CH Core (R4)
4.0.1 - trial-use Switzerland flag

This page is part of the CH Core (R4) (v4.0.1: STU 4) based on FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) R4. This is the current published version in its permanent home (it will always be available at this URL). For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: CHCorePractitioner - Detailed Descriptions

Active as of 2023-12-28

Definitions for the ch-core-practitioner resource profile.

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

0. Practitioner
Definition

The CH Core Practitioner is based upon the core FHIR Practitioner Resource and designed to meet the applicable practitioner demographic data elements in Switzerland. See also https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/register/personenregister/registerharmonisierung/nomenklaturen.html for further information

ShortCH Core Practitioner
Invariantsch-pract-1: If a HumanName is provided, at least one HumanName must have a given and family name. (name.where(family.exists() and given.exists()).count()>0 or name.empty())
ch-pract-2: gender unknown is currently not used in Switzerland in eCH and the EPR (gender.empty() or gender!='unknown')
2. Practitioner.identifier
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Practitioner.identifier. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ system
4. Practitioner.identifier:GLN
Slice NameGLN
Definition

See GLN

ShortGLN (Global Location Number)
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier(GLN Identifier)
6. Practitioner.identifier:ZSR
Slice NameZSR
Definition

The ZSR/RCC number is issued to self-employed, natural or legal persons (organisations) who can and want to work at the expense of health insurance.

ShortZSR (Zahlstellenregister), RCC (Registre des codes-créanciers), RCC (Registro dei codici creditori)
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier(ZSR Identifier)
8. Practitioner.name
TypeHumanName(Human Name)
10. Practitioner.telecom
SlicingThis element introduces a set of slices on Practitioner.telecom. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ system
12. Practitioner.telecom.system
Control1..?
14. Practitioner.telecom.value
Control1..?
16. Practitioner.telecom:email
Slice Nameemail
Control0..*
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Email)
18. Practitioner.telecom:phone
Slice Namephone
Control0..*
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Phone)
20. Practitioner.telecom:internet
Slice Nameinternet
Control0..*
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Internet)
22. Practitioner.address
TypeAddress(CH Core Address)
24. Practitioner.gender
Shortmale | female | other
26. Practitioner.birthDate
28. Practitioner.communication

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

0. Practitioner
Definition

The CH Core Practitioner is based upon the core FHIR Practitioner Resource and designed to meet the applicable practitioner demographic data elements in Switzerland. See also https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/register/personenregister/registerharmonisierung/nomenklaturen.html for further information


A person who is directly or indirectly involved in the provisioning of healthcare.

ShortCH Core PractitionerA person with a formal responsibility in the provisioning of healthcare or related services
Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
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())
ch-pract-1: If a HumanName is provided, at least one HumanName must have a given and family name. (name.where(family.exists() and given.exists()).count()>0 or name.empty())
ch-pract-2: gender unknown is currently not used in Switzerland in eCH and the EPR (gender.empty() or gender!='unknown')
2. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.identifier
Definition

An identifier that applies to this person in this role.

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

Often, specific identities are assigned for the agent.

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 Practitioner.identifier. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ system
8. Practitioner.identifier:GLN
Slice NameGLN
Definition

See GLN


An identifier that applies to this person in this role.

ShortGLN (Global Location Number)An identifier for the person as this agent
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeIdentifier(GLN Identifier)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Often, specific identities are assigned for the agent.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
10. Practitioner.identifier:ZSR
Slice NameZSR
Definition

The ZSR/RCC number is issued to self-employed, natural or legal persons (organisations) who can and want to work at the expense of health insurance.


An identifier that applies to this person in this role.

ShortZSR (Zahlstellenregister), RCC (Registre des codes-créanciers), RCC (Registro dei codici creditori)An identifier for the person as this agent
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeIdentifier(ZSR Identifier)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Often, specific identities are assigned for the agent.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
12. Practitioner.name
Definition

A human's name with the ability to identify parts and usage.


The name(s) associated with the practitioner.

ShortName of a human - parts and usageThe name(s) associated with the practitioner
Comments

Names may be changed, or repudiated, or people may have different names in different contexts. Names may be divided into parts of different type that have variable significance depending on context, though the division into parts does not always matter. With personal names, the different parts might or might not be imbued with some implicit meaning; various cultures associate different importance with the name parts and the degree to which systems must care about name parts around the world varies widely.


The selection of the use property should ensure that there is a single usual name specified, and others use the nickname (alias), old, or other values as appropriate.

In general, select the value to be used in the ResourceReference.display based on this:

  1. There is more than 1 name
  2. Use = usual
  3. Period is current to the date of the usage
  4. Use = official
  5. Other order as decided by internal business rules.
Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeHumanName(Human Name)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

The name(s) that a Practitioner is known by. Where there are multiple, the name that the practitioner is usually known as should be used in the display.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ch-core-hm-1: if officalName with eCH-011 Extension is specified, it can only be put on a name where use attribute is official (family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name' and value='officialName').empty() or (family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name' and value='officialName').exists() and use='official'))
ch-core-hm-2: if orginalName with eCH-011 Extension is specified, it can only be put on a name where use attribute is maiden (family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name' and value='originalName').empty() or ((family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name' and value='originalName').exists() and use='maiden')))
ch-core-hm-3: ch-ext-ech-11-name can only be put on a family name (descendants().extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name').count()=family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name').count())
ch-core-hm-4: ch-ext-ech-11-firstname can only be put on a given name (descendants().extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-firstname').count()=given.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-firstname').count())
14. Practitioner.telecom
Definition

A contact detail for the practitioner, e.g. a telephone number or an email address.

ShortA contact detail for the practitioner (that apply to all roles)
Comments

Person may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and to help with identification. These typically will have home numbers, or mobile numbers that are not role specific.

Control0..*
TypeContactPoint
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to know how to reach a practitioner independent to any roles the practitioner may have.

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 Practitioner.telecom. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ system
16. Practitioner.telecom.system
Definition

Telecommunications form for contact point - what communications system is required to make use of the contact.

Shortphone | fax | email | pager | url | sms | other
Control10..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: cpt-2
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ContactPointSystemhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/contact-point-system|4.0.1

Telecommunications form for contact point.

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()))
18. Practitioner.telecom.value
Definition

The actual contact point details, in a form that is meaningful to the designated communication system (i.e. phone number or email address).

ShortThe actual contact point details
Comments

Additional text data such as phone extension numbers, or notes about use of the contact are sometimes included in the value.

Control10..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to support legacy numbers that are not in a tightly controlled format.

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

Identifies the purpose for the contact point.

Shorthome | work | temp | old | mobile - purpose of this contact point
Comments

Applications can assume that a contact is current unless it explicitly says that it is temporary or old.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ContactPointUsehttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/contact-point-use|4.0.1

Use of contact point.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary or old contact etc.for a current/permanent one
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to track the way a person uses this contact, so a user can choose which is appropriate for their purpose.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
22. Practitioner.telecom:email
Slice Nameemail
Definition

Details for all kinds of technology mediated contact points for a person or organization, including telephone, email, etc.


A contact detail for the practitioner, e.g. a telephone number or an email address.

ShortCH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 EmailA contact detail for the practitioner (that apply to all roles)
Comments

Person may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and to help with identification. These typically will have home numbers, or mobile numbers that are not role specific.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Email)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Need to know how to reach a practitioner independent to any roles the practitioner may have.

Invariantscpt-2: A system is required if a value is provided. (value.empty() or system.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
24. Practitioner.telecom:phone
Slice Namephone
Definition

Details for all kinds of technology mediated contact points for a person or organization, including telephone, email, etc.


A contact detail for the practitioner, e.g. a telephone number or an email address.

ShortCH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 PhoneA contact detail for the practitioner (that apply to all roles)
Comments

Person may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and to help with identification. These typically will have home numbers, or mobile numbers that are not role specific.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Phone)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Need to know how to reach a practitioner independent to any roles the practitioner may have.

Invariantscpt-2: A system is required if a value is provided. (value.empty() or system.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
26. Practitioner.telecom:internet
Slice Nameinternet
Definition

Details for all kinds of technology mediated contact points for a person or organization, including telephone, email, etc.


A contact detail for the practitioner, e.g. a telephone number or an email address.

ShortCH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 InternetA contact detail for the practitioner (that apply to all roles)
Comments

Person may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and to help with identification. These typically will have home numbers, or mobile numbers that are not role specific.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Internet)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Need to know how to reach a practitioner independent to any roles the practitioner may have.

Invariantscpt-2: A system is required if a value is provided. (value.empty() or system.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
28. Practitioner.address
Definition

An address expressed using postal conventions (as opposed to GPS or other location definition formats). This data type may be used to convey addresses for use in delivering mail as well as for visiting locations which might not be valid for mail delivery. There are a variety of postal address formats defined around the world.


Address(es) of the practitioner that are not role specific (typically home address). Work addresses are not typically entered in this property as they are usually role dependent.

ShortAn address expressed using postal conventions (as opposed to GPS or other location definition formats)Address(es) of the practitioner that are not role specific (typically home address)
Comments

Note: address is intended to describe postal addresses for administrative purposes, not to describe absolute geographical coordinates. Postal addresses are often used as proxies for physical locations (also see the Location resource).


The PractitionerRole does not have an address value on it, as it is expected that the location property be used for this purpose (which has an address).

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeAddress(CH Core Address)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

The home/mailing address of the practitioner is often required for employee administration purposes, and also for some rostering services where the start point (practitioners home) can be used in calculations.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ch-addr-2: For a Swiss address, a canton abbreviation from the value set 'eCH-0007 Canton Abbreviation' must be used. (country.extension.where(url = 'http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/iso21090-SC-coding').empty() or (country.extension.where(url = 'http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/iso21090-SC-coding').value.code.startsWith('CH') = false) or (country.extension.where(url = 'http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/iso21090-SC-coding').value.code.startsWith('CH').exists() and (state.empty() or state.memberOf('http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/ValueSet/ech-7-cantonabbreviation'))))
30. Practitioner.gender
Definition

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

Shortmale | female | othermale | female | other | unknown
Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from AdministrativeGenderhttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/administrative-gender|4.0.1

The gender of a person used for administrative purposes.

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

Needed to address the person correctly.

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

The date of birth for the practitioner.

ShortThe date on which the practitioner was born
Control0..1
Typedate
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Needed for identification.

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

A language the practitioner can use in patient communication.

ShortA language the practitioner can use in patient communication
Comments

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

Control0..*
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguageshttp://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/languages

A human language.

Additional BindingsPurpose
AllLanguagesMax Binding
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Knowing which language a practitioner speaks can help in facilitating communication with patients.

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. Practitioner
Definition

The CH Core Practitioner is based upon the core FHIR Practitioner Resource and designed to meet the applicable practitioner demographic data elements in Switzerland. See also https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/register/personenregister/registerharmonisierung/nomenklaturen.html for further information

ShortCH Core Practitioner
Control0..*
Is Modifierfalse
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())
ch-pract-1: If a HumanName is provided, at least one HumanName must have a given and family name. (name.where(family.exists() and given.exists()).count()>0 or name.empty())
ch-pract-2: gender unknown is currently not used in Switzerland in eCH and the EPR (gender.empty() or gender!='unknown')
2. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.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

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. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.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. Practitioner.identifier
Definition

An identifier that applies to this person in this role.

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

Often, specific identities are assigned for the agent.

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 Practitioner.identifier. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ system
20. Practitioner.identifier:GLN
Slice NameGLN
Definition

See GLN

ShortGLN (Global Location Number)
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeIdentifier(GLN Identifier)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Often, specific identities are assigned for the agent.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
22. Practitioner.identifier:ZSR
Slice NameZSR
Definition

The ZSR/RCC number is issued to self-employed, natural or legal persons (organisations) who can and want to work at the expense of health insurance.

ShortZSR (Zahlstellenregister), RCC (Registre des codes-créanciers), RCC (Registro dei codici creditori)
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeIdentifier(ZSR Identifier)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Often, specific identities are assigned for the agent.

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

Whether this practitioner's record is in active use.

ShortWhether this practitioner's record is in active use
Comments

If the practitioner is not in use by one organization, then it should mark the period on the PractitonerRole with an end date (even if they are active) as they may be active in another role.

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

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

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

A human's name with the ability to identify parts and usage.

ShortName of a human - parts and usage
Comments

Names may be changed, or repudiated, or people may have different names in different contexts. Names may be divided into parts of different type that have variable significance depending on context, though the division into parts does not always matter. With personal names, the different parts might or might not be imbued with some implicit meaning; various cultures associate different importance with the name parts and the degree to which systems must care about name parts around the world varies widely.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeHumanName(Human Name)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

The name(s) that a Practitioner is known by. Where there are multiple, the name that the practitioner is usually known as should be used in the display.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ch-core-hm-1: if officalName with eCH-011 Extension is specified, it can only be put on a name where use attribute is official (family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name' and value='officialName').empty() or (family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name' and value='officialName').exists() and use='official'))
ch-core-hm-2: if orginalName with eCH-011 Extension is specified, it can only be put on a name where use attribute is maiden (family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name' and value='originalName').empty() or ((family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name' and value='originalName').exists() and use='maiden')))
ch-core-hm-3: ch-ext-ech-11-name can only be put on a family name (descendants().extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name').count()=family.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-name').count())
ch-core-hm-4: ch-ext-ech-11-firstname can only be put on a given name (descendants().extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-firstname').count()=given.extension.where(url='http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/StructureDefinition/ch-ext-ech-11-firstname').count())
28. Practitioner.telecom
Definition

A contact detail for the practitioner, e.g. a telephone number or an email address.

ShortA contact detail for the practitioner (that apply to all roles)
Comments

Person may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and to help with identification. These typically will have home numbers, or mobile numbers that are not role specific.

Control0..*
TypeContactPoint
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to know how to reach a practitioner independent to any roles the practitioner may have.

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 Practitioner.telecom. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ system
30. Practitioner.telecom.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
32. Practitioner.telecom.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 Practitioner.telecom.extension. The slices are unordered and Open, and can be differentiated using the following discriminators:
  • value @ url
34. Practitioner.telecom.system
Definition

Telecommunications form for contact point - what communications system is required to make use of the contact.

Shortphone | fax | email | pager | url | sms | other
Control1..1
This element is affected by the following invariants: cpt-2
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ContactPointSystem

Telecommunications form for contact point.

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()))
36. Practitioner.telecom.value
Definition

The actual contact point details, in a form that is meaningful to the designated communication system (i.e. phone number or email address).

ShortThe actual contact point details
Comments

Additional text data such as phone extension numbers, or notes about use of the contact are sometimes included in the value.

Control1..1
Typestring
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to support legacy numbers that are not in a tightly controlled format.

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

Identifies the purpose for the contact point.

Shorthome | work | temp | old | mobile - purpose of this contact point
Comments

Applications can assume that a contact is current unless it explicitly says that it is temporary or old.

Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from ContactPointUse

Use of contact point.

Typecode
Is Modifiertrue because This is labeled as "Is Modifier" because applications should not mistake a temporary or old contact etc.for a current/permanent one
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Need to track the way a person uses this contact, so a user can choose which is appropriate for their purpose.

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

Specifies a preferred order in which to use a set of contacts. ContactPoints with lower rank values are more preferred than those with higher rank values.

ShortSpecify preferred order of use (1 = highest)
Comments

Note that rank does not necessarily follow the order in which the contacts are represented in the instance.

Control0..1
TypepositiveInt
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. Practitioner.telecom.period
Definition

Time period when the contact point was/is in use.

ShortTime period when the contact point was/is in use
Control0..1
TypePeriod
Is Modifierfalse
Summarytrue
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
44. Practitioner.telecom:email
Slice Nameemail
Definition

Details for all kinds of technology mediated contact points for a person or organization, including telephone, email, etc.

ShortCH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Email
Comments

Person may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and to help with identification. These typically will have home numbers, or mobile numbers that are not role specific.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Email)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Need to know how to reach a practitioner independent to any roles the practitioner may have.

Invariantscpt-2: A system is required if a value is provided. (value.empty() or system.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
46. Practitioner.telecom:phone
Slice Namephone
Definition

Details for all kinds of technology mediated contact points for a person or organization, including telephone, email, etc.

ShortCH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Phone
Comments

Person may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and to help with identification. These typically will have home numbers, or mobile numbers that are not role specific.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Phone)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Need to know how to reach a practitioner independent to any roles the practitioner may have.

Invariantscpt-2: A system is required if a value is provided. (value.empty() or system.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
48. Practitioner.telecom:internet
Slice Nameinternet
Definition

Details for all kinds of technology mediated contact points for a person or organization, including telephone, email, etc.

ShortCH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Internet
Comments

Person may have multiple ways to be contacted with different uses or applicable periods. May need to have options for contacting the person urgently and to help with identification. These typically will have home numbers, or mobile numbers that are not role specific.

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeContactPoint(CH Core ContactPoint eCH-0046 Internet)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

Need to know how to reach a practitioner independent to any roles the practitioner may have.

Invariantscpt-2: A system is required if a value is provided. (value.empty() or system.exists())
ele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
50. Practitioner.address
Definition

An address expressed using postal conventions (as opposed to GPS or other location definition formats). This data type may be used to convey addresses for use in delivering mail as well as for visiting locations which might not be valid for mail delivery. There are a variety of postal address formats defined around the world.

ShortAn address expressed using postal conventions (as opposed to GPS or other location definition formats)
Comments

Note: address is intended to describe postal addresses for administrative purposes, not to describe absolute geographical coordinates. Postal addresses are often used as proxies for physical locations (also see the Location resource).

Control0..*
This element is affected by the following invariants: ele-1
TypeAddress(CH Core Address)
Is Modifierfalse
Requirements

The home/mailing address of the practitioner is often required for employee administration purposes, and also for some rostering services where the start point (practitioners home) can be used in calculations.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
ch-addr-2: For a Swiss address, a canton abbreviation from the value set 'eCH-0007 Canton Abbreviation' must be used. (country.extension.where(url = 'http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/iso21090-SC-coding').empty() or (country.extension.where(url = 'http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/iso21090-SC-coding').value.code.startsWith('CH') = false) or (country.extension.where(url = 'http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/iso21090-SC-coding').value.code.startsWith('CH').exists() and (state.empty() or state.memberOf('http://fhir.ch/ig/ch-core/ValueSet/ech-7-cantonabbreviation'))))
52. Practitioner.gender
Definition

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

Shortmale | female | other
Control0..1
BindingThe codes SHALL be taken from AdministrativeGender

The gender of a person used for administrative purposes.

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

Needed to address the person correctly.

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

The date of birth for the practitioner.

ShortThe date on which the practitioner was born
Control0..1
Typedate
Is Modifierfalse
Primitive ValueThis primitive element may be present, or absent, or replaced by an extension
Summarytrue
Requirements

Needed for identification.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
56. Practitioner.photo
Definition

Image of the person.

ShortImage of the person
Control0..*
TypeAttachment
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Many EHR systems have the capability to capture an image of patients and personnel. Fits with newer social media usage too.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
58. Practitioner.qualification
Definition

The official certifications, training, and licenses that authorize or otherwise pertain to the provision of care by the practitioner. For example, a medical license issued by a medical board authorizing the practitioner to practice medicine within a certian locality.

ShortCertification, licenses, or training pertaining to the provision of care
Control0..*
TypeBackboneElement
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
60. Practitioner.qualification.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
62. Practitioner.qualification.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())
64. Practitioner.qualification.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())
66. Practitioner.qualification.identifier
Definition

An identifier that applies to this person's qualification in this role.

ShortAn identifier for this qualification for the practitioner
NoteThis is a business identifier, not a resource identifier (see discussion)
Control0..*
TypeIdentifier
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Often, specific identities are assigned for the qualification.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
68. Practitioner.qualification.code
Definition

Coded representation of the qualification.

ShortCoded representation of the qualification
Control1..1
BindingFor example codes, see v2 table 0360, Version 2.7

Specific qualification the practitioner has to provide a service.

TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
70. Practitioner.qualification.period
Definition

Period during which the qualification is valid.

ShortPeriod during which the qualification is valid
Control0..1
TypePeriod
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Qualifications are often for a limited period of time, and can be revoked.

Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
72. Practitioner.qualification.issuer
Definition

Organization that regulates and issues the qualification.

ShortOrganization that regulates and issues the qualification
Control0..1
TypeReference(Organization)
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Invariantsele-1: All FHIR elements must have a @value or children (hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count()))
74. Practitioner.communication
Definition

A language the practitioner can use in patient communication.

ShortA language the practitioner can use in patient communication
Comments

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

Control0..*
BindingThe codes SHOULD be taken from CommonLanguages

A human language.

Additional BindingsPurpose
AllLanguagesMax Binding
TypeCodeableConcept
Is Modifierfalse
Summaryfalse
Requirements

Knowing which language a practitioner speaks can help in facilitating communication with patients.

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