US Veterans Health Administration FHIR Map Set Implementation Guide
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Resource Profile: DocumentReferenceDocumentReference - Detailed Descriptions

Active as of 2025-03-31

Definitions for the DocumentReferenceDocumentReference resource profile.

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

0. DocumentReference
Definition

-


A reference to a document of any kind for any purpose. Provides metadata about the document so that the document can be discovered and managed. The scope of a document is any seralized object with a mime-type, so includes formal patient centric documents (CDA), cliical notes, scanned paper, and non-patient specific documents like policy text.

ShortA reference to a document
Comments

-


Usually, this is used for documents other than those defined by FHIR.

Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supportfalse
Complies with ProfileThis profile complies with the profile
  • http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-documentreference|6.1.0
  • http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-documentreference|7.0.0
Summaryfalse
Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
2. DocumentReference.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. DocumentReference.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. DocumentReference.masterIdentifier
Definition

Document identifier as assigned by the source of the document. This identifier is specific to this version of the document. This unique identifier may be used elsewhere to identify this version of the document.

ShortMaster Version Specific Identifier
Comments

CDA Document Id extension and root.

Control0..1
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

The structure and format of this Id shall be consistent with the specification corresponding to the formatCode attribute. (e.g. for a DICOM standard document a 64-character numeric UID, for an HL7 CDA format a serialization of the CDA Document Id extension and root in the form "oid^extension", where OID is a 64 digits max, and the Id is a 16 UTF-8 char max. If the OID is coded without the extension then the '^' character shall not be included.).

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
8. DocumentReference.identifier
Definition

Other identifiers associated with the document, including version independent identifiers.

ShortOther identifiers for the document
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
10. DocumentReference.identifier.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()))
12. DocumentReference.identifier.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.

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

There are many sets of identifiers. To perform matching of two identifiers, we need to know what set we're dealing with. The system identifies a particular set of unique identifiers.

Pattern Valuehttp://va.gov/identifiers/$Sta3n/8925
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()))
14. DocumentReference.status
Definition

The status of this document reference.

Shortcurrent | superseded | entered-in-error
Comments

This is the status of the DocumentReference object, which might be independent from the docStatus element.

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

Control1..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from DocumentReferenceStatushttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/document-reference-status|4.0.1
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/document-reference-status)
Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This element is labelled as a modifier because it is a status element that contains status entered-in-error which means that the resource should not be treated as valid
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
16. DocumentReference.type
Definition

Specifies the particular kind of document referenced (e.g. History and Physical, Discharge Summary, Progress Note). This usually equates to the purpose of making the document referenced.

ShortKind of document (LOINC if possible)
Comments

Key metadata element describing the document that describes he exact type of document. Helps humans to assess whether the document is of interest when viewing a list of documents.

Control10..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from The codes SHOULD be taken from US Core DocumentReference Typehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/c80-doc-typecodes
(required to http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/ValueSet/us-core-documentreference-type)

All LOINC values whose SCALE is DOC in the LOINC database and the HL7 v3 Code System NullFlavor concept 'unknown'


Precise type of clinical document.

Additional BindingsPurpose
US Core Clinical Note TypeMin Binding
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
18. DocumentReference.type.coding
Definition

A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

ShortCode defined by a terminology system
Comments

Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

Control0..*
TypeCoding
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
20. DocumentReference.type.coding.system
Definition

The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

ShortIdentity of the terminology system
Comments

The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

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

Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

Pattern Valuehttp://loinc.org
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
22. DocumentReference.type.coding.code
Definition

A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
Control0..1
Typecode
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
24. DocumentReference.type.text
Definition

A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

ShortPlain text representation of the concept
Comments

Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

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

The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
26. DocumentReference.category
Definition

A categorization for the type of document referenced - helps for indexing and searching. This may be implied by or derived from the code specified in the DocumentReference.type.

ShortCategorization of document
Comments

Key metadata element describing the the category or classification of the document. This is a broader perspective that groups similar documents based on how they would be used. This is a primary key used in searching.

Control10..*
BindingFor example codes, see DocumentClassValueSethttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/document-classcodes
(example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/document-classcodes)

High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Must Supporttrue
Summarytrue
Alternate Namesclaxs
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on DocumentReference.category. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • pattern @ $this
  • 28. DocumentReference.category:us-core
    Slice Nameus-core
    Definition

    A categorization for the type of document referenced - helps for indexing and searching. This may be implied by or derived from the code specified in the DocumentReference.type.

    ShortCategorization of document
    Comments

    Key metadata element describing the the category or classification of the document. This is a broader perspective that groups similar documents based on how they would be used. This is a primary key used in searching.

    Control0..*
    BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from For example codes, see US Core DocumentReference Categoryhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/document-classcodes
    (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/ValueSet/us-core-documentreference-category)

    The US Core DocumentReferences Type Value Set is a 'starter set' of categories supported for fetching and storing clinical notes.


    High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level.

    TypeCodeableConcept
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Alternate Namesclaxs
    Pattern Value{
      "coding" : [{
        "system" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/CodeSystem/us-core-documentreference-category",
        "code" : "clinical-note"
      }]
    }
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    30. DocumentReference.subject
    Definition

    Who or what the document is about. The document can be about a person, (patient or healthcare practitioner), a device (e.g. a machine) or even a group of subjects (such as a document about a herd of farm animals, or a set of patients that share a common exposure).

    ShortWho/what is the subject of the document
    Control10..1
    TypeReference(Patient, Patient, Practitioner, Group, Device)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    32. DocumentReference.date
    Definition

    When the document reference was created.

    ShortWhen this document reference was created
    Comments

    Referencing/indexing time is used for tracking, organizing versions and searching.

    Control0..1
    Typeinstant
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Alternate Namesindexed
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    34. DocumentReference.author
    Definition

    Identifies who is responsible for adding the information to the document.

    ShortWho and/or what authored the document
    Comments

    Not necessarily who did the actual data entry (i.e. typist) or who was the source (informant).

    Control0..*
    TypeReference(Practitioner, Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization, Device, Patient, RelatedPerson)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    36. DocumentReference.authenticator
    Definition

    Which person or organization authenticates that this document is valid.

    ShortWho/what authenticated the document
    Comments

    Represents a participant within the author institution who has legally authenticated or attested the document. Legal authentication implies that a document has been signed manually or electronically by the legal Authenticator.

    Control0..1
    TypeReference(Practitioner, Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summaryfalse
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    38. DocumentReference.custodian
    Definition

    Identifies the organization or group who is responsible for ongoing maintenance of and access to the document.

    ShortOrganization which maintains the document
    Comments

    Identifies the logical organization (software system, vendor, or department) to go to find the current version, where to report issues, etc. This is different from the physical location (URL, disk drive, or server) of the document, which is the technical location of the document, which host may be delegated to the management of some other organization.

    Control0..1
    TypeReference(Organization, Organization)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summaryfalse
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    40. DocumentReference.description
    Definition

    Human-readable description of the source document.

    ShortHuman-readable description
    Comments

    What the document is about, a terse summary of the document.

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

    Helps humans to assess whether the document is of interest.

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

    A set of Security-Tag codes specifying the level of privacy/security of the Document. Note that DocumentReference.meta.security contains the security labels of the "reference" to the document, while DocumentReference.securityLabel contains a snapshot of the security labels on the document the reference refers to.

    ShortDocument security-tags
    Comments

    The confidentiality codes can carry multiple vocabulary items. HL7 has developed an understanding of security and privacy tags that might be desirable in a Document Sharing environment, called HL7 Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System (HCS). The following specification is recommended but not mandated, as the vocabulary bindings are an administrative domain responsibility. The use of this method is up to the policy domain such as the XDS Affinity Domain or other Trust Domain where all parties including sender and recipients are trusted to appropriately tag and enforce.

    In the HL7 Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification (HCS) there are code systems specific to Confidentiality, Sensitivity, Integrity, and Handling Caveats. Some values would come from a local vocabulary as they are related to workflow roles and special projects.

    Control0..*
    BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from All Security Labelshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/security-labels
    (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/security-labels)

    Security Labels from the Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System.

    TypeCodeableConcept
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Use of the Health Care Privacy/Security Classification (HCS) system of security-tag use is recommended.

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

    The document and format referenced. There may be multiple content element repetitions, each with a different format.

    ShortDocument referenced
    Control1..*
    TypeBackboneElement
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    46. DocumentReference.content.id
    Definition

    Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

    ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
    Control0..1
    Typestring
    Is Modifierfalse
    XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
    Summaryfalse
    48. DocumentReference.content.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())
    50. DocumentReference.content.attachment
    Definition

    The document or URL of the document along with critical metadata to prove content has integrity.

    ShortWhere to access the document
    Control1..1
    TypeAttachment
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    us-core-6: DocumentReference.content.attachment.url or DocumentReference.content.attachment.data or both SHALL be present. (url.exists() or data.exists())
    52. DocumentReference.content.attachment.id
    Definition

    Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

    ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
    Control0..1
    Typestring
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
    Summaryfalse
    54. DocumentReference.content.attachment.contentType
    Definition

    Identifies the type of the data in the attachment and allows a method to be chosen to interpret or render the data. Includes mime type parameters such as charset where appropriate.

    ShortMime type of the content, with charset etc.
    Control0..1
    BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from Mime Typeshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes|4.0.1
    (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes|4.0.1)

    The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed.

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

    Processors of the data need to be able to know how to interpret the data.

    Pattern Valuetext/plain
    Example<br/><b>General</b>:text/plain; charset=UTF-8, image/png
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    56. DocumentReference.content.attachment.language
    Definition

    The human language of the content. The value can be any valid value according to BCP 47.

    ShortHuman language of the content (BCP-47)
    Control0..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
    Typecode
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Users need to be able to choose between the languages in a set of attachments.

    Example<br/><b>General</b>:en-AU
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    58. DocumentReference.content.attachment.data
    Definition

    The actual data of the attachment - a sequence of bytes, base64 encoded.

    ShortData inline, base64ed
    Comments

    The base64-encoded data SHALL be expressed in the same character set as the base resource XML or JSON.

    Control0..1
    This element is affected by the following invariants: us-core-6
    Typebase64Binary
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Must Supporttrue
    Summaryfalse
    Requirements

    The data needs to able to be transmitted inline.

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    60. DocumentReference.content.attachment.url
    Definition

    A location where the data can be accessed.

    ShortUri where the data can be found
    Comments

    If both data and url are provided, the url SHALL point to the same content as the data contains. Urls may be relative references or may reference transient locations such as a wrapping envelope using cid: though this has ramifications for using signatures. Relative URLs are interpreted relative to the service url, like a resource reference, rather than relative to the resource itself. If a URL is provided, it SHALL resolve to actual data.

    Control0..1
    This element is affected by the following invariants: us-core-6
    Typeurl
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    The data needs to be transmitted by reference.

    Example<br/><b>General</b>:http://www.acme.com/logo-small.png
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    62. DocumentReference.content.attachment.size
    Definition

    The number of bytes of data that make up this attachment (before base64 encoding, if that is done).

    ShortNumber of bytes of content (if url provided)
    Comments

    The number of bytes is redundant if the data is provided as a base64binary, but is useful if the data is provided as a url reference.

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

    Representing the size allows applications to determine whether they should fetch the content automatically in advance, or refuse to fetch it at all.

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    64. DocumentReference.content.attachment.hash
    Definition

    The calculated hash of the data using SHA-1. Represented using base64.

    ShortHash of the data (sha-1, base64ed)
    Comments

    The hash is calculated on the data prior to base64 encoding, if the data is based64 encoded. The hash is not intended to support digital signatures. Where protection against malicious threats a digital signature should be considered, see Provenance.signature for mechanism to protect a resource with a digital signature.


    The hash is calculated on the data prior to base64 encoding, if the data is based64 encoded. The hash is not intended to support digital signatures. Where protection against malicious threats a digital signature should be considered, see Provenance.signature for mechanism to protect a resource with a digital signature.

    Control0..1
    Typebase64Binary
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Included so that applications can verify that the contents of a location have not changed due to technical failures (e.g., storage rot, transport glitch, incorrect version).

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    66. DocumentReference.content.attachment.title
    Definition

    A label or set of text to display in place of the data.

    ShortLabel to display in place of the data
    Control0..1
    Typestring
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    Applications need a label to display to a human user in place of the actual data if the data cannot be rendered or perceived by the viewer.

    Example<br/><b>General</b>:Official Corporate Logo
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    68. DocumentReference.content.attachment.creation
    Definition

    The date that the attachment was first created.

    ShortDate attachment was first created
    Control0..1
    TypedateTime
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    This is often tracked as an integrity issue for use of the attachment.

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    70. DocumentReference.content.format
    Definition

    An identifier of the document encoding, structure, and template that the document conforms to beyond the base format indicated in the mimeType.

    ShortFormat/content rules for the document
    Comments

    Note that while IHE mostly issues URNs for format types, not all documents can be identified by a URI.

    Control0..1
    BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from The codes SHOULD be taken from DocumentReferenceFormatCodeSethttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/formatcodes
    (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/formatcodes)
    TypeCoding
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    72. DocumentReference.context
    Definition

    The clinical context in which the document was prepared.

    ShortClinical context of document
    Comments

    These values are primarily added to help with searching for interesting/relevant documents.

    Control0..1
    TypeBackboneElement
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    74. DocumentReference.context.id
    Definition

    Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

    ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
    Control0..1
    Typestring
    Is Modifierfalse
    XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
    Summaryfalse
    76. DocumentReference.context.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())
    78. DocumentReference.context.encounter
    Definition

    Describes the clinical encounter or type of care that the document content is associated with.

    ShortContext of the document content
    Control0..1*
    TypeReference(US Core Encounter Profile, Encounter, EpisodeOfCare)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summaryfalse
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    80. DocumentReference.context.event
    Definition

    This list of codes represents the main clinical acts, such as a colonoscopy or an appendectomy, being documented. In some cases, the event is inherent in the type Code, such as a "History and Physical Report" in which the procedure being documented is necessarily a "History and Physical" act.

    ShortMain clinical acts documented
    Comments

    An event can further specialize the act inherent in the type, such as where it is simply "Procedure Report" and the procedure was a "colonoscopy". If one or more event codes are included, they shall not conflict with the values inherent in the class or type elements as such a conflict would create an ambiguous situation.

    Control0..*
    BindingFor example codes, see v3 Code System ActCodehttp://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v3-ActCode
    (example to http://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v3-ActCode)

    This list of codes represents the main clinical acts being documented.

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

    The time period over which the service that is described by the document was provided.

    ShortTime of service that is being documented
    Control0..1
    TypePeriod
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    84. DocumentReference.context.period.start
    Definition

    The start of the period. The boundary is inclusive.

    ShortStarting time with inclusive boundary
    Comments

    If the low element is missing, the meaning is that the low boundary is not known.

    Control0..1
    This element is affected by the following invariants: per-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()))
    86. DocumentReference.context.period.end
    Definition

    The end of the period. If the end of the period is missing, it means no end was known or planned at the time the instance was created. The start may be in the past, and the end date in the future, which means that period is expected/planned to end at that time.

    ShortEnd time with inclusive boundary, if not ongoing
    Comments

    The high value includes any matching date/time. i.e. 2012-02-03T10:00:00 is in a period that has an end value of 2012-02-03.

    Control0..1
    This element is affected by the following invariants: per-1
    TypedateTime
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Must Supporttrue
    Summarytrue
    Meaning if MissingIf the end of the period is missing, it means that the period is ongoing
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    88. DocumentReference.context.facilityType
    Definition

    The kind of facility where the patient was seen.

    ShortKind of facility where patient was seen
    Control0..1
    BindingFor example codes, see FacilityTypeCodeValueSethttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/c80-facilitycodes
    (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/c80-facilitycodes)

    XDS Facility Type.

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

    This property may convey specifics about the practice setting where the content was created, often reflecting the clinical specialty.

    ShortAdditional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty)
    Comments

    This element should be based on a coarse classification system for the class of specialty practice. Recommend the use of the classification system for Practice Setting, such as that described by the Subject Matter Domain in LOINC.

    Control0..1
    BindingFor example codes, see PracticeSettingCodeValueSethttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/c80-practice-codes
    (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/c80-practice-codes)

    Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty).

    TypeCodeableConcept
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supporttrue
    Summaryfalse
    Requirements

    This is an important piece of metadata that providers often rely upon to quickly sort and/or filter out to find specific content.

    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    92. DocumentReference.context.sourcePatientInfo
    Definition

    The Patient Information as known when the document was published. May be a reference to a version specific, or contained.

    ShortPatient demographics from source
    Control0..1
    TypeReference(Patient)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summaryfalse
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    94. DocumentReference.context.related
    Definition

    Related identifiers or resources associated with the DocumentReference.

    ShortRelated identifiers or resources
    Comments

    May be identifiers or resources that caused the DocumentReference or referenced Document to be created.

    Control0..*
    TypeReference(Resource)
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summaryfalse
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))

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

    0. DocumentReference
    Complies with ProfileThis profile complies with the profile
    • http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-documentreference|6.1.0
    • http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-documentreference|7.0.0
    2. DocumentReference.masterIdentifier
    4. DocumentReference.identifier
    NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
    6. DocumentReference.identifier.system
    Must Supporttrue
    Pattern Valuehttp://va.gov/identifiers/$Sta3n/8925
    8. DocumentReference.type
    10. DocumentReference.type.coding
    12. DocumentReference.type.coding.system
    Must Supporttrue
    Pattern Valuehttp://loinc.org
    14. DocumentReference.type.coding.code
    Must Supporttrue
    16. DocumentReference.type.text
    Must Supporttrue
    18. DocumentReference.category:us-core
    Slice Nameus-core
    Pattern Value{
      "coding" : [{
        "system" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/CodeSystem/us-core-documentreference-category",
        "code" : "clinical-note"
      }]
    }
    20. DocumentReference.subject
    TypeReference(Patient)
    22. DocumentReference.date
    24. DocumentReference.author
    TypeReference(Practitioner)
    26. DocumentReference.authenticator
    TypeReference(Practitioner)
    Must Supporttrue
    28. DocumentReference.custodian
    TypeReference(Organization)
    Must Supporttrue
    30. DocumentReference.description
    Must Supporttrue
    32. DocumentReference.securityLabel
    34. DocumentReference.content
    36. DocumentReference.content.id
    38. DocumentReference.content.attachment
    40. DocumentReference.content.attachment.id
    Must Supporttrue
    42. DocumentReference.content.attachment.contentType
    Pattern Valuetext/plain
    44. DocumentReference.content.attachment.language
    46. DocumentReference.content.attachment.url
    48. DocumentReference.content.attachment.size
    Must Supporttrue
    50. DocumentReference.content.attachment.hash
    Must Supporttrue
    52. DocumentReference.content.attachment.title
    Must Supporttrue
    54. DocumentReference.content.attachment.creation
    Must Supporttrue
    56. DocumentReference.content.format
    58. DocumentReference.context
    60. DocumentReference.context.id
    62. DocumentReference.context.encounter
    64. DocumentReference.context.event
    Must Supporttrue
    66. DocumentReference.context.period
    68. DocumentReference.context.period.start
    Must Supporttrue
    70. DocumentReference.context.period.end
    Must Supporttrue
    72. DocumentReference.context.facilityType
    Must Supporttrue
    74. DocumentReference.context.practiceSetting
    Must Supporttrue
    76. DocumentReference.context.sourcePatientInfo
    78. DocumentReference.context.related

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

    0. DocumentReference
    Definition

    -

    ShortA reference to a document
    Comments

    -

    Control0..*
    Is Modifierfalse
    Must Supportfalse
    Complies with ProfileThis profile complies with the profile
    • http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-documentreference|6.1.0
    • http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-documentreference|7.0.0
    Summaryfalse
    Invariantsdom-2: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources (contained.contained.empty())
    dom-3: If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource (contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty())
    dom-4: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated (contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty())
    dom-5: If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label (contained.meta.security.empty())
    dom-6: A resource should have narrative for robust management (text.`div`.exists())
    2. DocumentReference.id
    Definition

    The logical id of the resource, as used in the URL for the resource. Once assigned, this value never changes.

    ShortLogical id of this artifact
    Comments

    The only time that a resource does not have an id is when it is being submitted to the server using a create operation.

    Control0..1
    Typeid
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    4. DocumentReference.meta
    Definition

    The metadata about the resource. This is content that is maintained by the infrastructure. Changes to the content might not always be associated with version changes to the resource.

    ShortMetadata about the resource
    Control0..1
    TypeMeta
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    6. DocumentReference.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()))
    8. DocumentReference.language
    Definition

    The base language in which the resource is written.

    ShortLanguage of the resource content
    Comments

    Language is provided to support indexing and accessibility (typically, services such as text to speech use the language tag). The html language tag in the narrative applies to the narrative. The language tag on the resource may be used to specify the language of other presentations generated from the data in the resource. Not all the content has to be in the base language. The Resource.language should not be assumed to apply to the narrative automatically. If a language is specified, it should it also be specified on the div element in the html (see rules in HTML5 for information about the relationship between xml:lang and the html lang attribute).

    Control0..1
    BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguages
    (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages)

    A human language.

    Additional BindingsPurpose
    AllLanguagesMax Binding
    Typecode
    Is Modifierfalse
    Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
    Summaryfalse
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    10. DocumentReference.text
    Definition

    A human-readable narrative that contains a summary of the resource and can be used to represent the content of the resource to a human. The narrative need not encode all the structured data, but is required to contain sufficient detail to make it "clinically safe" for a human to just read the narrative. Resource definitions may define what content should be represented in the narrative to ensure clinical safety.

    ShortText summary of the resource, for human interpretation
    Comments

    Contained resources do not have narrative. Resources that are not contained SHOULD have a narrative. In some cases, a resource may only have text with little or no additional discrete data (as long as all minOccurs=1 elements are satisfied). This may be necessary for data from legacy systems where information is captured as a "text blob" or where text is additionally entered raw or narrated and encoded information is added later.

    Control0..1
    TypeNarrative
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summaryfalse
    Alternate Namesnarrative, html, xhtml, display
    Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
    12. DocumentReference.contained
    Definition

    These resources do not have an independent existence apart from the resource that contains them - they cannot be identified independently, and nor can they have their own independent transaction scope.

    ShortContained, inline Resources
    Comments

    This should never be done when the content can be identified properly, as once identification is lost, it is extremely difficult (and context dependent) to restore it again. Contained resources may have profiles and tags In their meta elements, but SHALL NOT have security labels.

    Control0..*
    TypeResource
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summaryfalse
    Alternate Namesinline resources, anonymous resources, contained resources
    14. DocumentReference.extension
    Definition

    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.

    ShortAdditional 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())
    16. DocumentReference.modifierExtension
    Definition

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

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

    ShortExtensions that cannot be ignored
    Comments

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

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

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

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

    Document identifier as assigned by the source of the document. This identifier is specific to this version of the document. This unique identifier may be used elsewhere to identify this version of the document.

    ShortMaster Version Specific Identifier
    Comments

    CDA Document Id extension and root.

    Control0..1
    TypeIdentifier
    Is Modifierfalse
    Summarytrue
    Requirements

    The structure and format of this Id shall be consistent with the specification corresponding to the formatCode attribute. (e.g. for a DICOM standard document a 64-character numeric UID, for an HL7 CDA format a serialization of the CDA Document Id extension and root in the form "oid^extension", where OID is a 64 digits max, and the Id is a 16 UTF-8 char max. If the OID is coded without the extension then the '^' character shall not be included.).

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

    Other identifiers associated with the document, including version independent identifiers.

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

    Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

    ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
    Control0..1
    Typestring
    Is Modifierfalse
    XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
    Summaryfalse
    24. DocumentReference.identifier.extension
    Definition

    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.

    ShortAdditional 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 DocumentReference.identifier.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
    • value @ url
    • 26. DocumentReference.identifier.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 IdentifierUse
      (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()))
      28. DocumentReference.identifier.type
      Definition

      A coded type for the identifier that can be used to determine which identifier to use for a specific purpose.

      ShortDescription of identifier
      Comments

      This element deals only with general categories of identifiers. It SHOULD not be used for codes that correspond 1..1 with the Identifier.system. Some identifiers may fall into multiple categories due to common usage. Where the system is known, a type is unnecessary because the type is always part of the system definition. However systems often need to handle identifiers where the system is not known. There is not a 1:1 relationship between type and system, since many different systems have the same type.

      Control0..1
      BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from Identifier Type Codes
      (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/identifier-type)

      A coded type for an identifier that can be used to determine which identifier to use for a specific purpose.

      TypeCodeableConcept
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Requirements

      Allows users to make use of identifiers when the identifier system is not known.

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

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

      There are many sets of identifiers. To perform matching of two identifiers, we need to know what set we're dealing with. The system identifies a particular set of unique identifiers.

      Pattern Valuehttp://va.gov/identifiers/$Sta3n/8925
      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()))
      32. DocumentReference.identifier.value
      Definition

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

      ShortThe value that is unique
      Comments

      If the value is a full URI, then the system SHALL be urn:ietf:rfc:3986. The value's primary purpose is computational mapping. As a result, it may be normalized for comparison purposes (e.g. removing non-significant whitespace, dashes, etc.) A value formatted for human display can be conveyed using the Rendered Value extension. Identifier.value is to be treated as case sensitive unless knowledge of the Identifier.system allows the processer to be confident that non-case-sensitive processing is safe.

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

      Time period during which identifier is/was valid for use.

      ShortTime period when id is/was valid for use
      Control0..1
      TypePeriod
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      36. DocumentReference.identifier.assigner
      Definition

      Organization that issued/manages the identifier.

      ShortOrganization that issued id (may be just text)
      Comments

      The Identifier.assigner may omit the .reference element and only contain a .display element reflecting the name or other textual information about the assigning organization.

      Control0..1
      TypeReference(Organization)
      Is Modifierfalse
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      38. DocumentReference.status
      Definition

      The status of this document reference.

      Shortcurrent | superseded | entered-in-error
      Comments

      This is the status of the DocumentReference object, which might be independent from the docStatus element.

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

      Control1..1
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from DocumentReferenceStatus
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/document-reference-status)
      Typecode
      Is Modifiertrue because This element is labelled as a modifier because it is a status element that contains status entered-in-error which means that the resource should not be treated as valid
      Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      40. DocumentReference.docStatus
      Definition

      The status of the underlying document.

      Shortpreliminary | final | amended | entered-in-error
      Comments

      The document that is pointed to might be in various lifecycle states.

      Control0..1
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from CompositionStatus
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/composition-status|4.0.1)

      Status of the underlying document.

      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()))
      42. DocumentReference.type
      Definition

      Specifies the particular kind of document referenced (e.g. History and Physical, Discharge Summary, Progress Note). This usually equates to the purpose of making the document referenced.

      ShortKind of document (LOINC if possible)
      Comments

      Key metadata element describing the document that describes he exact type of document. Helps humans to assess whether the document is of interest when viewing a list of documents.

      Control1..1
      BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from US Core DocumentReference Type
      (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/ValueSet/us-core-documentreference-type)

      All LOINC values whose SCALE is DOC in the LOINC database and the HL7 v3 Code System NullFlavor concept 'unknown'

      Additional BindingsPurpose
      US Core Clinical Note TypeMin Binding
      TypeCodeableConcept
      Is Modifierfalse
      Must Supporttrue
      Summarytrue
      Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
      44. DocumentReference.type.id
      Definition

      Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

      ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
      Control0..1
      Typestring
      Is Modifierfalse
      XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
      Summaryfalse
      46. DocumentReference.type.extension
      Definition

      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.

      ShortAdditional 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 DocumentReference.type.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
      • value @ url
      • 48. DocumentReference.type.coding
        Definition

        A reference to a code defined by a terminology system.

        ShortCode defined by a terminology system
        Comments

        Codes may be defined very casually in enumerations, or code lists, up to very formal definitions such as SNOMED CT - see the HL7 v3 Core Principles for more information. Ordering of codings is undefined and SHALL NOT be used to infer meaning. Generally, at most only one of the coding values will be labeled as UserSelected = true.

        Control0..*
        TypeCoding
        Is Modifierfalse
        Summarytrue
        Requirements

        Allows for alternative encodings within a code system, and translations to other code systems.

        Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
        50. DocumentReference.type.coding.id
        Definition

        Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

        ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
        Control0..1
        Typestring
        Is Modifierfalse
        XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
        Summaryfalse
        52. DocumentReference.type.coding.extension
        Definition

        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.

        ShortAdditional 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 DocumentReference.type.coding.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
        • value @ url
        • 54. DocumentReference.type.coding.system
          Definition

          The identification of the code system that defines the meaning of the symbol in the code.

          ShortIdentity of the terminology system
          Comments

          The URI may be an OID (urn:oid:...) or a UUID (urn:uuid:...). OIDs and UUIDs SHALL be references to the HL7 OID registry. Otherwise, the URI should come from HL7's list of FHIR defined special URIs or it should reference to some definition that establishes the system clearly and unambiguously.

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

          Need to be unambiguous about the source of the definition of the symbol.

          Pattern Valuehttp://loinc.org
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          56. DocumentReference.type.coding.version
          Definition

          The version of the code system which was used when choosing this code. Note that a well-maintained code system does not need the version reported, because the meaning of codes is consistent across versions. However this cannot consistently be assured, and when the meaning is not guaranteed to be consistent, the version SHOULD be exchanged.

          ShortVersion of the system - if relevant
          Comments

          Where the terminology does not clearly define what string should be used to identify code system versions, the recommendation is to use the date (expressed in FHIR date format) on which that version was officially published as the version date.

          NoteThis is a business version Id, not a resource version Id (see discussion)
          Control0..1
          Typestring
          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()))
          58. DocumentReference.type.coding.code
          Definition

          A symbol in syntax defined by the system. The symbol may be a predefined code or an expression in a syntax defined by the coding system (e.g. post-coordination).

          ShortSymbol in syntax defined by the system
          Control0..1
          Typecode
          Is Modifierfalse
          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
          Must Supporttrue
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Need to refer to a particular code in the system.

          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          60. DocumentReference.type.coding.display
          Definition

          A representation of the meaning of the code in the system, following the rules of the system.

          ShortRepresentation defined by the system
          Control0..1
          Typestring
          Is Modifierfalse
          Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
          Summarytrue
          Requirements

          Need to be able to carry a human-readable meaning of the code for readers that do not know the system.

          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          62. DocumentReference.type.coding.userSelected
          Definition

          Indicates that this coding was chosen by a user directly - e.g. off a pick list of available items (codes or displays).

          ShortIf this coding was chosen directly by the user
          Comments

          Amongst a set of alternatives, a directly chosen code is the most appropriate starting point for new translations. There is some ambiguity about what exactly 'directly chosen' implies, and trading partner agreement may be needed to clarify the use of this element and its consequences more completely.

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

          This has been identified as a clinical safety criterium - that this exact system/code pair was chosen explicitly, rather than inferred by the system based on some rules or language processing.

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

          A human language representation of the concept as seen/selected/uttered by the user who entered the data and/or which represents the intended meaning of the user.

          ShortPlain text representation of the concept
          Comments

          Very often the text is the same as a displayName of one of the codings.

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

          The codes from the terminologies do not always capture the correct meaning with all the nuances of the human using them, or sometimes there is no appropriate code at all. In these cases, the text is used to capture the full meaning of the source.

          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          66. DocumentReference.category
          Definition

          A categorization for the type of document referenced - helps for indexing and searching. This may be implied by or derived from the code specified in the DocumentReference.type.

          ShortCategorization of document
          Comments

          Key metadata element describing the the category or classification of the document. This is a broader perspective that groups similar documents based on how they would be used. This is a primary key used in searching.

          Control1..*
          BindingFor example codes, see DocumentClassValueSet
          (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/document-classcodes)

          High-level kind of a clinical document at a macro level.

          TypeCodeableConcept
          Is Modifierfalse
          Must Supporttrue
          Summarytrue
          Alternate Namesclaxs
          Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
          SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on DocumentReference.category. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
          • pattern @ $this
          • 68. DocumentReference.category:us-core
            Slice Nameus-core
            Definition

            A categorization for the type of document referenced - helps for indexing and searching. This may be implied by or derived from the code specified in the DocumentReference.type.

            ShortCategorization of document
            Comments

            Key metadata element describing the the category or classification of the document. This is a broader perspective that groups similar documents based on how they would be used. This is a primary key used in searching.

            Control0..*
            BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from US Core DocumentReference Category
            (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/ValueSet/us-core-documentreference-category)

            The US Core DocumentReferences Type Value Set is a 'starter set' of categories supported for fetching and storing clinical notes.

            TypeCodeableConcept
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            Summarytrue
            Alternate Namesclaxs
            Pattern Value{
              "coding" : [{
                "system" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/CodeSystem/us-core-documentreference-category",
                "code" : "clinical-note"
              }]
            }
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            70. DocumentReference.subject
            Definition

            Who or what the document is about. The document can be about a person, (patient or healthcare practitioner), a device (e.g. a machine) or even a group of subjects (such as a document about a herd of farm animals, or a set of patients that share a common exposure).

            ShortWho/what is the subject of the document
            Control1..1
            TypeReference(Patient)
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            Summarytrue
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            72. DocumentReference.date
            Definition

            When the document reference was created.

            ShortWhen this document reference was created
            Comments

            Referencing/indexing time is used for tracking, organizing versions and searching.

            Control0..1
            Typeinstant
            Is Modifierfalse
            Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
            Must Supporttrue
            Summarytrue
            Alternate Namesindexed
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            74. DocumentReference.author
            Definition

            Identifies who is responsible for adding the information to the document.

            ShortWho and/or what authored the document
            Comments

            Not necessarily who did the actual data entry (i.e. typist) or who was the source (informant).

            Control0..*
            TypeReference(Practitioner)
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            Summarytrue
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            76. DocumentReference.authenticator
            Definition

            Which person or organization authenticates that this document is valid.

            ShortWho/what authenticated the document
            Comments

            Represents a participant within the author institution who has legally authenticated or attested the document. Legal authentication implies that a document has been signed manually or electronically by the legal Authenticator.

            Control0..1
            TypeReference(Practitioner)
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            Summaryfalse
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            78. DocumentReference.custodian
            Definition

            Identifies the organization or group who is responsible for ongoing maintenance of and access to the document.

            ShortOrganization which maintains the document
            Comments

            Identifies the logical organization (software system, vendor, or department) to go to find the current version, where to report issues, etc. This is different from the physical location (URL, disk drive, or server) of the document, which is the technical location of the document, which host may be delegated to the management of some other organization.

            Control0..1
            TypeReference(Organization)
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            Summaryfalse
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            80. DocumentReference.relatesTo
            Definition

            Relationships that this document has with other document references that already exist.

            ShortRelationships to other documents
            Comments

            This element is labeled as a modifier because documents that append to other documents are incomplete on their own.

            Control0..*
            TypeBackboneElement
            Is Modifierfalse
            Summarytrue
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            82. DocumentReference.relatesTo.id
            Definition

            Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

            ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
            Control0..1
            Typestring
            Is Modifierfalse
            XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
            Summaryfalse
            84. DocumentReference.relatesTo.extension
            Definition

            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.

            ShortAdditional 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())
            86. DocumentReference.relatesTo.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())
            88. DocumentReference.relatesTo.code
            Definition

            The type of relationship that this document has with anther document.

            Shortreplaces | transforms | signs | appends
            Comments

            If this document appends another document, then the document cannot be fully understood without also accessing the referenced document.

            Control1..1
            BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from DocumentRelationshipType
            (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/document-relationship-type|4.0.1)

            The type of relationship between documents.

            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()))
            90. DocumentReference.relatesTo.target
            Definition

            The target document of this relationship.

            ShortTarget of the relationship
            Control1..1
            TypeReference(DocumentReference)
            Is Modifierfalse
            Summarytrue
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            92. DocumentReference.description
            Definition

            Human-readable description of the source document.

            ShortHuman-readable description
            Comments

            What the document is about, a terse summary of the document.

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

            Helps humans to assess whether the document is of interest.

            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            94. DocumentReference.securityLabel
            Definition

            A set of Security-Tag codes specifying the level of privacy/security of the Document. Note that DocumentReference.meta.security contains the security labels of the "reference" to the document, while DocumentReference.securityLabel contains a snapshot of the security labels on the document the reference refers to.

            ShortDocument security-tags
            Comments

            The confidentiality codes can carry multiple vocabulary items. HL7 has developed an understanding of security and privacy tags that might be desirable in a Document Sharing environment, called HL7 Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System (HCS). The following specification is recommended but not mandated, as the vocabulary bindings are an administrative domain responsibility. The use of this method is up to the policy domain such as the XDS Affinity Domain or other Trust Domain where all parties including sender and recipients are trusted to appropriately tag and enforce.

            In the HL7 Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification (HCS) there are code systems specific to Confidentiality, Sensitivity, Integrity, and Handling Caveats. Some values would come from a local vocabulary as they are related to workflow roles and special projects.

            Control0..*
            BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from All Security Labels
            (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/security-labels)

            Security Labels from the Healthcare Privacy and Security Classification System.

            TypeCodeableConcept
            Is Modifierfalse
            Summarytrue
            Requirements

            Use of the Health Care Privacy/Security Classification (HCS) system of security-tag use is recommended.

            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            96. DocumentReference.content
            Definition

            The document and format referenced. There may be multiple content element repetitions, each with a different format.

            ShortDocument referenced
            Control1..*
            TypeBackboneElement
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            Summarytrue
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            98. DocumentReference.content.id
            Definition

            Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

            ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
            Control0..1
            Typestring
            Is Modifierfalse
            XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
            Summaryfalse
            100. DocumentReference.content.extension
            Definition

            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.

            ShortAdditional 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())
            102. DocumentReference.content.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())
            104. DocumentReference.content.attachment
            Definition

            The document or URL of the document along with critical metadata to prove content has integrity.

            ShortWhere to access the document
            Control1..1
            TypeAttachment
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            Summarytrue
            Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
            us-core-6: DocumentReference.content.attachment.url or DocumentReference.content.attachment.data or both SHALL be present. (url.exists() or data.exists())
            106. DocumentReference.content.attachment.id
            Definition

            Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

            ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
            Control0..1
            Typestring
            Is Modifierfalse
            Must Supporttrue
            XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
            Summaryfalse
            108. DocumentReference.content.attachment.extension
            Definition

            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.

            ShortAdditional 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 DocumentReference.content.attachment.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
            • value @ url
            • 110. DocumentReference.content.attachment.contentType
              Definition

              Identifies the type of the data in the attachment and allows a method to be chosen to interpret or render the data. Includes mime type parameters such as charset where appropriate.

              ShortMime type of the content, with charset etc.
              Control0..1
              BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from Mime Types
              (required to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/mimetypes|4.0.1)

              The mime type of an attachment. Any valid mime type is allowed.

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

              Processors of the data need to be able to know how to interpret the data.

              Pattern Valuetext/plain
              Example<br/><b>General</b>:text/plain; charset=UTF-8, image/png
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              112. DocumentReference.content.attachment.language
              Definition

              The human language of the content. The value can be any valid value according to BCP 47.

              ShortHuman language of the content (BCP-47)
              Control0..1
              BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguages
              (preferred to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages)

              A human language.

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

              Users need to be able to choose between the languages in a set of attachments.

              Example<br/><b>General</b>:en-AU
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              114. DocumentReference.content.attachment.data
              Definition

              The actual data of the attachment - a sequence of bytes, base64 encoded.

              ShortData inline, base64ed
              Comments

              The base64-encoded data SHALL be expressed in the same character set as the base resource XML or JSON.

              Control0..1
              This element is affected by the following invariants: us-core-6
              Typebase64Binary
              Is Modifierfalse
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Must Supporttrue
              Summaryfalse
              Requirements

              The data needs to able to be transmitted inline.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              116. DocumentReference.content.attachment.url
              Definition

              A location where the data can be accessed.

              ShortUri where the data can be found
              Comments

              If both data and url are provided, the url SHALL point to the same content as the data contains. Urls may be relative references or may reference transient locations such as a wrapping envelope using cid: though this has ramifications for using signatures. Relative URLs are interpreted relative to the service url, like a resource reference, rather than relative to the resource itself. If a URL is provided, it SHALL resolve to actual data.

              Control0..1
              This element is affected by the following invariants: us-core-6
              Typeurl
              Is Modifierfalse
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Must Supporttrue
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              The data needs to be transmitted by reference.

              Example<br/><b>General</b>:http://www.acme.com/logo-small.png
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              118. DocumentReference.content.attachment.size
              Definition

              The number of bytes of data that make up this attachment (before base64 encoding, if that is done).

              ShortNumber of bytes of content (if url provided)
              Comments

              The number of bytes is redundant if the data is provided as a base64binary, but is useful if the data is provided as a url reference.

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

              Representing the size allows applications to determine whether they should fetch the content automatically in advance, or refuse to fetch it at all.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              120. DocumentReference.content.attachment.hash
              Definition

              The calculated hash of the data using SHA-1. Represented using base64.

              ShortHash of the data (sha-1, base64ed)
              Comments

              The hash is calculated on the data prior to base64 encoding, if the data is based64 encoded. The hash is not intended to support digital signatures. Where protection against malicious threats a digital signature should be considered, see Provenance.signature for mechanism to protect a resource with a digital signature.

              Control0..1
              Typebase64Binary
              Is Modifierfalse
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Must Supporttrue
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              Included so that applications can verify that the contents of a location have not changed due to technical failures (e.g., storage rot, transport glitch, incorrect version).

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              122. DocumentReference.content.attachment.title
              Definition

              A label or set of text to display in place of the data.

              ShortLabel to display in place of the data
              Control0..1
              Typestring
              Is Modifierfalse
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Must Supporttrue
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              Applications need a label to display to a human user in place of the actual data if the data cannot be rendered or perceived by the viewer.

              Example<br/><b>General</b>:Official Corporate Logo
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              124. DocumentReference.content.attachment.creation
              Definition

              The date that the attachment was first created.

              ShortDate attachment was first created
              Control0..1
              TypedateTime
              Is Modifierfalse
              Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
              Must Supporttrue
              Summarytrue
              Requirements

              This is often tracked as an integrity issue for use of the attachment.

              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              126. DocumentReference.content.format
              Definition

              An identifier of the document encoding, structure, and template that the document conforms to beyond the base format indicated in the mimeType.

              ShortFormat/content rules for the document
              Comments

              Note that while IHE mostly issues URNs for format types, not all documents can be identified by a URI.

              Control0..1
              BindingUnless not suitable, these codes SHALL be taken from DocumentReferenceFormatCodeSet
              (extensible to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/formatcodes)
              TypeCoding
              Is Modifierfalse
              Must Supporttrue
              Summarytrue
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              128. DocumentReference.context
              Definition

              The clinical context in which the document was prepared.

              ShortClinical context of document
              Comments

              These values are primarily added to help with searching for interesting/relevant documents.

              Control0..1
              TypeBackboneElement
              Is Modifierfalse
              Must Supporttrue
              Summarytrue
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              130. DocumentReference.context.id
              Definition

              Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

              ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
              Control0..1
              Typestring
              Is Modifierfalse
              XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
              Summaryfalse
              132. DocumentReference.context.extension
              Definition

              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.

              ShortAdditional 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())
              134. DocumentReference.context.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())
              136. DocumentReference.context.encounter
              Definition

              Describes the clinical encounter or type of care that the document content is associated with.

              ShortContext of the document content
              Control0..1
              TypeReference(US Core Encounter Profile)
              Is Modifierfalse
              Must Supporttrue
              Summaryfalse
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              138. DocumentReference.context.event
              Definition

              This list of codes represents the main clinical acts, such as a colonoscopy or an appendectomy, being documented. In some cases, the event is inherent in the type Code, such as a "History and Physical Report" in which the procedure being documented is necessarily a "History and Physical" act.

              ShortMain clinical acts documented
              Comments

              An event can further specialize the act inherent in the type, such as where it is simply "Procedure Report" and the procedure was a "colonoscopy". If one or more event codes are included, they shall not conflict with the values inherent in the class or type elements as such a conflict would create an ambiguous situation.

              Control0..*
              BindingFor example codes, see v3 Code System ActCode
              (example to http://terminology.hl7.org/ValueSet/v3-ActCode)

              This list of codes represents the main clinical acts being documented.

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

              The time period over which the service that is described by the document was provided.

              ShortTime of service that is being documented
              Control0..1
              TypePeriod
              Is Modifierfalse
              Must Supporttrue
              Summarytrue
              Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
              142. DocumentReference.context.period.id
              Definition

              Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.

              ShortUnique id for inter-element referencing
              Control0..1
              Typestring
              Is Modifierfalse
              XML FormatIn the XML format, this property is represented as an attribute.
              Summaryfalse
              144. DocumentReference.context.period.extension
              Definition

              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.

              ShortAdditional 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 DocumentReference.context.period.extension. The slices areUnordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
              • value @ url
              • 146. DocumentReference.context.period.start
                Definition

                The start of the period. The boundary is inclusive.

                ShortStarting time with inclusive boundary
                Comments

                If the low element is missing, the meaning is that the low boundary is not known.

                Control0..1
                This element is affected by the following invariants: per-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()))
                148. DocumentReference.context.period.end
                Definition

                The end of the period. If the end of the period is missing, it means no end was known or planned at the time the instance was created. The start may be in the past, and the end date in the future, which means that period is expected/planned to end at that time.

                ShortEnd time with inclusive boundary, if not ongoing
                Comments

                The high value includes any matching date/time. i.e. 2012-02-03T10:00:00 is in a period that has an end value of 2012-02-03.

                Control0..1
                This element is affected by the following invariants: per-1
                TypedateTime
                Is Modifierfalse
                Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
                Must Supporttrue
                Summarytrue
                Meaning if MissingIf the end of the period is missing, it means that the period is ongoing
                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                150. DocumentReference.context.facilityType
                Definition

                The kind of facility where the patient was seen.

                ShortKind of facility where patient was seen
                Control0..1
                BindingFor example codes, see FacilityTypeCodeValueSet
                (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/c80-facilitycodes)

                XDS Facility Type.

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

                This property may convey specifics about the practice setting where the content was created, often reflecting the clinical specialty.

                ShortAdditional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty)
                Comments

                This element should be based on a coarse classification system for the class of specialty practice. Recommend the use of the classification system for Practice Setting, such as that described by the Subject Matter Domain in LOINC.

                Control0..1
                BindingFor example codes, see PracticeSettingCodeValueSet
                (example to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/c80-practice-codes)

                Additional details about where the content was created (e.g. clinical specialty).

                TypeCodeableConcept
                Is Modifierfalse
                Must Supporttrue
                Summaryfalse
                Requirements

                This is an important piece of metadata that providers often rely upon to quickly sort and/or filter out to find specific content.

                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                154. DocumentReference.context.sourcePatientInfo
                Definition

                The Patient Information as known when the document was published. May be a reference to a version specific, or contained.

                ShortPatient demographics from source
                Control0..1
                TypeReference(Patient)
                Is Modifierfalse
                Summaryfalse
                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
                156. DocumentReference.context.related
                Definition

                Related identifiers or resources associated with the DocumentReference.

                ShortRelated identifiers or resources
                Comments

                May be identifiers or resources that caused the DocumentReference or referenced Document to be created.

                Control0..*
                TypeReference(Resource)
                Is Modifierfalse
                Summaryfalse
                Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))