Medication
1.1.0 - STU Belgium flag

Medication, published by HL7 Belgium. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 1.1.0 built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/hl7-be/medication/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: BEMedicationLine - Detailed Descriptions

Draft as of 2025-03-11

Definitions for the BEMedicationLine resource profile.

Guidance on how to interpret the contents of this table can be found here

0. MedicationStatement
Definition

A record of a medication that is being consumed by a patient. A MedicationStatement may indicate that the patient may be taking the medication now or has taken the medication in the past or will be taking the medication in the future. The source of this information can be the patient, significant other (such as a family member or spouse), or a clinician. A common scenario where this information is captured is during the history taking process during a patient visit or stay. The medication information may come from sources such as the patient's memory, from a prescription bottle, or from a list of medications the patient, clinician or other party maintains.

The primary difference between a medication statement and a medication administration is that the medication administration has complete administration information and is based on actual administration information from the person who administered the medication. A medication statement is often, if not always, less specific. There is no required date/time when the medication was administered, in fact we only know that a source has reported the patient is taking this medication, where details such as time, quantity, or rate or even medication product may be incomplete or missing or less precise. As stated earlier, the medication statement information may come from the patient's memory, from a prescription bottle or from a list of medications the patient, clinician or other party maintains. Medication administration is more formal and is not missing detailed information.

ShortRecord of medication being taken by a patient
Comments

When interpreting a medicationStatement, the value of the status and NotTaken needed to be considered: MedicationStatement.status + MedicationStatement.wasNotTaken Status=Active + NotTaken=T = Not currently taking Status=Completed + NotTaken=T = Not taken in the past Status=Intended + NotTaken=T = No intention of taking Status=Active + NotTaken=F = Taking, but not as prescribed Status=Active + NotTaken=F = Taking Status=Intended +NotTaken= F = Will be taking (not started) Status=Completed + NotTaken=F = Taken in past Status=In Error + NotTaken=N/A = In Error.

Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
2. MedicationStatement.implicitRules
Definition

A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.

ShortA set of rules under which this content was created
Comments

Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.

Control0..1
Typeuri
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because the implicit rules may provide additional knowledge about the resource that modifies it's meaning or interpretation
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
4. MedicationStatement.extension
Definition

An Extension


May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.

ShortExtensionAdditional content defined by implementations
Comments

There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

Control20..*
TypeExtension
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate Namesextensions, user content
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on MedicationStatement.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
  • 6. MedicationStatement.extension:exposure-category
    Slice Nameexposure-category
    Definition

    Exposure - category.

    ShortExposure category
    Control0..1
    This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
    TypeExtension(ExposureCategory) (Extension Type: CodeableConcept)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    8. MedicationStatement.extension:dispense-request-needed
    Slice Namedispense-request-needed
    Definition

    Dispense Request Needed - category.

    ShortIndication of whether a dispense request is needed for delivering the medication
    Control0..1
    This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
    TypeExtension(DispenseRequestNeededCategory) (Extension Type: boolean)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    10. MedicationStatement.extension:artifact-version
    Slice Nameartifact-version
    Definition

    The identifier that is used to identify this version of the artifact when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the artifact author and is not expected to be globally unique. For example, it might be a timestamp (e.g. yyyymmdd) if a managed version is not available. There is also no expectation that versions can be placed in a lexicographical sequence.

    ShortThe business version of the medication line - this version changes when the content update is considered clinically relevant
    Control1..1
    TypeExtension(ArtifactVersion) (Extension Type: string)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    12. MedicationStatement.extension:artifact-date
    Slice Nameartifact-date
    Definition

    The date (and optionally time) when the artifact was last significantly changed. The date must change when the business version changes and it must change if the status code changes. In addition, it should change when the substantive content of the artifact changes.

    ShortThe business-relevant recorded date - the date the medication line was created or changed
    Comments

    The date is often not tracked until the resource is published, but may be present on draft content. Note that this is not the same as the resource last-modified-date, since the resource may be a secondary representation of the artifact. Additional specific dates may be added as extensions or be found by consulting Provenances associated with past versions of the resource.

    Control0..1
    TypeExtension(Artifact Date) (Extension Type: dateTime)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    14. MedicationStatement.extension:adherence
    Slice Nameadherence
    Definition

    Optional Extension Element - found in all resources.

    ShortIndicates whether the medication is or is not being consumed or administered
    Comments

    This is a FHIR R5 element, preadopted as an extension in this FHIR R4 specification. For the full definition see here: http://hl7.org/fhir/R5/medicationstatement-definitions.html#MedicationStatement.adherence

    Control1..1
    This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
    TypeExtension(Extension Definition for MedicationStatement.adherence for Version 5.0) (Complex Extension)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    16. MedicationStatement.modifierExtension
    Definition

    May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

    Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

    ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
    Comments

    There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

    Control0..*
    TypeExtension
    Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the resource that contains them
    Summaryfalse
    Requirements

    Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

    Alternate Namesextensions, user content
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
    18. MedicationStatement.identifier
    Definition

    Identifiers associated with this Medication Statement that are defined by business processes and/or used to refer to it when a direct URL reference to the resource itself is not appropriate. They are business identifiers assigned to this resource by the performer or other systems and remain constant as the resource is updated and propagates from server to server.

    ShortExternal identifier
    Comments

    This is a business identifier, not a resource identifier.

    NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
    Control10..*
    TypeIdentifier
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on MedicationStatement.identifier. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
    • pattern @ system
    • 20. MedicationStatement.identifier:vidis
      Slice Namevidis
      Definition

      The national identifier for medication lines.


      Identifiers associated with this Medication Statement that are defined by business processes and/or used to refer to it when a direct URL reference to the resource itself is not appropriate. They are business identifiers assigned to this resource by the performer or other systems and remain constant as the resource is updated and propagates from server to server.

      ShortVIDIS identifierExternal identifier
      Comments

      This is a business identifier, not a resource identifier.

      NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
      Control0..1*
      TypeIdentifier
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      22. MedicationStatement.identifier:vidis.use
      Definition

      The purpose of this identifier.

      Shortusual | official | temp | secondary | old (If known)
      Comments

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

      Control0..1
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from IdentifierUsehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-use|4.0.1
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-use|4.0.1)

      Identifies the purpose for this identifier, if known .

      Typecode
      Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary id for a permanent one.
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

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

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      24. MedicationStatement.identifier:vidis.system
      Definition

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

      ShortThe namespace for the identifier value
      Comments

      Identifier.system is always case sensitive.

      Control10..1
      Typeuri
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      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.

      Pattern Valuehttp://ehealth.fgov.be/standards/fhir/medication/NamingSystem/be-ns-medicationline
      Example<br/><b>General</b>:http://www.acme.com/identifiers/patient
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      26. MedicationStatement.identifier:vidis.value
      Definition

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

      ShortThe value that is unique
      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.

      Control0..1
      Typestring
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Example<br/><b>General</b>:123456
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      28. MedicationStatement.status
      Definition

      A code representing the patient or other source's judgment about the state of the medication used that this statement is about. Generally, this will be active or completed.

      Shortactive | completed | entered-in-error | intended | stopped | on-hold | unknown | not-taken
      Comments

      MedicationStatement is a statement at a point in time. The status is only representative at the point when it was asserted. The value set for MedicationStatement.status contains codes that assert the status of the use of the medication by the patient (for example, stopped or on hold) as well as codes that assert the status of the medication statement itself (for example, entered in error).

      This element is labeled as a modifier because the status contains codes that mark the resource as not currently valid.

      Control1..1
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from Medication Status Codeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medication-statement-status|4.0.1
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medication-statement-status|4.0.1)

      A coded concept indicating the current status of a MedicationStatement.

      Typecode
      Is Modifiertrue because This element is labelled as a modifier because it is a status element that contains status entered-in-error which means that the resource should not be treated as valid
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      30. MedicationStatement.statusReason
      Definition

      Captures the reason for the current state of the MedicationStatement.

      ShortReason for current status
      Comments

      This is generally only used for "exception" statuses such as "not-taken", "on-hold", "cancelled" or "entered-in-error". The reason for performing the event at all is captured in reasonCode, not here.

      Control0..*
      BindingFor example codes, see SNOMEDCTDrugTherapyStatusCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/reason-medication-status-codes
      (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/reason-medication-status-codes)

      A coded concept indicating the reason for the status of the statement.

      TypeCodeableConcept
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summaryfalse
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      32. MedicationStatement.category
      Definition

      Indicates where the medication is expected to be consumed or administered.

      ShortType of medication usage
      Control0..1
      BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from Medication usage category codeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medication-statement-category
      (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medication-statement-category)

      A coded concept identifying where the medication included in the MedicationStatement is expected to be consumed or administered.

      TypeCodeableConcept
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      34. MedicationStatement.medication[x]
      Definition

      Identifies the medication being administered. This is either a link to a resource representing the details of the medication or a simple attribute carrying a code that identifies the medication from a known list of medications.

      ShortWhat medication was taken
      Comments

      If only a code is specified, then it needs to be a code for a specific product. If more information is required, then the use of the medication resource is recommended. For example, if you require form or lot number, then you must reference the Medication resource.

      Control1..1
      BindingFor example codes, see SNOMEDCTMedicationCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medication-codes
      (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medication-codes)

      A coded concept identifying the substance or product being taken.

      TypeChoice of: CodeableConcept, Reference(Medication)
      [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      36. MedicationStatement.subject
      Definition

      The person, animal or group who is/was taking the medication.

      ShortWho is/was taking the medication
      Control1..1
      TypeReference(BePatient, Patient, Group)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      38. MedicationStatement.effective[x]
      Definition

      The interval of time during which it is being asserted that the patient is/was/will be taking the medication (or was not taking, when the MedicationStatement.taken element is No).

      ShortThe date/time or interval when the medication is/was/will be taken
      Comments

      This attribute reflects the period over which the patient consumed the medication and is expected to be populated on the majority of Medication Statements. If the medication is still being taken at the time the statement is recorded, the "end" date will be omitted. The date/time attribute supports a variety of dates - year, year/month and exact date. If something more than this is required, this should be conveyed as text.

      Control10..1
      TypeChoice of: dateTime, Period
      [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Must Supporttrue
      Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      40. MedicationStatement.dateAsserted
      Definition

      The date when the medication statement was asserted by the information source.

      ShortWhen the statement was asserted?
      Control0..1
      TypedateTime
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      42. MedicationStatement.informationSource
      Definition

      The person or organization that provided the information about the taking of this medication. Note: Use derivedFrom when a MedicationStatement is derived from other resources, e.g. Claim or MedicationRequest.

      ShortPerson or organization that provided the information about the taking of this medication
      Control10..1
      TypeReference(BePatient, BePractitioner, BePractitionerRole, RelatedPerson, BeOrganization, Patient, Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
      Summaryfalse
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      44. MedicationStatement.reasonCode
      Definition

      A reason for why the medication is being/was taken.

      ShortReason for why the medication is being/was taken
      Comments

      This could be a diagnosis code. If a full condition record exists or additional detail is needed, use reasonForUseReference.

      Control0..*
      BindingFor example codes, see Condition/Problem/DiagnosisCodeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/condition-code
      (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/condition-code)

      A coded concept identifying why the medication is being taken.

      TypeCodeableConcept
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summaryfalse
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      46. MedicationStatement.reasonReference
      Definition

      Condition or observation that supports why the medication is being/was taken.

      ShortCondition or observation that supports why the medication is being/was taken
      Comments

      This is a reference to a condition that is the reason why the medication is being/was taken. If only a code exists, use reasonForUseCode.

      Control0..*
      TypeReference(Condition, Observation, DiagnosticReport)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Must Support TypesNo must-support rules about the choice of types/profiles
      Summaryfalse
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      48. MedicationStatement.note
      Definition

      Provides extra information about the medication statement that is not conveyed by the other attributes.

      ShortFurther information about the statement
      Control0..*
      TypeAnnotation
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summaryfalse
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      50. MedicationStatement.dosage
      Definition

      Indicates how the medication is/was or should be taken by the patient.

      ShortDetails of how medication is/was taken or should be taken
      Comments

      The dates included in the dosage on a Medication Statement reflect the dates for a given dose. For example, "from November 1, 2016 to November 3, 2016, take one tablet daily and from November 4, 2016 to November 7, 2016, take two tablets daily." It is expected that this specificity may only be populated where the patient brings in their labeled container or where the Medication Statement is derived from a MedicationRequest.

      Control0..*
      TypeDosage
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summaryfalse
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      52. MedicationStatement.dosage.extension:dosage-override
      Slice Namedosage-override
      Definition

      Dispense override.

      ShortIndicates that the recommended dosage was overridden
      Control0..1
      TypeExtension(DosageOverride) (Extension Type: boolean)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summaryfalse
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
      54. MedicationStatement.dosage.extension:dosage-override-reason
      Slice Namedosage-override-reason
      Definition

      Dispense Request Needed - category.

      ShortThe reason why the recommended dosage was overridden
      Control0..1
      TypeExtension(DosageOverrideReason) (Extension Type: CodeableConcept)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summaryfalse
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
      56. MedicationStatement.dosage.modifierExtension
      Definition

      May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.

      Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).

      ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
      Comments

      There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

      Control0..*
      TypeExtension
      Is Modifiertrue because Modifier extensions are expected to modify the meaning or interpretation of the element that contains them
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Modifier extensions allow for extensions that cannot be safely ignored to be clearly distinguished from the vast majority of extensions which can be safely ignored. This promotes interoperability by eliminating the need for implementers to prohibit the presence of extensions. For further information, see the definition of modifier extensions.

      Alternate Namesextensions, user content, modifiers
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())