No data is entered directly into Health Connect; all directory content is sourced from authoritative systems including [PCA](https://developer.digitalhealth.gov.au/fhir/provider-connect-australia/current/index.html?src=/), HI-Service, and NHSD.

**Note:** All elements defined within this profile are expected to be supported by implementing systems unless explicitly stated otherwise. The following sections provide additional guidance and exceptions for specific elements.

### Usage notes
The following guidance maps key information requirements for HC Practitioner records to fields in the profile. Where a requirement references the HI Service as the authoritative source, publishers SHOULD prefer and validate values—such as practitioner identifiers, and names.

#### Identifiers

**Required Identifier:**
* **HPI-I** - Healthcare Provider Identifier - Individual (mandatory)


#### Professional Registration and Profession
Professional registration should be carried in the `qualification` element. The registration number of the Practitioner should be populated in `qualification.identifier`; the practitioner's profession should be sent as free text in `qualification.code.text`.

- `qualification.identifier`: Registration number issued by the regulatory body (either issued by Ahpra or a non-Ahpra peak body). Follow the applicable identifier profile for format and issuer information.
- `qualification.code.text`: The practitioner's profession linked to the registration number as a human-readable string. Because there is no single, authoritative ValueSet that covers all professions reliably, send the profession in `code.text`.
- `qualification.code.coding` (optional): Only use coded values when you have an authoritative, stable code system for that profession. When `coding` is included, also populate `code.text` with the same label.

Notes:
- For Ahpra-registered practitioners include the Ahpra registration number in `qualification.identifier`. If you can map the profession to a reliable Ahpra code you may include `qualification.code.coding`, but still provide `qualification.code.text`.
- For non-Ahpra registrations include the issuing organisation in `qualification.issuer.display` or, when attaching issuer details to the identifier itself, use `qualification.identifier.assigner.display` or `qualification.identifier.system` as appropriate.

This profile requires profession to be present as human-readable text in `qualification.code.text` when the profession is known; coded professions are optional.

#### Personal contact details
Practitioners may optionally provide personal contact details for inclusion in the Provider Directory. This includes `personalPhoneNumber` and `personalEmailAddress`. Publishing systems MUST only include and display these personal contact details if the practitioner has explicitly opted in to being listed; treat these fields as sensitive and do not expose them publicly unless the practitioner has consented.

### Data Integrity and Validation

This profile includes invariants to ensure data consistency and proper professional credentialing.

#### Professional Registration Invariants

**`hc-practitioner-registration-required` (error):**
Ensures at least one professional registration is present in qualifications:
- At least one qualification with Ahpra registration identifier OR
- At least one qualification with professional registration (PRN) identifier

**Implementation Validation:**
- Each qualification will include both an identifier and appropriate profession code
