eHealth Platform Federal Core Profiles
2.1.2 - STU1 Belgium flag

eHealth Platform Federal Core Profiles, published by eHealth Platform. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 2.1.2 built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/hl7-be/core/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: BePatient - Detailed Descriptions

Draft as of 2025-03-06

Definitions for the be-patient resource profile.

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

0. Patient
Definition

Demographics and other administrative information about an individual or animal receiving care or other health-related services.

ShortInformation about an individual or animal receiving health care services
Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Alternate NamesSubjectOfCare Client Resident
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. Patient.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. Patient.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.

Control0..*
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 Patient.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
  • 6. Patient.extension:nationality
    Slice Namenationality
    Definition

    The nationality of the patient.

    This extension SHALL be used when needed to express the nationality of the patient.

    ShortNationality
    Control0..*
    TypeExtension(Patient Nationality) (Complex Extension)
    Is Modifierfalse
    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())
    8. Patient.extension:birthPlace
    Slice NamebirthPlace
    Definition

    The birth place for a patient.

    This extension SHALL be used when needed to express the place of birth of the patient.

    ShortPlace of Birth for patient
    Control0..1
    TypeExtension(Patient Birth Place) (Extension Type: Address)
    Is Modifierfalse
    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())
    10. Patient.extension:socialGender
    Slice NamesocialGender
    Definition

    The gender the patient identifies with. The Patient's gender identity is used as guidance (e.g. for staff) about how to interact with the patient.

    ShortThe patient's gender identity
    Control0..1
    TypeExtension(Gender Identity) (Extension Type: CodeableConcept)
    Is Modifierfalse
    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. Patient.extension:genderAtBirth
    Slice NamegenderAtBirth
    Definition

    Gender at the time of birth

    ShortGender at the time of birth
    Control0..1
    This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
    TypeExtension(BeExtGenderAtBirth) (Extension Type: CodeableConcept)
    Is Modifierfalse
    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())
    14. Patient.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())
    16. Patient.identifier
    Definition

    An identifier for this patient.

    Typically, when SSIN is available it is used. Organizations will most likely want to also include a local identifier, using its own system. A type can be added if needed. When an identifier is given, a consumer SHALL NOT ignore it.


    An identifier for this patient.

    ShortAn identifier for this patient
    NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
    Control0..*
    TypeIdentifier
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Patients are almost always assigned specific numerical identifiers.

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    be-inv-SSIN: SINN contains 11 digits without interpunction (Identifier.where(system = 'https://www.ehealth.fgov.be/standards/fhir/core/NamingSystem/ssin').where(value.extension.empty() or value.extension.where(url = 'https://www.ehealth.fgov.be/standards/fhir/infsec/StructureDefinition/be-ext-pseudonymization').empty()).value.select($this.matches('\\d{11}')).allTrue())
    SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Patient.identifier. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
    • value @ system
    • 18. Patient.identifier:SSIN
      Slice NameSSIN
      Definition

      An identifier for this patient according to SSIN (NISS-INSZ.)

      When needed to express a SSIN, it SHALL be done according to these guidelines. Other ways to identify a patient using coding systems remain also possible.


      An identifier for this patient.

      ShortAn identifier for this patient
      NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
      Control0..*
      TypeIdentifier
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Patients are almost always assigned specific numerical identifiers.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      20. Patient.identifier:SSIN.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()))
      22. Patient.identifier:SSIN.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.

      Fixed Valuehttps://www.ehealth.fgov.be/standards/fhir/core/NamingSystem/ssin
      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()))
      24. Patient.identifier:SSIN.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.

      Control10..1
      Typestring
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Example<br/><b>General</b>:123456
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      26. Patient.active
      Definition

      Whether this patient record is in active use. Many systems use this property to mark as non-current patients, such as those that have not been seen for a period of time based on an organization's business rules.

      It is often used to filter patient lists to exclude inactive patients

      Deceased patients may also be marked as inactive for the same reasons, but may be active for some time after death.

      ShortWhether this patient's record is in active use
      Comments

      If a record is inactive, and linked to an active record, then future patient/record updates should occur on the other patient.

      Control0..1
      Typeboolean
      Is Modifiertrue because This element is labelled as a modifier because it is a status element that can indicate that a record should not be treated as valid
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Need to be able to mark a patient record as not to be used because it was created in error.

      Meaning if MissingThis resource is generally assumed to be active if no value is provided for the active element
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      28. Patient.name
      Definition

      A name associated with the individual.

      It is RECOMMENDED to give at least one familyname and at least one given name when possible and define an 'official' use. When names are given, a consumer SHALL NOT ignore it.


      A name associated with the individual.

      ShortA name associated with the patient
      Comments

      A patient may have multiple names with different uses or applicable periods. For animals, the name is a "HumanName" in the sense that is assigned and used by humans and has the same patterns.

      Control0..*
      TypeHumanName
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Need to be able to track the patient by multiple names. Examples are your official name and a partner name.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      30. Patient.telecom
      Definition

      A contact detail (e.g. a telephone number or an email address) by which the individual may be contacted.

      It is RECOMMENDED to at least add one phone or email address with clear indication using the .use element whether it is home use, private use,...


      A contact detail (e.g. a telephone number or an email address) by which the individual may be contacted.

      ShortA contact detail for the individual
      Comments

      A Patient may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and also to help with identification. The address might not go directly to the individual, but may reach another party that is able to proxy for the patient (i.e. home phone, or pet owner's phone).

      Control0..*
      TypeContactPoint
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      People have (primary) ways to contact them in some way such as phone, email.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      32. Patient.gender
      Definition

      Administrative Gender - the gender that the patient is considered to have for administration and record keeping purposes.

      Shortmale | female | other | unknown
      Comments

      This is primarily the administrative gender. The gender might not match the biological sex as determined by genetics or the individual's preferred identification. Note that for both humans and particularly animals, there are other legitimate possibilities than male and female, though the vast majority of systems and contexts only support male and female. Systems providing decision support or enforcing business rules should ideally do this on the basis of Observations dealing with the specific sex or gender aspect of interest (anatomical, chromosomal, social, etc.) However, because these observations are infrequently recorded, defaulting to the administrative gender is common practice. Where such defaulting occurs, rule enforcement should allow for the variation between administrative and biological, chromosomal and other gender aspects. For example, an alert about a hysterectomy on a male should be handled as a warning or overridable error, not a "hard" error. See the Patient Gender and Sex section for additional information about communicating patient gender and sex.

      Special remarks for KMEHR users:

      Please note gender in KMEHR is typically expressed using CD-SEX. The two values that do not map directly to the HL7 dataset are 'undefined' (use 'other') and 'changed' (use the actual gender)


      The gender might not match the biological sex as determined by genetics or the individual's preferred identification. Note that for both humans and particularly animals, there are other legitimate possibilities than male and female, though the vast majority of systems and contexts only support male and female. Systems providing decision support or enforcing business rules should ideally do this on the basis of Observations dealing with the specific sex or gender aspect of interest (anatomical, chromosomal, social, etc.) However, because these observations are infrequently recorded, defaulting to the administrative gender is common practice. Where such defaulting occurs, rule enforcement should allow for the variation between administrative and biological, chromosomal and other gender aspects. For example, an alert about a hysterectomy on a male should be handled as a warning or overridable error, not a "hard" error. See the Patient Gender and Sex section for additional information about communicating patient gender and sex.

      Control0..1
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from AdministrativeGenderhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/administrative-gender|4.0.1
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/administrative-gender|4.0.1)

      The gender of a person used for administrative purposes.

      Typecode
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Needed for identification of the individual, in combination with (at least) name and birth date.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      34. Patient.birthDate
      Definition

      The date of birth for the individual.

      It is RECOMMENDED to give the birthdate when available.


      The date of birth for the individual.

      ShortThe date of birth for the individual
      Comments

      At least an estimated year should be provided as a guess if the real DOB is unknown There is a standard extension "patient-birthTime" available that should be used where Time is required (such as in maternity/infant care systems).

      Control0..1
      Typedate
      Is Modifierfalse
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Age of the individual drives many clinical processes.

      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      LOINC Code21112-8
      36. Patient.birthDate.extension
      Definition

      An Extension


      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 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.

      Control0..*
      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())
      ext-1: Must have either extensions or value[x], not both (extension.exists() != value.exists())
      SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Patient.birthDate.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
      • value @ url
      • 38. Patient.birthDate.extension:birthTime
        Slice NamebirthTime
        Definition

        The time of day that the Patient/Person/RelatedPerson/Practitioner was born. This includes the date to ensure that the timezone information can be communicated effectively.

        ShortTime of day of birth
        Comments

        The patient prefix on the extension was retained to ensure backward compatibility with existing data (the content itself is provided to assist in sharing data across patient resources effectively)

        Control0..1
        TypeExtension(Patient/Person/RelatedPerson/Practitioner Birth Time) (Extension Type: dateTime)
        Is Modifierfalse
        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())
        40. Patient.deceased[x]
        Definition

        Indicates if the individual is deceased or not.

        It is RECOMMENDED to include deceased information when applicable


        Indicates if the individual is deceased or not.

        ShortIndicates if the individual is deceased or not
        Comments

        If there's no value in the instance, it means there is no statement on whether or not the individual is deceased. Most systems will interpret the absence of a value as a sign of the person being alive.

        Control0..1
        TypeChoice of: boolean, dateTime
        [x] NoteSeeChoice of Data Typesfor further information about how to use [x]
        Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because once a patient is marked as deceased, the actions that are appropriate to perform on the patient may be significantly different.
        Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        The fact that a patient is deceased influences the clinical process. Also, in human communication and relation management it is necessary to know whether the person is alive.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        42. Patient.address
        Definition

        An address for the individual.

        It is RECOMMENDED to include an address when available. When needed to express the availablity of a Patient at home (e.g. only Wednesdays), another solution will be defined.


        An address for the individual.

        ShortAn address for the individual
        Comments

        Patient may have multiple addresses with different uses or applicable periods.

        Control0..*
        TypeAddress(BeAddress)
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        May need to keep track of patient addresses for contacting, billing or reporting requirements and also to help with identification.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        44. Patient.maritalStatus
        Definition

        This field contains a patient's most recent marital (civil) status.

        It is RECOMMENDED to include this when available. In a Belgian context, the concept ‘civil state’ , Dutch ‘burgerlijke stand’, French ‘état civil’ is more typically used and this might imply a more neutral concept to the reader. In HL7 semantics however this concept is described as ‘marital status’ and it SHALL be understood as the same concept.


        This field contains a patient's most recent marital (civil) status.

        ShortMarital (civil) status of a patient
        Control0..1
        BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from Unless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from BeCivilStatehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/marital-status
        (required to https://www.ehealth.fgov.be/standards/fhir/core/ValueSet/be-civilstate)
        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Most, if not all systems capture it.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        46. Patient.multipleBirth[x]
        Definition

        Indicates whether the patient is part of a multiple (boolean) or indicates the actual birth order (integer). Care SHOULD be given when exchanging Patient instances in a purely administrative flow.


        Indicates whether the patient is part of a multiple (boolean) or indicates the actual birth order (integer).

        ShortWhether patient is part of a multiple birth
        Comments

        Where the valueInteger is provided, the number is the birth number in the sequence. E.g. The middle birth in triplets would be valueInteger=2 and the third born would have valueInteger=3 If a boolean value was provided for this triplets example, then all 3 patient records would have valueBoolean=true (the ordering is not indicated).

        Control0..1
        TypeChoice of: boolean, integer
        [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
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        For disambiguation of multiple-birth children, especially relevant where the care provider doesn't meet the patient, such as labs.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        48. Patient.contact
        Definition

        A contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient.

        It is RECOMMENDED to include this when available and considered relevant for the patientcare. (e.g. a parent of a young patient)


        A contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient.

        ShortA contact party (e.g. guardian, partner, friend) for the patient
        Comments

        Contact covers all kinds of contact parties: family members, business contacts, guardians, caregivers. Not applicable to register pedigree and family ties beyond use of having contact.

        Special remarks for KMEHR users:

        A contact person for the patient is not part of the 'patient' element itself in KMEHR. As such, the base resource of this is considered sufficient here. The KMEHR standard defines a contact as a separate element using a value from the KMEHR CD-ITEM table and an appropriate value from CD-CONTACT-PERSON to describe the relation to the patient in the KMEHR message. When needed, using FHIR, the contactperson is included in the FHIR resource Patient. Use cases implementing this contact SHALL be aware not all information of CD-CONTACT-PERSON is covered by the base valueset. The codesystem ‘https://www.ehealth.fgov.be/standards/fhir/core/CodeSystem/CD-CONTACT-PERSON’ SHALL be used to refer to any codes previously used in a KMEHR context that cannot be covered by the base HL7 valueset.


        Contact covers all kinds of contact parties: family members, business contacts, guardians, caregivers. Not applicable to register pedigree and family ties beyond use of having contact.

        Control0..*
        TypeBackboneElement
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Need to track people you can contact about the patient.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        pat-1: SHALL at least contain a contact's details or a reference to an organization (name.exists() or telecom.exists() or address.exists() or organization.exists())
        pat-1: SHALL at least contain a contact's details or a reference to an organization (name.exists() or telecom.exists() or address.exists() or organization.exists())
        50. Patient.contact.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())
        52. Patient.contact.relationship
        Definition

        The nature of the relationship between the patient and the contact person.

        ShortThe kind of relationship
        Control0..*
        BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from BeContactPersonhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/patient-contactrelationship
        (extensible to https://www.ehealth.fgov.be/standards/fhir/core/ValueSet/be-contactperson)
        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Used to determine which contact person is the most relevant to approach, depending on circumstances.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        54. Patient.communication
        Definition

        A language which may be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health.

        It is RECOMMENDED to include this when available.


        A language which may be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health.

        ShortA language which may be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health
        Comments

        If no language is specified, this implies that the default local language is spoken. If you need to convey proficiency for multiple modes, then you need multiple Patient.Communication associations. For animals, language is not a relevant field, and should be absent from the instance. If the Patient does not speak the default local language, then the Interpreter Required Standard can be used to explicitly declare that an interpreter is required.

        Special remarks for KMEHR users:

        The 'usuallanguage' element in a KMEHR message only refers to the use of W3C language codes. As such, the language codes as proposed in the FHIR standard should not present any interoperability issue. Note the KMEHR element implies it is the language usally used by the patient. As such, when this element from KMEHR would be mapped to a FHIR resource, the communication.preferred Boolean SHOULD be used.


        If no language is specified, this implies that the default local language is spoken. If you need to convey proficiency for multiple modes, then you need multiple Patient.Communication associations. For animals, language is not a relevant field, and should be absent from the instance. If the Patient does not speak the default local language, then the Interpreter Required Standard can be used to explicitly declare that an interpreter is required.

        Control0..*
        TypeBackboneElement
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        If a patient does not speak the local language, interpreters may be required, so languages spoken and proficiency are important things to keep track of both for patient and other persons of interest.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        56. Patient.communication.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())
        58. Patient.communication.language
        Definition

        The ISO-639-1 alpha 2 code in lower case for the language, optionally followed by a hyphen and the ISO-3166-1 alpha 2 code for the region in upper case; e.g. "en" for English, or "en-US" for American English versus "en-EN" for England English.

        ShortThe language which can be used to communicate with the patient about his or her health
        Comments

        The structure aa-BB with this exact casing is one the most widely used notations for locale. However not all systems actually code this but instead have it as free text. Hence CodeableConcept instead of code as the data type.

        Control1..1
        BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguageshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages
        (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages)

        A human language.

        Additional BindingsPurpose
        AllLanguagesMax Binding
        TypeCodeableConcept
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Requirements

        Most systems in multilingual countries will want to convey language. Not all systems actually need the regional dialect.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        60. Patient.generalPractitioner
        Definition

        Patient's nominated care provider.

        Take note this does not automatically imply any legal form of therapeutic link or consent relationship with this GP. It is RECOMMENDED to include this when available if the flow is in any way medical. Please note this is an element of the Reference datatype. This means when it is available it will contain either a relative or absolute URL where this GP can be found. Alternatively, there is only an internal reference and the GP is included as a ‘contained resource’ (cfr. the HL7 FHIR specifications in what cases this applies).


        Patient's nominated care provider.

        ShortPatient's nominated primary care provider
        Comments

        This may be the primary care provider (in a GP context), or it may be a patient nominated care manager in a community/disability setting, or even organization that will provide people to perform the care provider roles. It is not to be used to record Care Teams, these should be in a CareTeam resource that may be linked to the CarePlan or EpisodeOfCare resources. Multiple GPs may be recorded against the patient for various reasons, such as a student that has his home GP listed along with the GP at university during the school semesters, or a "fly-in/fly-out" worker that has the onsite GP also included with his home GP to remain aware of medical issues.

        Jurisdictions may decide that they can profile this down to 1 if desired, or 1 per type.

        Special remarks for KMEHR users:

        The general practioner is in many KMEHR use cases known by being the author or sender of the message. This is however a functionally different concept from the generalPractioner as it is defined in the FHIR resource. (Consult the published definition on the HL7 webpage) It is also possible in KMEHR to add a general practioner via an item and using the correct value from CD-ITEM. That way is functionally closer to the general practioner referenced here. Note in the FHIR base definition of this element that the scope of this element might be wider then just the general practicioner.


        This may be the primary care provider (in a GP context), or it may be a patient nominated care manager in a community/disability setting, or even organization that will provide people to perform the care provider roles. It is not to be used to record Care Teams, these should be in a CareTeam resource that may be linked to the CarePlan or EpisodeOfCare resources. Multiple GPs may be recorded against the patient for various reasons, such as a student that has his home GP listed along with the GP at university during the school semesters, or a "fly-in/fly-out" worker that has the onsite GP also included with his home GP to remain aware of medical issues.

        Jurisdictions may decide that they can profile this down to 1 if desired, or 1 per type.

        Control0..*
        TypeReference(BeOrganization, BePractitioner, BePractitionerRole, Organization, Practitioner, PractitionerRole)
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summaryfalse
        Alternate NamescareProvider
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        62. Patient.managingOrganization
        Definition

        Organization that is the custodian of the patient record.

        This SHOULD be included when available.Please note this is an element of the Reference datatype. This means when it is available it will contain either a relative or absolute URL where this Organization can be found. Alternatively, there is only an internal reference and the Organization is included as a ‘contained resource’ (cfr. the HL7 FHIR specifications in what cases this applies).


        Organization that is the custodian of the patient record.

        ShortOrganization that is the custodian of the patient record
        Comments

        There is only one managing organization for a specific patient record. Other organizations will have their own Patient record, and may use the Link property to join the records together (or a Person resource which can include confidence ratings for the association).

        Special remarks for KMEHR users:

        The reference to the managing organization is the organization that is the custodian of the patient record. As there is no explicit ‘author of this record’ – like in a KMEHR message – this element functionally refers to the organization in charge. (Which might also be a GP practice of an individual.)


        There is only one managing organization for a specific patient record. Other organizations will have their own Patient record, and may use the Link property to join the records together (or a Person resource which can include confidence ratings for the association).

        Control0..1
        TypeReference(BeOrganization, Organization)
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Need to know who recognizes this patient record, manages and updates it.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        64. Patient.link
        Definition

        Link to another patient resource that concerns the same actual patient.

        ShortLink to another patient resource that concerns the same actual person
        Comments

        There is no assumption that linked patient records have mutual links.

        Control0..*
        TypeBackboneElement
        Is Modifiertrue because This element is labeled as a modifier because it might not be the main Patient resource, and the referenced patient should be used instead of this Patient record. This is when the link.type value is 'replaced-by'
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        There are multiple use cases:

        • Duplicate patient records due to the clerical errors associated with the difficulties of identifying humans consistently, and
        • Distribution of patient information across multiple servers.
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        66. Patient.link.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())
        68. Patient.link.other
        Definition

        The other patient resource that the link refers to.

        ShortThe other patient or related person resource that the link refers to
        Comments

        Referencing a RelatedPerson here removes the need to use a Person record to associate a Patient and RelatedPerson as the same individual.

        Control1..1
        TypeReference(Patient, RelatedPerson)
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summarytrue
        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        70. Patient.link.type
        Definition

        The type of link between this patient resource and another patient resource.

        Shortreplaced-by | replaces | refer | seealso
        Control1..1
        BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from LinkTypehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/link-type|4.0.1
        (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/link-type|4.0.1)

        The type of link between this patient resource and another patient resource.

        Typecode
        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()))