HL7 Specification: Characteristics of a Value Set Definition, Release 1

The HL7 specification: characteristics of a value set definition is a normative track specification that describes the data elements that formally define and describe how to create an HL7-conformant value set. These elements include:

a) the metadata used to identify and define a value set definition

b) example functions that can be used to construct a value set definition expression that defines the intended coded content

c) elements to support value set definition versioning.

All references to ‘value set’ and ‘code system’, unless specifically noted, are to an HL7 value set as described in this standard and code system as defined in HL7 core principles. The document also includes informative material describing ‘best practices’ in the use of certain elements of the value set definition, such as best approach versus allowed use of additional or alternative concept representations.

Main sections:

· Notes to readers

· Changes from previous release

· Overview

· Controlled vocabularies and value sets

· Value set definition specification

· Content logical definition

· An HL7 value set definition expression syntax

· Value set expansion (informative)

· Implementation considerations (informative)

· Relationships to other HL7 standards (informative)

· Appendix: Example value sets (informative)