Signature
type: StructureDefinition
node role: treeRoot
id:
  v: Signature
text:
  status:
    v: generated
  div:
    v: Name Flags Card. Type Description & Constraints<img src="[binary]" alt="doco" style="background-color: inherit"/> <img src="[binary]" alt="." style="background-color: white; background-color: inherit" title="Element" class="hierarchy"/> <a href="datatypes-definitions.html#Signature" title="Signature : 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.">Signature N Element A Signature - XML DigSig, JWS, Graphical image of signature, etc. Elements defined in Ancestors: id, <a href="types.html#Element" title="May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and managable, 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.">extension #xD; <img src="[binary]" alt="." style="background-color: #F7F7F7; background-color: inherit" title="Data Type" class="hierarchy"/> type Σ 0..* Coding Indication of the reason the entity signed the object(s) Binding: Signature Type Codes (Preferred) #xD; when Σ 0..1 instant When the signature was created #xD; <img src="[binary]" alt="." style="background-color: #F7F7F7; background-color: inherit" title="Reference to another Resource" class="hierarchy"/> who Σ 0..1 Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | RelatedPerson | Patient | Device | Organization) Who signed #xD; <img src="[binary]" alt="." style="background-color: white; background-color: inherit" title="Reference to another Resource" class="hierarchy"/> onBehalfOf Σ 0..1 Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | RelatedPerson | …
extension:
  url:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/structuredefinition-standards-status
    l: structuredefinition-standards-status
  value: Code
    v: normative
extension:
  url:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/structuredefinition-wg
    l: structuredefinition-wg
  value: Code
    v: fhir
url:
  v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Signature
  l: Signature
version:
  v: 6.0.0-ballot4
name:
  v: Signature
status:
  v: active
experimental:
  v: false
date:
  v: 2026-03-28T16:10:24+00:00
publisher:
  v: HL7 International / FHIR Infrastructure
contact:
  telecom:
    system:
      v: url
    value:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir
contact:
  telecom:
    system:
      v: url
    value:
      v: http://www.hl7.org/Special/committees/fiwg
description:
  v: Signature Type: 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.
jurisdiction:
  coding:
    system:
      v: http://unstats.un.org/unsd/methods/m49/m49.htm
      l: m49.htm
    code:
      v: 001
    display:
      v: World
purpose:
  v: There are a number of places where content must be signed in healthcare.
fhir version:
  v: 6.0.0-ballot4
mapping:
  identity:
    v: rim
  uri:
    v: http://hl7.org/v3
    l: v3
  name:
    v: RIM Mapping
kind:
  v: complex-type
abstract:
  v: false
type:
  v: Signature
  l: Signature
base definition:
  v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/DataType
  l: DataType
derivation:
  v: specialization
snapshot:
  element:
    id:
      v: Signature
    path:
      v: Signature
    short:
      v: A Signature - XML DigSig, JWS, Graphical image of signature, etc.
    definition:
      v: 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.
    comment:
      v: 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.
    min:
      v: 0
    max:
      v: *
    base:
      path:
        v: Signature
      min:
        v: 0
      max:
        v: *
    constraint:
      key:
        v: ele-1
      severity:
        v: error
      human:
        v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
      expression:
        v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
      source:
        v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element
        l: Element
    is modifier:
      v: false
    mapping:
      identity:
        v: rim
      map:
        v: n/a,N/A
  element:
    id:
      v: Signature.id
    path:
      v: Signature.id
    representation:
      v: xmlAttr
    short:
      v: Unique id for inter-element referencing
    definition:
      v: Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
    min:
      v: 0
    max:
      v: 1
    base:
      path:
        v: Element.id
      min:
        v: 0
      max:
        v: 1
    type:
      extension:
        value: Url
      code:
        v: http://hl7.org/fhirpath/System.String
        l: System.String
    condition:
      v: ele-1
    is modifier:
      v: false
    is summary:
      v: false
    mapping:
      identity:
        v: rim
      map:
        v: n/a
  element:
    id:
      v: Signature.extension
    path:
      v: Signature.extension
    slicing:
      description:
        v: Extensions are always sliced by (at least) url
      rules:
        v: open
    short:
      v: Additional content defined by implementations
    definition:
      v: May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and managable, 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.
    comment:
      v: 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.
    alias:
      v: extensions
    alias:
      v: user content
    min:
      v: 0
    max:
      v: *
    base:
      path:
        v: Element.extension
      min:
        v: 0
      max:
        v: *
    type:
      code:
        v: Extension
        l: Extension
    constraint:
      key:
        v: ele-1
      severity:
        v: error

Url
v: string
l: string

v: value

v: url

v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children

v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())

v: false

v: false

identity:
  v: rim
map:
  v: n/a

id:
  v: Signature.type
path:
  v: Signature.type
short:
  v: Indication of the reason the entity signed the object(s)
definition:
  v: 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.
comment:
  v: Examples include attesting to: authorship, correct transcription, and witness of specific event. Also known as a "Commitment Type Indication".
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: *
base:
  path:
    v: Signature.type
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: *
type:
  code:
    v: Coding
    l: Coding
constraint:
  key:
    v: ele-1
  severity:
    v: error
  human:
    v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
  expression:
    v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
  source:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element
    l: Element
is modifier:
  v: false
is summary:
  v: true
binding:
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/tools/StructureDefinition/binding-definition
      l: binding-definition
    value: Markdown
      v: An indication of the reason that an entity signed the object.
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-bindingName
      l: elementdefinition-bindingName
    value: String
      v: SignatureType
  strength:
    v: preferred
  description:
    v: An indication of the reason that an entity signed the object.
  value set:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/signature-type
    l: signature-type

id:
  v: Signature.when
path:
  v: Signature.when
short:
  v: When the signature was created
definition:
  v: When the digital signature was signed.
comment:
  v: This should agree with the information in the signature.
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: 1
base:
  path:
    v: Signature.when
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
type:
  code:
    v: instant
    l: instant
constraint:
  key:
    v: ele-1
  severity:
    v: error
  human:
    v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
  expression:
    v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
  source:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element
    l: Element
is modifier:
  v: false
is summary:
  v: true

id:
  v: Signature.who
path:
  v: Signature.who
short:
  v: Who signed
definition:
  v: A reference to an application-usable description of the identity that signed (e.g. the signature used their private key).
comment:
  v: This should agree with the information in the signature.
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: 1
base:
  path:
    v: Signature.who
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
type:
  code:
    v: Reference
    l: Reference
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Practitioner
    l: Practitioner
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/PractitionerRole
    l: PractitionerRole
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/RelatedPerson
    l: RelatedPerson
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Patient
    l: Patient
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Device
    l: Device
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Organization
    l: Organization
constraint:
  key:
    v: ele-1
  severity:
    v: error
  human:
    v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
  expression:
    v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
  source:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element
    l: Element
is modifier:
  v: false
is summary:
  v: true

id:
  v: Signature.onBehalfOf
path:
  v: Signature.onBehalfOf
short:
  v: The party represented
definition:
  v: A reference to an application-usable description of the identity that is represented by the signature.
comment:
  v: The party that can't sign. For example a child.
requirements:
  v: used when the signature is on behalf of a non-signer.
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: 1
base:
  path:
    v: Signature.onBehalfOf
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
type:
  code:
    v: Reference
    l: Reference
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Practitioner
    l: Practitioner
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/PractitionerRole
    l: PractitionerRole
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/RelatedPerson
    l: RelatedPerson
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Patient
    l: Patient
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Device
    l: Device
  target profile:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Organization
    l: Organization
constraint:
  key:
    v: ele-1
  severity:
    v: error
  human:
    v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
  expression:
    v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
  source:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element
    l: Element
is modifier:
  v: false
is summary:
  v: true

id:
  v: Signature.targetFormat
path:
  v: Signature.targetFormat
short:
  v: The technical format of the signed resources
definition:
  v: A mime type that indicates the technical format of the target resources signed by the signature.
comment:
  v: "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.
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: 1
base:
  path:
    v: Signature.targetFormat
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
type:
  code:
    v: code
    l: code
constraint:
  key:
    v: ele-1
  severity:
    v: error
  human:
    v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
  expression:
    v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
  source:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element
    l: Element
is modifier:
  v: false
is summary:
  v: false
binding:
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/tools/StructureDefinition/binding-definition
      l: binding-definition
    value: Markdown
      v: The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed.
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-bindingName
      l: elementdefinition-bindingName
    value: String
      v: MimeType
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-isCommonBinding
      l: elementdefinition-isCommonBinding
    value: Boolean
      v: true
  strength:
    v: required
  description:
    v: BCP 13 (RFCs 2045, 2046, 2047, 4288, 4289 and 2049)
  value set:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes|6.0.0-ballot4
    l: http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes

id:
  v: Signature.sigFormat
path:
  v: Signature.sigFormat
short:
  v: The technical format of the signature
definition:
  v: 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.
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: 1
base:
  path:
    v: Signature.sigFormat
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
type:
  code:
    v: code
    l: code
constraint:
  key:
    v: ele-1
  severity:
    v: error
  human:
    v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
  expression:
    v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
  source:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element
    l: Element
is modifier:
  v: false
is summary:
  v: false
binding:
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/tools/StructureDefinition/binding-definition
      l: binding-definition
    value: Markdown
      v: The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed.
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-bindingName
      l: elementdefinition-bindingName
    value: String
      v: MimeType
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-isCommonBinding
      l: elementdefinition-isCommonBinding
    value: Boolean
      v: true
  strength:
    v: required
  description:
    v: BCP 13 (RFCs 2045, 2046, 2047, 4288, 4289 and 2049)
  value set:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes|6.0.0-ballot4
    l: http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes

id:
  v: Signature.data
path:
  v: Signature.data
short:
  v: The actual signature content (XML Signature, JSON Jose, picture, etc.)
definition:
  v: The base64 encoding of the Signature content. When signature is not recorded electronically this element would be empty.
comment:
  v: Where the signature type is an XML Signature, the signed content is a FHIR Resource(s). The signature can be XML Signature or JSON Jose form, e.g. XML-Signature can be generated for a Resource in JSON format.
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: 1
base:
  path:
    v: Signature.data
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
type:
  code:
    v: base64Binary
    l: base64Binary
constraint:
  key:
    v: ele-1
  severity:
    v: error
  human:
    v: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children
  expression:
    v: hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
  source:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element
    l: Element
is modifier:
  v: false
is summary:
  v: false

element:
  id:
    v: Signature
  path:
    v: Signature
  short:
    v: A Signature - XML DigSig, JWS, Graphical image of signature, etc.
  definition:
    v: 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.
  comment:
    v: 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.
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: *
  mapping:
    identity:
      v: rim
    map:
      v: N/A
element:
  id:
    v: Signature.type
  path:
    v: Signature.type
  short:
    v: Indication of the reason the entity signed the object(s)
  definition:
    v: 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.
  comment:
    v: Examples include attesting to: authorship, correct transcription, and witness of specific event. Also known as a "Commitment Type Indication".
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: *
  type:
    code:
      v: Coding
      l: Coding
  is summary:
    v: true
  binding:
    extension:
      url:
        v: http://hl7.org/fhir/tools/StructureDefinition/binding-definition
        l: binding-definition
      value: Markdown
        v: An indication of the reason that an entity signed the object.
    extension:
      url:
        v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-bindingName
        l: elementdefinition-bindingName
      value: String
        v: SignatureType
    strength:
      v: preferred
    description:
      v: An indication of the reason that an entity signed the object.
    value set:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/signature-type
      l: signature-type
element:
  id:
    v: Signature.when
  path:
    v: Signature.when
  short:
    v: When the signature was created
  definition:
    v: When the digital signature was signed.
  comment:
    v: This should agree with the information in the signature.
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
  type:
    code:
      v: instant
      l: instant
  is summary:
    v: true
element:
  id:
    v: Signature.who
  path:
    v: Signature.who
  short:
    v: Who signed
  definition:
    v: A reference to an application-usable description of the identity that signed (e.g. the signature used their private key).
  comment:
    v: This should agree with the information in the signature.
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
  type:
    code:
      v: Reference
      l: Reference
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Practitioner
      l: Practitioner
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/PractitionerRole
      l: PractitionerRole
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/RelatedPerson
      l: RelatedPerson
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Patient
      l: Patient
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Device
      l: Device
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Organization
      l: Organization
  is summary:
    v: true
element:
  id:
    v: Signature.onBehalfOf
  path:
    v: Signature.onBehalfOf
  short:
    v: The party represented
  definition:
    v: A reference to an application-usable description of the identity that is represented by the signature.
  comment:
    v: The party that can't sign. For example a child.
  requirements:
    v: used when the signature is on behalf of a non-signer.
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
  type:
    code:
      v: Reference
      l: Reference
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Practitioner
      l: Practitioner
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/PractitionerRole
      l: PractitionerRole
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/RelatedPerson
      l: RelatedPerson
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Patient
      l: Patient
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Device
      l: Device
    target profile:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Organization
      l: Organization
  is summary:
    v: true
element:
  id:
    v: Signature.targetFormat
  path:
    v: Signature.targetFormat
  short:
    v: The technical format of the signed resources
  definition:
    v: A mime type that indicates the technical format of the target resources signed by the signature.
  comment:
    v: "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.
  min:
    v: 0
  max:
    v: 1
  type:
    code:
      v: code
      l: code
  binding:
    extension:
      url:
        v: http://hl7.org/fhir/tools/StructureDefinition/binding-definition
        l: binding-definition
      value: Markdown
        v: The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed.
    extension:
      url:
        v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-bindingName
        l: elementdefinition-bindingName
      value: String
        v: MimeType
    extension:
      url:
        v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-isCommonBinding
        l: elementdefinition-isCommonBinding
      value: Boolean
        v: true
    strength:
      v: required

v: BCP 13 (RFCs 2045, 2046, 2047, 4288, 4289 and 2049)

id:
  v: Signature.sigFormat
path:
  v: Signature.sigFormat
short:
  v: The technical format of the signature
definition:
  v: 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.
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: 1
type:
  code:
    v: code
    l: code
binding:
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/tools/StructureDefinition/binding-definition
      l: binding-definition
    value: Markdown
      v: The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed.
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-bindingName
      l: elementdefinition-bindingName
    value: String
      v: MimeType
  extension:
    url:
      v: http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/elementdefinition-isCommonBinding
      l: elementdefinition-isCommonBinding
    value: Boolean
      v: true
  strength:
    v: required
  description:
    v: BCP 13 (RFCs 2045, 2046, 2047, 4288, 4289 and 2049)
  value set:
    v: http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes|6.0.0-ballot4
    l: http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes

id:
  v: Signature.data
path:
  v: Signature.data
short:
  v: The actual signature content (XML Signature, JSON Jose, picture, etc.)
definition:
  v: The base64 encoding of the Signature content. When signature is not recorded electronically this element would be empty.
comment:
  v: Where the signature type is an XML Signature, the signed content is a FHIR Resource(s). The signature can be XML Signature or JSON Jose form, e.g. XML-Signature can be generated for a Resource in JSON format.
min:
  v: 0
max:
  v: 1
type:
  code:
    v: base64Binary
    l: base64Binary