive.

Cardinality0..1
TypeSimpleQuantity
Summarytrue
Comments

If the low element is missing, the low boundary is not known.

Range.high
Element IdRange.high
Definition

The high limit. The boundary is inclusive.

Cardinality0..1
TypeSimpleQuantity
Summarytrue
Comments

If the high element is missing, the high boundary is not known.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Ratio
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdRatio
Definition

A relationship of two Quantity values - expressed as a numerator and a denominator.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

Need to able to capture ratios for some measurements (titers) and some rates (costs).

Summarytrue
Comments

The Ratio datatype should only be used to express a relationship of two numbers if the relationship cannot be suitably expressed using a Quantity and a common unit. Where the denominator value is known to be fixed to "1", Quantity should be used instead of Ratio.

Invariants
Defined on this element
rat-1Rule Numerator and denominator SHALL both be present, or both are absent. If both are absent, there SHALL be some extension present(numerator.empty() xor denominator.exists()) and (numerator.exists() or extension.exists())
Ratio.numerator
Element IdRatio.numerator
Definition

The value of the numerator.

Cardinality0..1
TypeQuantity
Summarytrue
Ratio.denominator
Element IdRatio.denominator
Definition

The value of the denominator.

Cardinality0..1
TypeQuantity
Summarytrue

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Period
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdPeriod
Definition

A time period defined by a start and end date and optionally time.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Summarytrue
Comments

A Period specifies a range of time; the context of use will specify whether the entire range applies (e.g. "the patient was an inpatient of the hospital for this time range") or one value from the range applies (e.g. "give to the patient between these two times").

Period is not used for a duration (a measure of elapsed time). See Duration.

Invariants
Defined on this element
per-1Rule If present, start SHALL have a lower value than endstart.hasValue().not() or end.hasValue().not() or (start <= end)
Period.start
Element IdPeriod.start
Definition

The start of the period. The boundary is inclusive.

Cardinality0..1
TypedateTime
Summarytrue
Comments

If the low element is missing, the meaning is that the low boundary is not known.

Invariants
Affect this element
per-1Rule If present, start SHALL have a lower value than endstart.hasValue().not() or end.hasValue().not() or (start <= end)
Period.end
Element IdPeriod.end
Definition

The end of the period. If the end of the period is missing, it means no end was known or planned at the time the instance was created. The start may be in the past, and the end date in the future, which means that period is expected/planned to end at that time.

Cardinality0..1
TypedateTime
Meaning if MissingIf the end of the period is missing, it means that the period is ongoing
Summarytrue
Comments

The high value includes any matching date/time. i.e. 2012-02-03T10:00:00 is in a period that has an end value of 2012-02-03.

Invariants
Affect this element
per-1Rule If present, start SHALL have a lower value than endstart.hasValue().not() or end.hasValue().not() or (start <= end)

Normative Candidate Note: This DataType is not normative - it is still undergoing Trial Use while more experience is gathered.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

SampledData
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Trial Use"
Element IdSampledData
Definition

A series of measurements taken by a device, with upper and lower limits. There may be more than one dimension in the data.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

There is a need for a concise way to handle the data produced by devices that sample a physical state at a high frequency.

Comments

The data is not interpretable without at least origin, period, and dimensions, but these are optional to allow a separation between the template of measurement and the actual measurement, such as between DeviceCapabilities and DeviceLog. When providing a summary view (for example with Observation.value[x]) SampledData should be represented with a brief display text such as "Sampled Data".

SampledData.origin
Element IdSampledData.origin
Definition

The base quantity that a measured value of zero represents. In addition, this provides the units of the entire measurement series.

Cardinality1..1
TypeSimpleQuantity
Summarytrue
SampledData.period
Element IdSampledData.period
Definition

The length of time between sampling times, measured in milliseconds.

Cardinality1..1
Typedecimal
Summarytrue
Comments

This is usually a whole number.

SampledData.factor
Element IdSampledData.factor
Definition

A correction factor that is applied to the sampled data points before they are added to the origin.

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Meaning if MissingIf no factor is assigned, the data is not adjusted before adding to the origin
Summarytrue
SampledData.lowerLimit
Element IdSampledData.lowerLimit
Definition

The lower limit of detection of the measured points. This is needed if any of the data points have the value "L" (lower than detection limit).

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Summarytrue
SampledData.upperLimit
Element IdSampledData.upperLimit
Definition

The upper limit of detection of the measured points. This is needed if any of the data points have the value "U" (higher than detection limit).

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Summarytrue
SampledData.dimensions
Element IdSampledData.dimensions
Definition

The number of sample points at each time point. If this value is greater than one, then the dimensions will be interlaced - all the sample points for a point in time will be recorded at once.

Cardinality1..1
TypepositiveInt
Summarytrue
Comments

If there is more than one dimension, the code for the type of data will define the meaning of the dimensions (typically ECG data).

SampledData.data
Element IdSampledData.data
Definition

A series of data points which are decimal values separated by a single space (character u20). The special values "E" (error), "L" (below detection limit) and "U" (above detection limit) can also be used in place of a decimal value.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Comments

Data may be missing if it is omitted for summarization purposes. In general, data is required for any actual use of a SampledData.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

HumanName
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdHumanName
Definition

A human's name with the ability to identify parts and usage.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

Need to be able to record names, along with notes about their use.

Summarytrue
Comments

Names may be changed, or repudiated, or people may have different names in different contexts. Names may be divided into parts of different type that have variable significance depending on context, though the division into parts does not always matter. With personal names, the different parts might or might not be imbued with some implicit meaning; various cultures associate different importance with the name parts and the degree to which systems must care about name parts around the world varies widely.

HumanName.use
Element IdHumanName.use
Definition

Identifies the purpose for this name.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingNameUse (Required)
Typecode
Is Modifiertrue (Reason: This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary or old name etc.for a current/permanent one)
Requirements

Allows the appropriate name for a particular context of use to be selected from among a set of names.

Summarytrue
Comments

Applications can assume that a name is current unless it explicitly says that it is temporary or old.

HumanName.text
Element IdHumanName.text
Definition

Specifies the entire name as it should be displayed e.g. on an application UI. This may be provided instead of or as well as the specific parts.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Requirements

A renderable, unencoded form.

Summarytrue
Comments

Can provide both a text representation and parts. Applications updating a name SHALL ensure that when both text and parts are present, no content is included in the text that isn't found in a part.

HumanName.family
Element IdHumanName.family
Definition

The part of a name that links to the genealogy. In some cultures (e.g. Eritrea) the family name of a son is the first name of his father.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Alternate Namessurname
Summarytrue
Comments

Family Name may be decomposed into specific parts using extensions (de, nl, es related cultures).

HumanName.given
Element IdHumanName.given
Definition

Given name.

Cardinality0..*
Typestring
Element Order MeaningGiven Names appear in the correct order for presenting the name
Alternate Namesfirst name; middle name
Summarytrue
Comments

If only initials are recorded, they may be used in place of the full name parts. Initials may be separated into multiple given names but often aren't due to paractical limitations. This element is not called "first name" since given names do not always come first.

HumanName.prefix
Element IdHumanName.prefix
Definition

Part of the name that is acquired as a title due to academic, legal, employment or nobility status, etc. and that appears at the start of the name.

Cardinality0..*
Typestring
Element Order MeaningPrefixes appear in the correct order for presenting the name
Summarytrue
HumanName.suffix
Element IdHumanName.suffix
Definition

Part of the name that is acquired as a title due to academic, legal, employment or nobility status, etc. and that appears at the end of the name.

Cardinality0..*
Typestring
Element Order MeaningSuffixes appear in the correct order for presenting the name
Summarytrue
HumanName.period
Element IdHumanName.period
Definition

Indicates the period of time when this name was valid for the named person.

Cardinality0..1
TypePeriod
Requirements

Allows names to be placed in historical context.

Summarytrue

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Address
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdAddress
Definition

An address expressed using postal conventions (as opposed to GPS or other location definition formats). This data type may be used to convey addresses for use in delivering mail as well as for visiting locations which might not be valid for mail delivery. There are a variety of postal address formats defined around the world.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

Need to be able to record postal addresses, along with notes about their use.

Summarytrue
Comments

Note: address is intended to describe postal addresses for administrative purposes, not to describe absolute geographical coordinates. Postal addresses are often used as proxies for physical locations (also see the Location resource).

Address.use
Element IdAddress.use
Definition

The purpose of this address.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingAddressUse (Required)
Typecode
Is Modifiertrue (Reason: This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary or old address etc.for a current/permanent one)
Requirements

Allows an appropriate address to be chosen from a list of many.

Summarytrue
Comments

Applications can assume that an address is current unless it explicitly says that it is temporary or old.

Address.type
Element IdAddress.type
Definition

Distinguishes between physical addresses (those you can visit) and mailing addresses (e.g. PO Boxes and care-of addresses). Most addresses are both.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingAddressType (Required)
Typecode
Summarytrue
Comments

The definition of Address states that "address is intended to describe postal addresses, not physical locations". However, many applications track whether an address has a dual purpose of being a location that can be visited as well as being a valid delivery destination, and Postal addresses are often used as proxies for physical locations (also see the Location resource).

Address.text
Element IdAddress.text
Definition

Specifies the entire address as it should be displayed e.g. on a postal label. This may be provided instead of or as well as the specific parts.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Requirements

A renderable, unencoded form.

Summarytrue
Comments

Can provide both a text representation and parts. Applications updating an address SHALL ensure that when both text and parts are present, no content is included in the text that isn't found in a part.

Address.line
Element IdAddress.line
Definition

This component contains the house number, apartment number, street name, street direction, P.O. Box number, delivery hints, and similar address information.

Cardinality0..*
Typestring
Element Order MeaningThe order in which lines should appear in an address label
Summarytrue
Address.city
Element IdAddress.city
Definition

The name of the city, town, suburb, village or other community or delivery center.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Alternate NamesMunicpality
Summarytrue
Address.district
Element IdAddress.district
Definition

The name of the administrative area (county).

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Alternate NamesCounty
Summarytrue
Comments

District is sometimes known as county, but in some regions 'county' is used in place of city (municipality), so county name should be conveyed in city instead.

Address.state
Element IdAddress.state
Definition

Sub-unit of a country with limited sovereignty in a federally organized country. A code may be used if codes are in common use (e.g. US 2 letter state codes).

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Alternate NamesProvince; Territory
Summarytrue
Address.postalCode
Element IdAddress.postalCode
Definition

A postal code designating a region defined by the postal service.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Alternate NamesZip
Summarytrue
Address.country
Element IdAddress.country
Definition

Country - a nation as commonly understood or generally accepted.

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Summarytrue
Comments

ISO 3166 3 letter codes can be used in place of a human readable country name.

Address.period
Element IdAddress.period
Definition

Time period when address was/is in use.

Cardinality0..1
TypePeriod
Requirements

Allows addresses to be placed in historical context.

Summarytrue

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

ContactPoint
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdContactPoint
Definition

Details for all kinds of technology mediated contact points for a person or organization, including telephone, email, etc.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

Need to track phone, fax, mobile, sms numbers, email addresses, twitter tags, etc.

Summarytrue
Invariants
Defined on this element
cpt-2Rule A system is required if a value is provided.value.empty() or system.exists()
ContactPoint.system
Element IdContactPoint.system
Definition

Telecommunications form for contact point - what communications system is required to make use of the contact.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingContactPointSystem (Required)
Typecode
Summarytrue
Invariants
Affect this element
cpt-2Rule A system is required if a value is provided.value.empty() or system.exists()
ContactPoint.value
Element IdContactPoint.value
Definition

The actual contact point details, in a form that is meaningful to the designated communication system (i.e. phone number or email address).

Cardinality0..1
Typestring
Requirements

Need to support legacy numbers that are not in a tightly controlled format.

Summarytrue
Comments

Additional text data such as phone extension numbers, or notes about use of the contact are sometimes included in the value.

ContactPoint.use
Element IdContactPoint.use
Definition

Identifies the purpose for the contact point.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingContactPointUse (Required)
Typecode
Is Modifiertrue (Reason: This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary or old contact etc.for a current/permanent one)
Requirements

Need to track the way a person uses this contact, so a user can choose which is appropriate for their purpose.

Summarytrue
Comments

Applications can assume that a contact is current unless it explicitly says that it is temporary or old.

ContactPoint.rank
Element IdContactPoint.rank
Definition

Specifies a preferred order in which to use a set of contacts. ContactPoints with lower rank values are more preferred than those with higher rank values.

Cardinality0..1
TypepositiveInt
Summarytrue
Comments

Note that rank does not necessarily follow the order in which the contacts are represented in the instance.

ContactPoint.period
Element IdContactPoint.period
Definition

Time period when the contact point was/is in use.

Cardinality0..1
TypePeriod
Summarytrue

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Timing
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdTiming
Definition

Specifies an event that may occur multiple times. Timing schedules are used to record when things are planned, expected or requested to occur. The most common usage is in dosage instructions for medications. They are also used when planning care of various kinds, and may be used for reporting the schedule to which past regular activities were carried out.

Cardinality0..*
TypeBackboneElement
Requirements

Need to able to track proposed timing schedules. There are several different ways to do this: one or more specified times, a simple rules like three times a day, or before/after meals.

Summarytrue
Comments

Describes the occurrence of an event that may occur multiple times. Timing schedules are used for specifying when events are expected or requested to occur, and may also be used to represent the summary of a past or ongoing event. For simplicity, the definitions of Timing components are expressed as 'future' events, but such components can also be used to describe historic or ongoing events.

A Timing schedule can be a list of events and/or criteria for when the event happens, which can be expressed in a structured form and/or as a code. When both event and a repeating specification are provided, the list of events should be understood as an interpretation of the information in the repeat structure.

Timing.event
Element IdTiming.event
Definition

Identifies specific times when the event occurs.

Cardinality0..*
TypedateTime
Requirements

In a Medication Administration Record, for instance, you need to take a general specification, and turn it into a precise specification.

Summarytrue
Timing.repeat
Element IdTiming.repeat
Definition

A set of rules that describe when the event is scheduled.

Cardinality0..1
Requirements

Many timing schedules are determined by regular repetitions.

Summarytrue
Invariants
Defined on this element
tim-1Rule if there's a duration, there needs to be duration unitsduration.empty() or durationUnit.exists()
tim-2Rule if there's a period, there needs to be period unitsperiod.empty() or periodUnit.exists()
tim-4Rule duration SHALL be a non-negative valueduration.exists() implies duration >= 0
tim-5Rule period SHALL be a non-negative valueperiod.exists() implies period >= 0
tim-6Rule If there's a periodMax, there must be a periodperiodMax.empty() or period.exists()
tim-7Rule If there's a durationMax, there must be a durationdurationMax.empty() or duration.exists()
tim-8Rule If there's a countMax, there must be a countcountMax.empty() or count.exists()
tim-9Rule If there's an offset, there must be a when (and not C, CM, CD, CV)offset.empty() or (when.exists() and ((when in ('C' | 'CM' | 'CD' | 'CV')).not()))
tim-10Rule If there's a timeOfDay, there cannot be a when, or vice versatimeOfDay.empty() or when.empty()
Timing.repeat.bounds[x]
Element IdTiming.repeat.bounds[x]
Definition

Either a duration for the length of the timing schedule, a range of possible length, or outer bounds for start and/or end limits of the timing schedule.

Cardinality0..1
TypeDuration|Range|Period
[x] NoteSee Choice of Data Types for further information about how to use [x]
Summarytrue
Timing.repeat.count
Element IdTiming.repeat.count
Definition

A total count of the desired number of repetitions across the duration of the entire timing specification. If countMax is present, this element indicates the lower bound of the allowed range of count values.

Cardinality0..1
TypepositiveInt
Requirements

Repetitions may be limited by end time or total occurrences.

Summarytrue
Comments

If you have both bounds and count, then this should be understood as within the bounds period, until count times happens.

Timing.repeat.countMax
Element IdTiming.repeat.countMax
Definition

If present, indicates that the count is a range - so to perform the action between [count] and [countMax] times.

Cardinality0..1
TypepositiveInt
Summarytrue
Timing.repeat.duration
Element IdTiming.repeat.duration
Definition

How long this thing happens for when it happens. If durationMax is present, this element indicates the lower bound of the allowed range of the duration.

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Requirements

Some activities are not instantaneous and need to be maintained for a period of time.

Summarytrue
Comments

For some events the duration is part of the definition of the event (e.g. IV infusions, where the duration is implicit in the specified quantity and rate). For others, it's part of the timing specification (e.g. exercise).

Timing.repeat.durationMax
Element IdTiming.repeat.durationMax
Definition

If present, indicates that the duration is a range - so to perform the action between [duration] and [durationMax] time length.

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Requirements

Some activities are not instantaneous and need to be maintained for a period of time.

Summarytrue
Comments

For some events the duration is part of the definition of the event (e.g. IV infusions, where the duration is implicit in the specified quantity and rate). For others, it's part of the timing specification (e.g. exercise).

Timing.repeat.durationUnit
Element IdTiming.repeat.durationUnit
Definition

The units of time for the duration, in UCUM units.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingUnitsOfTime (Required)
Typecode
Summarytrue
Timing.repeat.frequency
Element IdTiming.repeat.frequency
Definition

The number of times to repeat the action within the specified period. If frequencyMax is present, this element indicates the lower bound of the allowed range of the frequency.

Cardinality0..1
TypepositiveInt
Meaning if MissingIf no frequency is stated, the assumption is that the event occurs once per period, but systems SHOULD always be specific about this
Summarytrue
Timing.repeat.frequencyMax
Element IdTiming.repeat.frequencyMax
Definition

If present, indicates that the frequency is a range - so to repeat between [frequency] and [frequencyMax] times within the period or period range.

Cardinality0..1
TypepositiveInt
Summarytrue
Timing.repeat.period
Element IdTiming.repeat.period
Definition

Indicates the duration of time over which repetitions are to occur; e.g. to express "3 times per day", 3 would be the frequency and "1 day" would be the period. If periodMax is present, this element indicates the lower bound of the allowed range of the period length.

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Summarytrue
Timing.repeat.periodMax
Element IdTiming.repeat.periodMax
Definition

If present, indicates that the period is a range from [period] to [periodMax], allowing expressing concepts such as "do this once every 3-5 days.

Cardinality0..1
Typedecimal
Summarytrue
Timing.repeat.periodUnit
Element IdTiming.repeat.periodUnit
Definition

The units of time for the period in UCUM units.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingUnitsOfTime (Required)
Typecode
Summarytrue
Timing.repeat.dayOfWeek
Element IdTiming.repeat.dayOfWeek
Definition

If one or more days of week is provided, then the action happens only on the specified day(s).

Cardinality0..*
Terminology BindingDaysOfWeek (Required)
Typecode
Summarytrue
Comments

If no days are specified, the action is assumed to happen every day as otherwise specified. The elements frequency and period cannot be used as well as dayOfWeek.

Timing.repeat.timeOfDay
Element IdTiming.repeat.timeOfDay
Definition

Specified time of day for action to take place.

Cardinality0..*
Typetime
Summarytrue
Comments

When time of day is specified, it is inferred that the action happens every day (as filtered by dayofWeek) on the specified times. The elements when, frequency and period cannot be used as well as timeOfDay.

Timing.repeat.when
Element IdTiming.repeat.when
Definition

An approximate time period during the day, potentially linked to an event of daily living that indicates when the action should occur.

Cardinality0..*
Terminology BindingEventTiming (Required)
Typecode
Requirements

Timings are frequently determined by occurrences such as waking, eating and sleep.

Summarytrue
Comments

When more than one event is listed, the event is tied to the union of the specified events.

Timing.repeat.offset
Element IdTiming.repeat.offset
Definition

The number of minutes from the event. If the event code does not indicate whether the minutes is before or after the event, then the offset is assumed to be after the event.

Cardinality0..1
TypeunsignedInt
Summarytrue
Timing.code
Element IdTiming.code
Definition

A code for the timing schedule (or just text in code.text). Some codes such as BID are ubiquitous, but many institutions define their own additional codes. If a code is provided, the code is understood to be a complete statement of whatever is specified in the structured timing data, and either the code or the data may be used to interpret the Timing, with the exception that .repeat.bounds still applies over the code (and is not contained in the code).

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingTimingAbbreviation (Preferred)
TypeCodeableConcept
Summarytrue
Comments

BID etc. are defined as 'at institutionally specified times'. For example, an institution may choose that BID is "always at 7am and 6pm". If it is inappropriate for this choice to be made, the code BID should not be used. Instead, a distinct organization-specific code should be used in place of the HL7-defined BID code and/or a structured representation should be used (in this case, specifying the two event times).

Normative Candidate Note: This DataType is not normative - it is still undergoing Trial Use while more experience is gathered.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Signature
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Trial Use"
Element IdSignature
Definition

A signature along with supporting context. The signature may be a digital signature that is cryptographic in nature, or some other signature acceptable to the domain. This other signature may be as simple as a graphical image representing a hand-written signature, or a signature ceremony Different signature approaches have different utilities.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Requirements

There are a number of places where content must be signed in healthcare.

Comments

The elements of the Signature Resource are for ease of access of these elements. For digital signatures (Xml DigSig, JWS), the non-repudiation proof comes from the Signature validation, which includes validation of the referenced objects (e.g. Resources) (a.k.a., Content) in the XML-Signature Detached form.

Signature.type
Element IdSignature.type
Definition

An indication of the reason that the entity signed this document. This may be explicitly included as part of the signature information and can be used when determining accountability for various actions concerning the document.

Cardinality1..*
Terminology BindingSignature Type Codes (Preferred)
TypeCoding
Summarytrue
Comments

Examples include attesting to: authorship, correct transcription, and witness of specific event. Also known as a &quot;Commitment Type Indication&quot;.

Signature.when
Element IdSignature.when
Definition

When the digital signature was signed.

Cardinality1..1
Typeinstant
Summarytrue
Comments

This should agree with the information in the signature.

Signature.who
Element IdSignature.who
Definition

A reference to an application-usable description of the identity that signed (e.g. the signature used their private key).

Cardinality1..1
TypeReference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | RelatedPerson | Patient | Device | Organization)
Summarytrue
Comments

This should agree with the information in the signature.

Signature.onBehalfOf
Element IdSignature.onBehalfOf
Definition

A reference to an application-usable description of the identity that is represented by the signature.

Cardinality0..1
TypeReference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | RelatedPerson | Patient | Device | Organization)
Requirements

used when the signature is on behalf of a non-signer.

Summarytrue
Comments

The party that can't sign. For example a child.

Signature.targetFormat
Element IdSignature.targetFormat
Definition

A mime type that indicates the technical format of the target resources signed by the signature.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingMimeType (Required)
Typecode
Comments

"xml", "json" and "ttl" are allowed, which describe the simple encodings described in the specification (and imply appropriate bundle support). Otherwise, mime types are legal here.

Signature.sigFormat
Element IdSignature.sigFormat
Definition

A mime type that indicates the technical format of the signature. Important mime types are application/signature+xml for X ML DigSig, application/jose for JWS, and image/* for a graphical image of a signature, etc.

Cardinality0..1
Terminology BindingMimeType (Required)
Typecode
Signature.data
Element IdSignature.data
Definition

The base64 encoding of the Signature content. When signature is not recorded electronically this element would be empty.

Cardinality0..1
Typebase64Binary
Comments

Where the signature type is an XML DigSig, the signed content is a FHIR Resource(s), the signature is of the XML form of the Resource(s) using XML-Signature (XMLDIG) "Detached Signature" form.

See also Base Definition, Examples, Profiles & Extensions, Mappings and R2 Conversions.

Annotation
Standards StatusThis element has a standards status of "Normative"
Element IdAnnotation
Definition

A text note which also contains information about who made the statement and when.

Cardinality0..*
TypeElement
Comments

For systems that do not have structured annotations, they can simply communicate a single annotation with no author or time. This element may need to be included in narrative because of the potential for modifying information. Annotations SHOULD NOT be used to communicate "modifying" information that could be computable. (This is a SHOULD because enforcing user behavior is nearly impossible).

Annotation.author[x]
Element IdAnnotation.author[x]
Definition

The individual responsible for making the annotation.

Cardinality0..1
TypeReference(Practitioner | Patient | RelatedPerson | Organization)|string
[x] NoteSee Choice of Data Types for further information about how to use [x]
Summarytrue
Comments

Organization is used when there's no need for specific attribution as to who made the comment.

Annotation.time
Element IdAnnotation.time
Definition

Indicates when this particular annotation was made.

Cardinality0..1
TypedateTime
Summarytrue
Annotation.text
Element IdAnnotation.text
Definition

The text of the annotation in markdown format.

Cardinality1..1
Typemarkdown
Summarytrue