Canadian Baseline
1.2.0 - CI Build Canada flag

Canadian Baseline, published by HL7 Canada - FHIR Implementation Work Group. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 1.2.0 built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/HL7-Canada/ca-baseline/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: MedicationRequestProfile - Detailed Descriptions

Draft as of 2024-08-09

Definitions for the profile-medicationrequest resource profile.

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

0. MedicationRequest
Definition

The Canadian Baseline MedicationRequest Profile is based upon the core FHIR MedicationRequest Resource


An order or request for both supply of the medication and the instructions for administration of the medication to a patient. The resource is called "MedicationRequest" rather than "MedicationPrescription" or "MedicationOrder" to generalize the use across inpatient and outpatient settings, including care plans, etc., and to harmonize with workflow patterns.

ShortMedicationRequest ProfileOrdering of medication for patient or group
Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate NamesPrescription, Order
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. MedicationRequest.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. MedicationRequest.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())
6. MedicationRequest.status
Definition

A code specifying the current state of the order. Generally, this will be active or completed state.

Shortactive | on-hold | cancelled | completed | entered-in-error | stopped | draft | unknown
Comments

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 medicationrequest Statushttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medicationrequest-status|4.0.1
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medicationrequest-status|4.0.1)

A coded concept specifying the state of the prescribing event. Describes the lifecycle of the prescription.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled 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()))
8. MedicationRequest.intent
Definition

Whether the request is a proposal, plan, or an original order.

Shortproposal | plan | order | original-order | reflex-order | filler-order | instance-order | option
Comments

It is expected that the type of requester will be restricted for different stages of a MedicationRequest. For example, Proposals can be created by a patient, relatedPerson, Practitioner or Device. Plans can be created by Practitioners, Patients, RelatedPersons and Devices. Original orders can be created by a Practitioner only.

An instance-order is an instantiation of a request or order and may be used to populate Medication Administration Record.

This element is labeled as a modifier because the intent alters when and how the resource is actually applicable.

Control1..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from medicationRequest Intenthttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medicationrequest-intent|4.0.1
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medicationrequest-intent|4.0.1)

The kind of medication order.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This element changes the interpretation of all descriptive attributes. For example "the time the request is recommended to occur" vs. "the time the request is authorized to occur" or "who is recommended to perform the request" vs. "who is authorized to perform the request
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()))
10. MedicationRequest.doNotPerform
Definition

If true indicates that the provider is asking for the medication request not to occur.

ShortTrue if request is prohibiting action
Comments

If do not perform is not specified, the request is a positive request e.g. "do perform".

Control0..1
Typeboolean
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because this element negates the request to occur (ie, this is a request for the medication not to be ordered or prescribed, etc)
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()))
12. MedicationRequest.reported[x]
Definition

Indicates if this record was captured as a secondary 'reported' record rather than as an original primary source-of-truth record. It may also indicate the source of the report.

ShortReported rather than primary record
Control0..1
TypeChoice of: boolean, Reference(Patient Profile, Practitioner Profile (General), PractitionerRole Profile (General), RelatedPerson, Organization Profile, Patient, Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization)
[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
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
14. MedicationRequest.medication[x]
Definition

Identifies the medication being requested. This is a link to a resource that represents the medication which may be the details of the medication or simply an attribute carrying a code that identifies the medication from a known list of medications.

ShortMedication to be 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 or if the medication is compounded or extemporaneously prepared, then you must reference the Medication resource.

Control1..1
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from For example codes, see https://fhir.infoway-inforoute.ca/ValueSet/prescriptionmedicinalproducthttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/medication-codes
(preferred to https://fhir.infoway-inforoute.ca/ValueSet/prescriptionmedicinalproduct)

TBD. This is a placeholder for a comprehensive valueset, consisting of all Manufactured Product (MP), Non-proprietary Therapeutic Product (NTP) and Therapeutic Moiety (TM) codes, which would be created and maintained by Canada Health Infoway. Medicinal products for prescribing and dispensing in Canada. The content of this subset only contains commonly used medicinal products that are available for prescribing and dispensing in Canada. This content will expand to include all human medicinal products over time.


A coded concept identifying substance or product that can be ordered.

TypeChoice of: CodeableConcept, Reference(Medication Profile, 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()))
16. MedicationRequest.subject
Definition

A link to a resource representing the person or set of individuals to whom the medication will be given.

ShortWho or group medication request is for
Comments

The subject on a medication request is mandatory. For the secondary use case where the actual subject is not provided, there still must be an anonymized subject specified.

Control1..1
TypeReference(Patient Profile, Patient, Group)
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
18. MedicationRequest.encounter
Definition

The Encounter during which this [x] was created or to which the creation of this record is tightly associated.

ShortEncounter created as part of encounter/admission/stay
Comments

This will typically be the encounter the event occurred within, but some activities may be initiated prior to or after the official completion of an encounter but still be tied to the context of the encounter." If there is a need to link to episodes of care they will be handled with an extension.

Control0..1
TypeReference(Encounter Profile, Encounter)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
20. MedicationRequest.authoredOn
Definition

The date (and perhaps time) when the prescription was initially written or authored on.

ShortWhen request was initially authored
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()))
22. MedicationRequest.requester
Definition

The individual, organization, or device that initiated the request and has responsibility for its activation.

ShortWho/What requested the Request
Control0..1
TypeReference(Practitioner Profile (General), PractitionerRole Profile (General), Organization Profile, Patient Profile, RelatedPerson, Device Profile (Implantable), Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization, Patient, Device)
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
24. MedicationRequest.performer
Definition

The specified desired performer of the medication treatment (e.g. the performer of the medication administration).

ShortIntended performer of administration
Control0..1
TypeReference(Practitioner Profile (General), PractitionerRole Profile (General), Organization Profile, Patient Profile, Device Profile (Implantable), RelatedPerson, CareTeam, Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization, Patient, Device)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
26. MedicationRequest.recorder
Definition

The person who entered the order on behalf of another individual for example in the case of a verbal or a telephone order.

ShortPerson who entered the request
Control0..1
TypeReference(Practitioner Profile (General), PractitionerRole Profile (General), Practitioner, PractitionerRole)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
28. MedicationRequest.reasonReference
Definition

Condition or observation that supports why the medication was ordered.

ShortCondition or observation that supports why the prescription is being written
Comments

This is a reference to a condition or observation that is the reason for the medication order. If only a code exists, use reasonCode.

Control0..*
TypeReference(Condition Profile, Observation Profile (General Use), Condition, Observation)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
30. MedicationRequest.basedOn
Definition

A plan or request that is fulfilled in whole or in part by this medication request.

ShortWhat request fulfills
Control0..*
TypeReference(CarePlan, MedicationRequest Profile, ServiceRequest, ImmunizationRecommendation Profile, MedicationRequest, ImmunizationRecommendation)
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
32. MedicationRequest.dosageInstruction
Definition

Indicates how the medication is to be used by the patient.

ShortHow the medication should be taken
Comments

There are examples where a medication request may include the option of an oral dose or an Intravenous or Intramuscular dose. For example, "Ondansetron 8mg orally or IV twice a day as needed for nausea" or "Compazine® (prochlorperazine) 5-10mg PO or 25mg PR bid prn nausea or vomiting". In these cases, two medication requests would be created that could be grouped together. The decision on which dose and route of administration to use is based on the patient's condition at the time the dose is needed.

Control0..*
TypeDosage
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
34. MedicationRequest.dosageInstruction.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())
36. MedicationRequest.dosageInstruction.text
Definition

Free text dosage instructions e.g. SIG.

ShortFree text dosage instructions e.g. SIG
Control0..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Free text dosage instructions can be used for cases where the instructions are too complex to code. The content of this attribute does not include the name or description of the medication. When coded instructions are present, the free text instructions may still be present for display to humans taking or administering the medication. It is expected that the text instructions will always be populated. If the dosage.timing attribute is also populated, then the dosage.text should reflect the same information as the timing. Additional information about administration or preparation of the medication should be included as text.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
38. MedicationRequest.priorPrescription
Definition

A link to a resource representing an earlier order related order or prescription.

ShortAn order/prescription that is being replaced
Control0..1
TypeReference(MedicationRequest Profile, MedicationRequest)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))