STU3 Candidate

This page is part of the FHIR Specification (v1.8.0: STU 3 Draft). The current version which supercedes this version is 5.0.0 . For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions . Page versions: R5 R4B R4 R3 R2

4.7 Resource ValueSet - Content

Vocabulary Work Group Maturity Level : 3 Compartments : Not linked to any defined compartments

A value set specifies a set of codes drawn from one or more code systems.

4.7.1 Scope and Usage

The FHIR terminology specification is based two key concepts, originally defined in HL7 v3 Core Principles :

  • CodeSystem - defines a set of codes with meanings (also known as enumeration, terminology, classification, and/or ontology) - e.g. define which codes (symbols and/or expressions) exist, and how they are understood
  • ValueSet - selects a set of codes from those defined by one or more code systems to specify which codes can be used in a particular context

Value sets have 2 aspects:

  • .compose : A definition of which codes are intended to be in the value set ("intension")
  • .expansion : The list of codes that are actually in the value set under a given set of conditions ("extension")

The ValueSet resource can carry either the .compose or the .expansion , or both. There is a "$expand" operation which can be used to ask a server to generate an expansion given the composition rules.

4.7.2 Boundaries and Relationships

  • Value sets use CodeSystem resources by referring to them via their canonical URLs
  • Value sets are used in ElementDefinition and Questionnaire resources to specify the allowable contents for coded elements
  • Concept Maps describe mappings between value sets
  • The ValueSet resource design is based on the functionality described in the OMG CTS 2 specification, along with metadata in the HL7 Value Set Definition specification. Value set resources can be converted to CTS2 value set and code system resources.
  • The value set resource is aligned with the Value Set Definition (VSD) project. Not all of the elements defined by the VSD are part of the base resource - some are defined as part of the ValueSet Extensions . In the ValueSet resource, the compose element is the VSD "Content Logical definition".

4.7.3 Background and Context

When using value sets, proper differentiation between a code system and a value set is important. This is one very common area where significant clinical safety risks occur in practice. Implementers should be familiar with the content in Using Codes in resources .

4.7.3.1 ValueSet Identification

A value set has 3 identifiers:

  • ValueSet.id : the logical id on the system that holds the value set - this changes as it moves from server to server (this id, with the server address prepended, is called the 'literal identity' of the resource)
  • ValueSet.url : the canonical url that never changes for this value set - it is the same in every copy. Ideally, the URL should also be the location of the master version of the value set, though this is not always possible
  • ValueSet.identifier : A system/value pair that is used to identify the value set in other contexts (such as an OID in an HL7 v3 specification)

For further information regarding resource identification, see Resource Identity .

This means that each value set has 2 different URLs that can be used to reference it - its canonical url , and its local location from which it may be retrieved. Because it is common practice to copy (cache) value sets locally, most references to value sets use the canonical URL.

For example, the value sets published as part of FHIR all have a canonical URL which is also a location by which they may be accessed in the FHIR specification itself. Note, though, that while a new version of the FHIR Specification is being prepared, value sets that are published in the drafts will not be found in the published FHIR specification at their canonical URL.

Alternatively, the identifier and version elements may be used to reference this value set in a design, a profile, a CDA template or HL7 v3 message (in the CD data type valueSet and valueSetVersion properties). These different contexts may make additional restrictions on the possible values of these elements. The identifier is generally not needed when using value sets in a FHIR context, where the canonical URL is always the focus.

This resource is referenced by ConceptMap , OperationDefinition and Questionnaire

4.7.4 Resource Content

Structure

Name Flags Card. Type Description & Constraints doco
. . ValueSet I DomainResource A set of codes drawn from one or more code systems
Value set SHALL contain at least one of a a compose, or an expansion element
. . . url Σ 0..1 uri Logical uri to reference this value set (globally unique)
. . . identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Additional identifier for the value set
. . . version Σ 0..1 string Business version of the value set
. . . name Σ 0..1 string Name for this value set (Computer friendly)
. . . title Σ 0..1 string Name for this value set (Human friendly)
. . . status ?! Σ 1..1 code draft | active | retired
PublicationStatus ( Required )
. . . experimental ?! Σ 0..1 boolean If for testing purposes, not real usage
. . . publisher Σ 0..1 string Name of the publisher (Organization or individual)
. . . contact Σ 0..* ContactDetail Contact details for the publisher
. . . date Σ 0..1 dateTime Date this was last changed
. . . description 0..1 markdown Natural language description of the value set
. . . useContext Σ 0..* UsageContext Content intends to support these contexts
. . . jurisdiction Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Intended jurisdiction for value set (if applicable)
Jurisdiction ValueSet ( Extensible )
. . . immutable Σ 0..1 boolean Indicates whether or not any change to the content logical definition may occur
. . . purpose 0..1 markdown Why this value set is defined
. . . copyright 0..1 markdown Use and/or publishing restrictions
. . . extensible Σ 0..1 boolean Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding
. . . compose I 0..1 BackboneElement Definition of the content of the value set (CLD)
. . . . lockedDate Σ 0..1 date Fixed date for version-less references (transitive)
. . . . inactive Σ 0..1 boolean Whether inactive codes are in the value set
. . . . include Σ I 1..* BackboneElement Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s)
A value set with concepts or filters SHALL include a system
Cannot have both concept and filter
A value set include/exclude SHALL have a value set or a system
. . . . . system Σ I 0..1 uri The system the codes come from
. . . . . version Σ 0..1 string Specific version of the code system referred to
. . . . . concept I 0..* BackboneElement A concept defined in the system
. . . . . . code 1..1 code Code or expression from system
. . . . . . display 0..1 string Text to display for this code for this value set
. . . . . . designation 0..* BackboneElement Additional representations for this concept
. . . . . . . language 0..1 code Human language of the designation
Common Languages ( Extensible but limited to All Languages )
. . . . . . . use 0..1 Coding Details how this designation would be used
Designation Use ( Extensible )
. . . . . . . value 1..1 string The text value for this designation
. . . . . filter I 0..* BackboneElement Select codes/concepts by their properties (including relationships)
. . . . . . property 1..1 code A property defined by the code system
. . . . . . op ?! 1..1 code = | is-a | descendent-of | is-not-a | regex | in | not-in | generalizes | exists
FilterOperator ( Required )
. . . . . . value 1..1 code Code from the system, or regex criteria
. . . . . valueSet Σ I 0..* uri Select only contents included in this value set
. . . . exclude I 0..* see include Explicitly exclude codes from a code system or other value sets
. . . expansion I 0..1 BackboneElement Used when the value set is "expanded"
. . . . identifier 1..1 uri Uniquely identifies this expansion
. . . . timestamp 1..1 dateTime Time ValueSet expansion happened
. . . . total 0..1 integer Total number of codes in the expansion
. . . . offset 0..1 integer Offset at which this resource starts
. . . . parameter 0..* BackboneElement Parameter that controlled the expansion process
. . . . . name 1..1 string Name as assigned by the server
. . . . . value[x] 0..1 Value of the named parameter
. . . . . . valueString string
. . . . . . valueBoolean boolean
. . . . . . valueInteger integer
. . . . . . valueDecimal decimal
. . . . . . valueUri uri
. . . . . . valueCode code
. . . . contains I 0..* BackboneElement Codes in the value set
SHALL have a code or a display
Must have a code if not abstract
Must have a system if a code is present
. . . . . system 0..1 uri System value for the code
. . . . . abstract 0..1 boolean If user cannot select this entry
. . . . . inactive 0..1 boolean If concept is inactive in the code system
. . . . . version 0..1 string Version in which this code/display is defined
. . . . . code I 0..1 code Code - if blank, this is not a selectable code
. . . . . display I 0..1 string User display for the concept
. . . . . designation 0..* see designation Additional representations for this item
. . . . . contains 0..* see contains Codes contained under this entry

doco Documentation for this format

UML Diagram ( Legend )

ValueSet ( DomainResource ) An absolute URL that is used to identify this value set when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance. This SHALL be a URL, SHOULD be globally unique, and SHOULD be an address at which this value set is (or will be) published. The URL SHOULD include the major version of the value set. For more information see [Technical and Business Versions](resource.html#versions) url : uri [0..1] A formal identifier that is used to identify this value set when it is represented in other formats, or referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance identifier : Identifier [0..*] The identifier that is used to identify this version of the value set when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the value set author and is not expected to be globally unique. For example, it might be a timestamp (e.g. yyyymmdd) if a managed version is not available. There is also no expectation that versions are orderable version : string [0..1] A natural language name identifying the value set. This name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation name : string [0..1] A short, descriptive, user-friendly title for the value set title : string [0..1] The status of this value set. Enables tracking the life-cycle of the content (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) status : code [1..1] « The lifecycle status of a Value Set or Concept Map. (Strength=Required) PublicationStatus ! » A flag to indicate that this value set is authored for testing purposes (or education/evaluation/marketing), and is not intended to be used for genuine usage (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) experimental : boolean [0..1] The name of the individual or organization that published the value set publisher : string [0..1] Contact details to assist a user in finding and communicating with the publisher contact : ContactDetail [0..*] The date (and optionally time) when the value set was published. The date must change when the business version changes, if it does, and it must change if the status code changes. In addition, it should change when the substantive content of the value set changes. (e.g. the 'content logical definition') date : dateTime [0..1] A free text natural language description of the value set from the consumer's perspective description : markdown [0..1] The content was developed with a focus and intent of supporting the contexts that are listed. These terms may be used to assist with indexing and searching of code system definitions useContext : UsageContext [0..*] A jurisdiction in which the value set is intended to be used jurisdiction : CodeableConcept [0..*] « Countries and regions within which this artifact is targeted for use (Strength=Extensible) Jurisdiction ValueSet + » If this is set to 'true', then no new versions of the content logical definition can be created. Note: Other metadata might still change immutable : boolean [0..1] Explains why this value set is needed and why it has been designed as it has purpose : markdown [0..1] A copyright statement relating to the value set and/or its contents. Copyright statements are generally legal restrictions on the use and publishing of the value set copyright : markdown [0..1] Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding or not extensible : boolean [0..1] Compose If a locked date is defined, then the Content Logical Definition must be evaluated using the current version as of the locked date for referenced code system(s) and value set instances where ValueSet.compose.include.version is not defined lockedDate : date [0..1] Whether inactive codes - codes that are not approved for current use - are in the value set. If inactive = true, inactive codes are to be included in the expansion, if inactive = false, the inactive codes will not be included in the expansion. If absent, the behavior is determined by the implementation, or by the applicable ExpansionProfile (but generally, inactive codes would be expected to be included) inactive : boolean [0..1] ConceptSet An absolute URI which is the code system from which the selected codes come from system : uri [0..1] The version of the code system that the codes are selected from version : string [0..1] Selects concepts found in this value set. This is an absolute URI that is a reference to ValueSet.url valueSet : uri [0..*] ConceptReference Specifies a code for the concept to be included or excluded code : code [1..1] The text to display to the user for this concept in the context of this valueset. If no display is provided, then applications using the value set use the display specified for the code by the system display : string [0..1] Designation The language this designation is defined for language : code [0..1] « A human language. (Strength=Extensible) Common Languages + » A code that details how this designation would be used use : Coding [0..1] « Details of how a designation would be used. (Strength=Extensible) Designation Use + » The text value for this designation value : string [1..1] Filter A code that identifies a property defined in the code system property : code [1..1] The kind of operation to perform as a part of the filter criteria (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) op : code [1..1] « The kind of operation to perform as a part of a property based filter. (Strength=Required) FilterOperator ! » The match value may be either a code defined by the system, or a string value, which is a regex match on the literal string of the property value value : code [1..1] Expansion An identifier that uniquely identifies this expansion of the valueset. Systems may re-use the same identifier as long as the expansion and the definition remain the same, but are not required to do so identifier : uri [1..1] The time at which the expansion was produced by the expanding system timestamp : dateTime [1..1] The total number of concepts in the expansion. If the number of concept nodes in this resource is less than the stated number, then the server can return more using the offset parameter total : integer [0..1] If paging is being used, the offset at which this resource starts. I.e. this resource is a partial view into the expansion. If paging is not being used, this element SHALL not be present offset : integer [0..1] Parameter The name of the parameter name : string [1..1] The value of the parameter value[x] : Type [0..1] « string | boolean | integer | decimal | uri | code » Contains An absolute URI which is the code system in which the code for this item in the expansion is defined system : uri [0..1] If true, this entry is included in the expansion for navigational purposes, and the user cannot select the code directly as a proper value abstract : boolean [0..1] If the concept is inactive in the code system that defines it. Inactive codes are those that are no longer to be used, but are maintained by the code system for understnading legacy data inactive : boolean [0..1] The version of this code system that defined this code and/or display. This should only be used with code systems that do not enforce concept permanence version : string [0..1] The code for this item in the expansion hierarchy. If this code is missing the entry in the hierarchy is a place holder (abstract) and does not represent a valid code in the value set code : code [0..1] The recommended display for this item in the expansion display : string [0..1] Additional representations for this concept when used in this value set - other languages, aliases, specialized purposes, used for particular purposes, etc designation [0..*] Specifies a concept to be included or excluded concept [0..*] Select concepts by specify a matching criteria based on the properties (including relationships) defined by the system. If multiple filters are specified, they SHALL all be true filter [0..*] Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s) include [1..*] Exclude one or more codes from the value set based on code system filters and/or other value sets exclude [0..*] A set of criteria that define the content logical definition of the value set by including or excluding codes from outside this value set. This I also known as the "Content Logical Definition" (CLD) compose [0..1] A parameter that controlled the expansion process. These parameters may be used by users of expanded value sets to check whether the expansion is suitable for a particular purpose, or to pick the correct expansion parameter [0..*] Additional representations for this item - other languages, aliases, specialized purposes, used for particular purposes, etc. These are relevant when the conditions of the expansion do not fix to a single correct representation designation [0..*] Other codes and entries contained under this entry in the hierarchy contains [0..*] The codes that are contained in the value set expansion contains [0..*] A value set can also be "expanded", where the value set is turned into a simple collection of enumerated codes. This element holds the expansion, if it has been performed expansion [0..1]

XML Template 

<ValueSet xmlns="http://hl7.org/fhir"> doco
 <!-- from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language -->
 <!-- from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension -->
 <url value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 Logical uri to reference this value set (globally unique) -->
 <identifier><!-- 0..* Identifier Additional identifier for the value set --></identifier>
 <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Business version of the value set -->
 <name value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name for this value set (Computer friendly) -->
 <title value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name for this value set (Human friendly) -->
 <status value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 draft | active | retired -->
 <experimental value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If for testing purposes, not real usage -->
 <publisher value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name of the publisher (Organization or individual) -->
 <contact><!-- 0..* ContactDetail Contact details for the publisher --></contact>
 <date value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 0..1 Date this was last changed -->
 <description value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Natural language description of the value set -->
 <useContext><!-- 0..* UsageContext Content intends to support these contexts --></useContext>
 <jurisdiction><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Intended jurisdiction for value set (if applicable) --></jurisdiction>
 <immutable value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Indicates whether or not any change to the content logical definition may occur -->
 <purpose value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Why this value set is defined -->
 <copyright value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Use and/or publishing restrictions -->
 <extensible value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding -->
 <compose>  <!-- ?? 0..1 Definition of the content of the value set (CLD) -->
  <lockedDate value="[date]"/><!-- 0..1 Fixed date for version-less references (transitive) -->
  <inactive value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Whether inactive codes are in the value set -->
  <include>  <!-- 1..* Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s) -->
   <system value="[uri]"/><!-- ?? 0..1 The system the codes come from -->
   <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Specific version of the code system referred to -->
   <concept>  <!-- ?? 0..* A concept defined in the system -->
    <code value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 Code or expression from system -->
    <display value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Text to display for this code for this value set -->
    <designation>  <!-- 0..* Additional representations for this concept -->
     <language value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 Human language of the designation -->
     <use><!-- 0..1 Coding Details how this designation would be used --></use>
     <value value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 The text value for this designation -->
    </designation>
   </concept>
   <filter>  <!-- ?? 0..* Select codes/concepts by their properties (including relationships) -->
    <property value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 A property defined by the code system -->
    <op value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 = | is-a | descendent-of | is-not-a | regex | in | not-in | generalizes | exists -->
    <value value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 Code from the system, or regex criteria -->
   </filter>
   <valueSet value="[uri]"/><!-- ?? 0..* Select only contents included in this value set -->
  </include>
  <exclude><!-- ?? 0..* Content as for ValueSet.compose.include Explicitly exclude codes from a code system or other value sets --></exclude>
 </compose>
 <expansion>  <!-- ?? 0..1 Used when the value set is "expanded" -->
  <identifier value="[uri]"/><!-- 1..1 Uniquely identifies this expansion -->
  <timestamp value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 1..1 Time ValueSet expansion happened -->
  <total value="[integer]"/><!-- 0..1 Total number of codes in the expansion -->
  <offset value="[integer]"/><!-- 0..1 Offset at which this resource starts -->
  <parameter>  <!-- 0..* Parameter that controlled the expansion process -->
   <name value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Name as assigned by the server -->
   <value[x]><!-- 0..1 string|boolean|integer|decimal|uri|code Value of the named parameter --></value[x]>
  </parameter>
  <contains>  <!-- 0..* Codes in the value set -->
   <system value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 System value for the code -->
   <abstract value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If user cannot select this entry -->
   <inactive value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If concept is inactive in the code system -->
   <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Version in which this code/display is defined -->
   <code value="[code]"/><!-- ?? 0..1 Code - if blank, this is not a selectable code -->
   <display value="[string]"/><!-- ?? 0..1 User display for the concept -->
   <designation><!-- 0..* Content as for ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation Additional representations for this item --></designation>
   <contains><!-- 0..* Content as for ValueSet.expansion.contains Codes contained under this entry --></contains>
  </contains>
 </expansion>
</ValueSet>

JSON Template 

{doco
  "resourceType" : "ValueSet",
  // from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language
  // from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension
  "url" : "<uri>", // Logical uri to reference this value set (globally unique)
  "identifier" : [{ Identifier }], // Additional identifier for the value set
  "version" : "<string>", // Business version of the value set
  "name" : "<string>", // Name for this value set (Computer friendly)
  "title" : "<string>", // Name for this value set (Human friendly)
  "status" : "<code>", // R!  draft | active | retired
  "experimental" : <boolean>, // If for testing purposes, not real usage
  "publisher" : "<string>", // Name of the publisher (Organization or individual)
  "contact" : [{ ContactDetail }], // Contact details for the publisher
  "date" : "<dateTime>", // Date this was last changed
  "description" : "<markdown>", // Natural language description of the value set
  "useContext" : [{ UsageContext }], // Content intends to support these contexts
  "jurisdiction" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Intended jurisdiction for value set (if applicable)
  "immutable" : <boolean>, // Indicates whether or not any change to the content logical definition may occur
  "purpose" : "<markdown>", // Why this value set is defined
  "copyright" : "<markdown>", // Use and/or publishing restrictions
  "extensible" : <boolean>, // Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding
  "compose" : { // C? Definition of the content of the value set (CLD)
    "lockedDate" : "<date>", // Fixed date for version-less references (transitive)
    "inactive" : <boolean>, // Whether inactive codes are in the value set
    "include" : [{ // R!  Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s)
      "system" : "<uri>", // C? The system the codes come from
      "version" : "<string>", // Specific version of the code system referred to
      "concept" : [{ // C? A concept defined in the system
        "code" : "<code>", // R!  Code or expression from system
        "display" : "<string>", // Text to display for this code for this value set
        "designation" : [{ // Additional representations for this concept
          "language" : "<code>", // Human language of the designation
          "use" : { Coding }, // Details how this designation would be used
          "value" : "<string>" // R!  The text value for this designation
        }]
      }],
      "filter" : [{ // C? Select codes/concepts by their properties (including relationships)
        "property" : "<code>", // R!  A property defined by the code system
        "op" : "<code>", // R!  = | is-a | descendent-of | is-not-a | regex | in | not-in | generalizes | exists
        "value" : "<code>" // R!  Code from the system, or regex criteria
      }],
      "valueSet" : ["<uri>"] // C? Select only contents included in this value set
    }],
    "exclude" : [{ Content as for ValueSet.compose.include }] // C? Explicitly exclude codes from a code system or other value sets
  },
  "expansion" : { // C? Used when the value set is "expanded"
    "identifier" : "<uri>", // R!  Uniquely identifies this expansion
    "timestamp" : "<dateTime>", // R!  Time ValueSet expansion happened
    "total" : <integer>, // Total number of codes in the expansion
    "offset" : <integer>, // Offset at which this resource starts
    "parameter" : [{ // Parameter that controlled the expansion process
      "name" : "<string>", // R!  Name as assigned by the server
      // value[x]: Value of the named parameter. One of these 6:
      "valueString" : "<string>"
      "valueBoolean" : <boolean>
      "valueInteger" : <integer>
      "valueDecimal" : <decimal>
      "valueUri" : "<uri>"
      "valueCode" : "<code>"
    }],
    "contains" : [{ // Codes in the value set
      "system" : "<uri>", // System value for the code
      "abstract" : <boolean>, // If user cannot select this entry
      "inactive" : <boolean>, // If concept is inactive in the code system
      "version" : "<string>", // Version in which this code/display is defined
      "code" : "<code>", // C? Code - if blank, this is not a selectable code
      "display" : "<string>", // C? User display for the concept
      "designation" : [{ Content as for ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation }], // Additional representations for this item
      "contains" : [{ Content as for ValueSet.expansion.contains }] // Codes contained under this entry
    }]
  }
}

Turtle Template 

@prefix fhir: <http://hl7.org/fhir/> .doco


[ a fhir:ValueSet;
  fhir:nodeRole fhir:treeRoot; # if this is the parser root

  # from Resource: .id, .meta, .implicitRules, and .language
  # from DomainResource: .text, .contained, .extension, and .modifierExtension
  fhir:ValueSet.url [ uri ]; # 0..1 Logical uri to reference this value set (globally unique)
  fhir:ValueSet.identifier [ Identifier ], ... ; # 0..* Additional identifier for the value set
  fhir:ValueSet.version [ string ]; # 0..1 Business version of the value set
  fhir:ValueSet.name [ string ]; # 0..1 Name for this value set (Computer friendly)
  fhir:ValueSet.title [ string ]; # 0..1 Name for this value set (Human friendly)
  fhir:ValueSet.status [ code ]; # 1..1 draft | active | retired
  fhir:ValueSet.experimental [ boolean ]; # 0..1 If for testing purposes, not real usage
  fhir:ValueSet.publisher [ string ]; # 0..1 Name of the publisher (Organization or individual)
  fhir:ValueSet.contact [ ContactDetail ], ... ; # 0..* Contact details for the publisher
  fhir:ValueSet.date [ dateTime ]; # 0..1 Date this was last changed
  fhir:ValueSet.description [ markdown ]; # 0..1 Natural language description of the value set
  fhir:ValueSet.useContext [ UsageContext ], ... ; # 0..* Content intends to support these contexts
  fhir:ValueSet.jurisdiction [ CodeableConcept ], ... ; # 0..* Intended jurisdiction for value set (if applicable)
  fhir:ValueSet.immutable [ boolean ]; # 0..1 Indicates whether or not any change to the content logical definition may occur
  fhir:ValueSet.purpose [ markdown ]; # 0..1 Why this value set is defined
  fhir:ValueSet.copyright [ markdown ]; # 0..1 Use and/or publishing restrictions
  fhir:ValueSet.extensible [ boolean ]; # 0..1 Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding
  fhir:ValueSet.compose [ # 0..1 Definition of the content of the value set (CLD)
    fhir:ValueSet.compose.lockedDate [ date ]; # 0..1 Fixed date for version-less references (transitive)
    fhir:ValueSet.compose.inactive [ boolean ]; # 0..1 Whether inactive codes are in the value set
    fhir:ValueSet.compose.include [ # 1..* Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s)
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.system [ uri ]; # 0..1 The system the codes come from
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.version [ string ]; # 0..1 Specific version of the code system referred to
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept [ # 0..* A concept defined in the system
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.code [ code ]; # 1..1 Code or expression from system
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.display [ string ]; # 0..1 Text to display for this code for this value set
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation [ # 0..* Additional representations for this concept
          fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.language [ code ]; # 0..1 Human language of the designation
          fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.use [ Coding ]; # 0..1 Details how this designation would be used
          fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.value [ string ]; # 1..1 The text value for this designation
        ], ...;
      ], ...;
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.filter [ # 0..* Select codes/concepts by their properties (including relationships)
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.filter.property [ code ]; # 1..1 A property defined by the code system
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.filter.op [ code ]; # 1..1 = | is-a | descendent-of | is-not-a | regex | in | not-in | generalizes | exists
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.filter.value [ code ]; # 1..1 Code from the system, or regex criteria
      ], ...;
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.valueSet [ uri ], ... ; # 0..* Select only contents included in this value set
    ], ...;
    fhir:ValueSet.compose.exclude [ See ValueSet.compose.include ], ... ; # 0..* Explicitly exclude codes from a code system or other value sets
  ];
  fhir:ValueSet.expansion [ # 0..1 Used when the value set is "expanded"
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.identifier [ uri ]; # 1..1 Uniquely identifies this expansion
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.timestamp [ dateTime ]; # 1..1 Time ValueSet expansion happened
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.total [ integer ]; # 0..1 Total number of codes in the expansion
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.offset [ integer ]; # 0..1 Offset at which this resource starts
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter [ # 0..* Parameter that controlled the expansion process
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.name [ string ]; # 1..1 Name as assigned by the server
      # ValueSet.expansion.parameter.value[x] : 0..1 Value of the named parameter. One of these 6
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueString [ string ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueBoolean [ boolean ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueInteger [ integer ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueDecimal [ decimal ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueUri [ uri ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueCode [ code ]
    ], ...;
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains [ # 0..* Codes in the value set
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.system [ uri ]; # 0..1 System value for the code
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.abstract [ boolean ]; # 0..1 If user cannot select this entry
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.inactive [ boolean ]; # 0..1 If concept is inactive in the code system
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.version [ string ]; # 0..1 Version in which this code/display is defined
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.code [ code ]; # 0..1 Code - if blank, this is not a selectable code
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.display [ string ]; # 0..1 User display for the concept
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.designation [ See ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation ], ... ; # 0..* Additional representations for this item
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.contains [ See ValueSet.expansion.contains ], ... ; # 0..* Codes contained under this entry
    ], ...;
  ];
]

Changes since DSTU2

ValueSet
ValueSet.identifier Max Cardinality changed from 1 to *
ValueSet.title added Element
ValueSet.status Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/conformance-resource-status to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/publication-status
ValueSet.experimental Now marked as Modifier
ValueSet.contact Type changed from BackboneElement to ContactDetail
ValueSet.description Type changed from string to markdown
ValueSet.useContext Type changed from CodeableConcept to UsageContext
Remove Binding http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/use-context (extensible)
ValueSet.jurisdiction added Element
ValueSet.purpose added Element
ValueSet.copyright Type changed from string to markdown
ValueSet.compose.lockedDate added Element
ValueSet.compose.inactive added Element
ValueSet.compose.include Min Cardinality changed from 0 to 1
ValueSet.compose.include.system Min Cardinality changed from 1 to 0
ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.language added Element
ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.use added Element
ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.value added Element
ValueSet.compose.include.filter.op Now marked as Modifier
ValueSet.compose.include.valueSet added Element
ValueSet.expansion.contains.abstract Default Value "false" added
ValueSet.expansion.contains.inactive added Element
ValueSet.expansion.contains.designation added Element
ValueSet.contact.name deleted
ValueSet.contact.telecom deleted
ValueSet.lockedDate deleted
ValueSet.requirements deleted
ValueSet.codeSystem deleted
ValueSet.compose.import deleted

See the Full Difference for further information

Structure

Name Flags Card. Type Description & Constraints doco
. . ValueSet I DomainResource A set of codes drawn from one or more code systems
Value set SHALL contain at least one of a a compose, or an expansion element
. . . url Σ 0..1 uri Logical uri to reference this value set (globally unique)
. . . identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Additional identifier for the value set
. . . version Σ 0..1 string Business version of the value set
. . . name Σ 0..1 string Name for this value set (Computer friendly)
. . . title Σ 0..1 string Name for this value set (Human friendly)
. . . status ?! Σ 1..1 code draft | active | retired
PublicationStatus ( Required )
. . . experimental ?! Σ 0..1 boolean If for testing purposes, not real usage
. . . publisher Σ 0..1 string Name of the publisher (Organization or individual)
. . . contact Σ 0..* ContactDetail Contact details for the publisher
. . . date Σ 0..1 dateTime Date this was last changed
. . . description 0..1 markdown Natural language description of the value set
. . . useContext Σ 0..* UsageContext Content intends to support these contexts
. . . jurisdiction Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Intended jurisdiction for value set (if applicable)
Jurisdiction ValueSet ( Extensible )
. . . immutable Σ 0..1 boolean Indicates whether or not any change to the content logical definition may occur
. . . purpose 0..1 markdown Why this value set is defined
. . . copyright 0..1 markdown Use and/or publishing restrictions
. . . extensible Σ 0..1 boolean Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding
. . . compose I 0..1 BackboneElement Definition of the content of the value set (CLD)
. . . . lockedDate Σ 0..1 date Fixed date for version-less references (transitive)
. . . . inactive Σ 0..1 boolean Whether inactive codes are in the value set
. . . . include Σ I 1..* BackboneElement Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s)
A value set with concepts or filters SHALL include a system
Cannot have both concept and filter
A value set include/exclude SHALL have a value set or a system
. . . . . system Σ I 0..1 uri The system the codes come from
. . . . . version Σ 0..1 string Specific version of the code system referred to
. . . . . concept I 0..* BackboneElement A concept defined in the system
. . . . . . code 1..1 code Code or expression from system
. . . . . . display 0..1 string Text to display for this code for this value set
. . . . . . designation 0..* BackboneElement Additional representations for this concept
. . . . . . . language 0..1 code Human language of the designation
Common Languages ( Extensible but limited to All Languages )
. . . . . . . use 0..1 Coding Details how this designation would be used
Designation Use ( Extensible )
. . . . . . . value 1..1 string The text value for this designation
. . . . . filter I 0..* BackboneElement Select codes/concepts by their properties (including relationships)
. . . . . . property 1..1 code A property defined by the code system
. . . . . . op ?! 1..1 code = | is-a | descendent-of | is-not-a | regex | in | not-in | generalizes | exists
FilterOperator ( Required )
. . . . . . value 1..1 code Code from the system, or regex criteria
. . . . . valueSet Σ I 0..* uri Select only contents included in this value set
. . . . exclude I 0..* see include Explicitly exclude codes from a code system or other value sets
. . . expansion I 0..1 BackboneElement Used when the value set is "expanded"
. . . . identifier 1..1 uri Uniquely identifies this expansion
. . . . timestamp 1..1 dateTime Time ValueSet expansion happened
. . . . total 0..1 integer Total number of codes in the expansion
. . . . offset 0..1 integer Offset at which this resource starts
. . . . parameter 0..* BackboneElement Parameter that controlled the expansion process
. . . . . name 1..1 string Name as assigned by the server
. . . . . value[x] 0..1 Value of the named parameter
. . . . . . valueString string
. . . . . . valueBoolean boolean
. . . . . . valueInteger integer
. . . . . . valueDecimal decimal
. . . . . . valueUri uri
. . . . . . valueCode code
. . . . contains I 0..* BackboneElement Codes in the value set
SHALL have a code or a display
Must have a code if not abstract
Must have a system if a code is present
. . . . . system 0..1 uri System value for the code
. . . . . abstract 0..1 boolean If user cannot select this entry
. . . . . inactive 0..1 boolean If concept is inactive in the code system
. . . . . version 0..1 string Version in which this code/display is defined
. . . . . code I 0..1 code Code - if blank, this is not a selectable code
. . . . . display I 0..1 string User display for the concept
. . . . . designation 0..* see designation Additional representations for this item
. . . . . contains 0..* see contains Codes contained under this entry

doco Documentation for this format

UML Diagram ( Legend )

ValueSet ( DomainResource ) An absolute URL that is used to identify this value set when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance. This SHALL be a URL, SHOULD be globally unique, and SHOULD be an address at which this value set is (or will be) published. The URL SHOULD include the major version of the value set. For more information see [Technical and Business Versions](resource.html#versions) url : uri [0..1] A formal identifier that is used to identify this value set when it is represented in other formats, or referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance identifier : Identifier [0..*] The identifier that is used to identify this version of the value set when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the value set author and is not expected to be globally unique. For example, it might be a timestamp (e.g. yyyymmdd) if a managed version is not available. There is also no expectation that versions are orderable version : string [0..1] A natural language name identifying the value set. This name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation name : string [0..1] A short, descriptive, user-friendly title for the value set title : string [0..1] The status of this value set. Enables tracking the life-cycle of the content (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) status : code [1..1] « The lifecycle status of a Value Set or Concept Map. (Strength=Required) PublicationStatus ! » A flag to indicate that this value set is authored for testing purposes (or education/evaluation/marketing), and is not intended to be used for genuine usage (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) experimental : boolean [0..1] The name of the individual or organization that published the value set publisher : string [0..1] Contact details to assist a user in finding and communicating with the publisher contact : ContactDetail [0..*] The date (and optionally time) when the value set was published. The date must change when the business version changes, if it does, and it must change if the status code changes. In addition, it should change when the substantive content of the value set changes. (e.g. the 'content logical definition') date : dateTime [0..1] A free text natural language description of the value set from the consumer's perspective description : markdown [0..1] The content was developed with a focus and intent of supporting the contexts that are listed. These terms may be used to assist with indexing and searching of code system definitions useContext : UsageContext [0..*] A jurisdiction in which the value set is intended to be used jurisdiction : CodeableConcept [0..*] « Countries and regions within which this artifact is targeted for use (Strength=Extensible) Jurisdiction ValueSet + » If this is set to 'true', then no new versions of the content logical definition can be created. Note: Other metadata might still change immutable : boolean [0..1] Explains why this value set is needed and why it has been designed as it has purpose : markdown [0..1] A copyright statement relating to the value set and/or its contents. Copyright statements are generally legal restrictions on the use and publishing of the value set copyright : markdown [0..1] Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding or not extensible : boolean [0..1] Compose If a locked date is defined, then the Content Logical Definition must be evaluated using the current version as of the locked date for referenced code system(s) and value set instances where ValueSet.compose.include.version is not defined lockedDate : date [0..1] Whether inactive codes - codes that are not approved for current use - are in the value set. If inactive = true, inactive codes are to be included in the expansion, if inactive = false, the inactive codes will not be included in the expansion. If absent, the behavior is determined by the implementation, or by the applicable ExpansionProfile (but generally, inactive codes would be expected to be included) inactive : boolean [0..1] ConceptSet An absolute URI which is the code system from which the selected codes come from system : uri [0..1] The version of the code system that the codes are selected from version : string [0..1] Selects concepts found in this value set. This is an absolute URI that is a reference to ValueSet.url valueSet : uri [0..*] ConceptReference Specifies a code for the concept to be included or excluded code : code [1..1] The text to display to the user for this concept in the context of this valueset. If no display is provided, then applications using the value set use the display specified for the code by the system display : string [0..1] Designation The language this designation is defined for language : code [0..1] « A human language. (Strength=Extensible) Common Languages + » A code that details how this designation would be used use : Coding [0..1] « Details of how a designation would be used. (Strength=Extensible) Designation Use + » The text value for this designation value : string [1..1] Filter A code that identifies a property defined in the code system property : code [1..1] The kind of operation to perform as a part of the filter criteria (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) op : code [1..1] « The kind of operation to perform as a part of a property based filter. (Strength=Required) FilterOperator ! » The match value may be either a code defined by the system, or a string value, which is a regex match on the literal string of the property value value : code [1..1] Expansion An identifier that uniquely identifies this expansion of the valueset. Systems may re-use the same identifier as long as the expansion and the definition remain the same, but are not required to do so identifier : uri [1..1] The time at which the expansion was produced by the expanding system timestamp : dateTime [1..1] The total number of concepts in the expansion. If the number of concept nodes in this resource is less than the stated number, then the server can return more using the offset parameter total : integer [0..1] If paging is being used, the offset at which this resource starts. I.e. this resource is a partial view into the expansion. If paging is not being used, this element SHALL not be present offset : integer [0..1] Parameter The name of the parameter name : string [1..1] The value of the parameter value[x] : Type [0..1] « string | boolean | integer | decimal | uri | code » Contains An absolute URI which is the code system in which the code for this item in the expansion is defined system : uri [0..1] If true, this entry is included in the expansion for navigational purposes, and the user cannot select the code directly as a proper value abstract : boolean [0..1] If the concept is inactive in the code system that defines it. Inactive codes are those that are no longer to be used, but are maintained by the code system for understnading legacy data inactive : boolean [0..1] The version of this code system that defined this code and/or display. This should only be used with code systems that do not enforce concept permanence version : string [0..1] The code for this item in the expansion hierarchy. If this code is missing the entry in the hierarchy is a place holder (abstract) and does not represent a valid code in the value set code : code [0..1] The recommended display for this item in the expansion display : string [0..1] Additional representations for this concept when used in this value set - other languages, aliases, specialized purposes, used for particular purposes, etc designation [0..*] Specifies a concept to be included or excluded concept [0..*] Select concepts by specify a matching criteria based on the properties (including relationships) defined by the system. If multiple filters are specified, they SHALL all be true filter [0..*] Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s) include [1..*] Exclude one or more codes from the value set based on code system filters and/or other value sets exclude [0..*] A set of criteria that define the content logical definition of the value set by including or excluding codes from outside this value set. This I also known as the "Content Logical Definition" (CLD) compose [0..1] A parameter that controlled the expansion process. These parameters may be used by users of expanded value sets to check whether the expansion is suitable for a particular purpose, or to pick the correct expansion parameter [0..*] Additional representations for this item - other languages, aliases, specialized purposes, used for particular purposes, etc. These are relevant when the conditions of the expansion do not fix to a single correct representation designation [0..*] Other codes and entries contained under this entry in the hierarchy contains [0..*] The codes that are contained in the value set expansion contains [0..*] A value set can also be "expanded", where the value set is turned into a simple collection of enumerated codes. This element holds the expansion, if it has been performed expansion [0..1]

XML Template 

<ValueSet xmlns="http://hl7.org/fhir"> doco
 <!-- from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language -->
 <!-- from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension -->
 <url value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 Logical uri to reference this value set (globally unique) -->
 <identifier><!-- 0..* Identifier Additional identifier for the value set --></identifier>
 <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Business version of the value set -->
 <name value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name for this value set (Computer friendly) -->
 <title value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name for this value set (Human friendly) -->
 <status value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 draft | active | retired -->
 <experimental value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If for testing purposes, not real usage -->
 <publisher value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name of the publisher (Organization or individual) -->
 <contact><!-- 0..* ContactDetail Contact details for the publisher --></contact>
 <date value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 0..1 Date this was last changed -->
 <description value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Natural language description of the value set -->
 <useContext><!-- 0..* UsageContext Content intends to support these contexts --></useContext>
 <jurisdiction><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Intended jurisdiction for value set (if applicable) --></jurisdiction>
 <immutable value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Indicates whether or not any change to the content logical definition may occur -->
 <purpose value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Why this value set is defined -->
 <copyright value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Use and/or publishing restrictions -->
 <extensible value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding -->
 <compose>  <!-- ?? 0..1 Definition of the content of the value set (CLD) -->
  <lockedDate value="[date]"/><!-- 0..1 Fixed date for version-less references (transitive) -->
  <inactive value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 Whether inactive codes are in the value set -->
  <include>  <!-- 1..* Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s) -->
   <system value="[uri]"/><!-- ?? 0..1 The system the codes come from -->
   <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Specific version of the code system referred to -->
   <concept>  <!-- ?? 0..* A concept defined in the system -->
    <code value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 Code or expression from system -->
    <display value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Text to display for this code for this value set -->
    <designation>  <!-- 0..* Additional representations for this concept -->
     <language value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 Human language of the designation -->
     <use><!-- 0..1 Coding Details how this designation would be used --></use>
     <value value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 The text value for this designation -->
    </designation>
   </concept>
   <filter>  <!-- ?? 0..* Select codes/concepts by their properties (including relationships) -->
    <property value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 A property defined by the code system -->
    <op value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 = | is-a | descendent-of | is-not-a | regex | in | not-in | generalizes | exists -->
    <value value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 Code from the system, or regex criteria -->
   </filter>
   <valueSet value="[uri]"/><!-- ?? 0..* Select only contents included in this value set -->
  </include>
  <exclude><!-- ?? 0..* Content as for ValueSet.compose.include Explicitly exclude codes from a code system or other value sets --></exclude>
 </compose>
 <expansion>  <!-- ?? 0..1 Used when the value set is "expanded" -->
  <identifier value="[uri]"/><!-- 1..1 Uniquely identifies this expansion -->
  <timestamp value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 1..1 Time ValueSet expansion happened -->
  <total value="[integer]"/><!-- 0..1 Total number of codes in the expansion -->
  <offset value="[integer]"/><!-- 0..1 Offset at which this resource starts -->
  <parameter>  <!-- 0..* Parameter that controlled the expansion process -->
   <name value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Name as assigned by the server -->
   <value[x]><!-- 0..1 string|boolean|integer|decimal|uri|code Value of the named parameter --></value[x]>
  </parameter>
  <contains>  <!-- 0..* Codes in the value set -->
   <system value="[uri]"/><!-- 0..1 System value for the code -->
   <abstract value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If user cannot select this entry -->
   <inactive value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 If concept is inactive in the code system -->
   <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Version in which this code/display is defined -->
   <code value="[code]"/><!-- ?? 0..1 Code - if blank, this is not a selectable code -->
   <display value="[string]"/><!-- ?? 0..1 User display for the concept -->
   <designation><!-- 0..* Content as for ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation Additional representations for this item --></designation>
   <contains><!-- 0..* Content as for ValueSet.expansion.contains Codes contained under this entry --></contains>
  </contains>
 </expansion>
</ValueSet>

JSON Template 

{doco
  "resourceType" : "ValueSet",
  // from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language
  // from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension
  "url" : "<uri>", // Logical uri to reference this value set (globally unique)
  "identifier" : [{ Identifier }], // Additional identifier for the value set
  "version" : "<string>", // Business version of the value set
  "name" : "<string>", // Name for this value set (Computer friendly)
  "title" : "<string>", // Name for this value set (Human friendly)
  "status" : "<code>", // R!  draft | active | retired
  "experimental" : <boolean>, // If for testing purposes, not real usage
  "publisher" : "<string>", // Name of the publisher (Organization or individual)
  "contact" : [{ ContactDetail }], // Contact details for the publisher
  "date" : "<dateTime>", // Date this was last changed
  "description" : "<markdown>", // Natural language description of the value set
  "useContext" : [{ UsageContext }], // Content intends to support these contexts
  "jurisdiction" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Intended jurisdiction for value set (if applicable)
  "immutable" : <boolean>, // Indicates whether or not any change to the content logical definition may occur
  "purpose" : "<markdown>", // Why this value set is defined
  "copyright" : "<markdown>", // Use and/or publishing restrictions
  "extensible" : <boolean>, // Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding
  "compose" : { // C? Definition of the content of the value set (CLD)
    "lockedDate" : "<date>", // Fixed date for version-less references (transitive)
    "inactive" : <boolean>, // Whether inactive codes are in the value set
    "include" : [{ // R!  Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s)
      "system" : "<uri>", // C? The system the codes come from
      "version" : "<string>", // Specific version of the code system referred to
      "concept" : [{ // C? A concept defined in the system
        "code" : "<code>", // R!  Code or expression from system
        "display" : "<string>", // Text to display for this code for this value set
        "designation" : [{ // Additional representations for this concept
          "language" : "<code>", // Human language of the designation
          "use" : { Coding }, // Details how this designation would be used
          "value" : "<string>" // R!  The text value for this designation
        }]
      }],
      "filter" : [{ // C? Select codes/concepts by their properties (including relationships)
        "property" : "<code>", // R!  A property defined by the code system
        "op" : "<code>", // R!  = | is-a | descendent-of | is-not-a | regex | in | not-in | generalizes | exists
        "value" : "<code>" // R!  Code from the system, or regex criteria
      }],
      "valueSet" : ["<uri>"] // C? Select only contents included in this value set
    }],
    "exclude" : [{ Content as for ValueSet.compose.include }] // C? Explicitly exclude codes from a code system or other value sets
  },
  "expansion" : { // C? Used when the value set is "expanded"
    "identifier" : "<uri>", // R!  Uniquely identifies this expansion
    "timestamp" : "<dateTime>", // R!  Time ValueSet expansion happened
    "total" : <integer>, // Total number of codes in the expansion
    "offset" : <integer>, // Offset at which this resource starts
    "parameter" : [{ // Parameter that controlled the expansion process
      "name" : "<string>", // R!  Name as assigned by the server
      // value[x]: Value of the named parameter. One of these 6:
      "valueString" : "<string>"
      "valueBoolean" : <boolean>
      "valueInteger" : <integer>
      "valueDecimal" : <decimal>
      "valueUri" : "<uri>"
      "valueCode" : "<code>"
    }],
    "contains" : [{ // Codes in the value set
      "system" : "<uri>", // System value for the code
      "abstract" : <boolean>, // If user cannot select this entry
      "inactive" : <boolean>, // If concept is inactive in the code system
      "version" : "<string>", // Version in which this code/display is defined
      "code" : "<code>", // C? Code - if blank, this is not a selectable code
      "display" : "<string>", // C? User display for the concept
      "designation" : [{ Content as for ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation }], // Additional representations for this item
      "contains" : [{ Content as for ValueSet.expansion.contains }] // Codes contained under this entry
    }]
  }
}

Turtle Template 

@prefix fhir: <http://hl7.org/fhir/> .doco


[ a fhir:ValueSet;
  fhir:nodeRole fhir:treeRoot; # if this is the parser root

  # from Resource: .id, .meta, .implicitRules, and .language
  # from DomainResource: .text, .contained, .extension, and .modifierExtension
  fhir:ValueSet.url [ uri ]; # 0..1 Logical uri to reference this value set (globally unique)
  fhir:ValueSet.identifier [ Identifier ], ... ; # 0..* Additional identifier for the value set
  fhir:ValueSet.version [ string ]; # 0..1 Business version of the value set
  fhir:ValueSet.name [ string ]; # 0..1 Name for this value set (Computer friendly)
  fhir:ValueSet.title [ string ]; # 0..1 Name for this value set (Human friendly)
  fhir:ValueSet.status [ code ]; # 1..1 draft | active | retired
  fhir:ValueSet.experimental [ boolean ]; # 0..1 If for testing purposes, not real usage
  fhir:ValueSet.publisher [ string ]; # 0..1 Name of the publisher (Organization or individual)
  fhir:ValueSet.contact [ ContactDetail ], ... ; # 0..* Contact details for the publisher
  fhir:ValueSet.date [ dateTime ]; # 0..1 Date this was last changed
  fhir:ValueSet.description [ markdown ]; # 0..1 Natural language description of the value set
  fhir:ValueSet.useContext [ UsageContext ], ... ; # 0..* Content intends to support these contexts
  fhir:ValueSet.jurisdiction [ CodeableConcept ], ... ; # 0..* Intended jurisdiction for value set (if applicable)
  fhir:ValueSet.immutable [ boolean ]; # 0..1 Indicates whether or not any change to the content logical definition may occur
  fhir:ValueSet.purpose [ markdown ]; # 0..1 Why this value set is defined
  fhir:ValueSet.copyright [ markdown ]; # 0..1 Use and/or publishing restrictions
  fhir:ValueSet.extensible [ boolean ]; # 0..1 Whether this is intended to be used with an extensible binding
  fhir:ValueSet.compose [ # 0..1 Definition of the content of the value set (CLD)
    fhir:ValueSet.compose.lockedDate [ date ]; # 0..1 Fixed date for version-less references (transitive)
    fhir:ValueSet.compose.inactive [ boolean ]; # 0..1 Whether inactive codes are in the value set
    fhir:ValueSet.compose.include [ # 1..* Include one or more codes from a code system or other value set(s)
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.system [ uri ]; # 0..1 The system the codes come from
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.version [ string ]; # 0..1 Specific version of the code system referred to
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept [ # 0..* A concept defined in the system
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.code [ code ]; # 1..1 Code or expression from system
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.display [ string ]; # 0..1 Text to display for this code for this value set
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation [ # 0..* Additional representations for this concept
          fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.language [ code ]; # 0..1 Human language of the designation
          fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.use [ Coding ]; # 0..1 Details how this designation would be used
          fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.value [ string ]; # 1..1 The text value for this designation
        ], ...;
      ], ...;
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.filter [ # 0..* Select codes/concepts by their properties (including relationships)
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.filter.property [ code ]; # 1..1 A property defined by the code system
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.filter.op [ code ]; # 1..1 = | is-a | descendent-of | is-not-a | regex | in | not-in | generalizes | exists
        fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.filter.value [ code ]; # 1..1 Code from the system, or regex criteria
      ], ...;
      fhir:ValueSet.compose.include.valueSet [ uri ], ... ; # 0..* Select only contents included in this value set
    ], ...;
    fhir:ValueSet.compose.exclude [ See ValueSet.compose.include ], ... ; # 0..* Explicitly exclude codes from a code system or other value sets
  ];
  fhir:ValueSet.expansion [ # 0..1 Used when the value set is "expanded"
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.identifier [ uri ]; # 1..1 Uniquely identifies this expansion
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.timestamp [ dateTime ]; # 1..1 Time ValueSet expansion happened
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.total [ integer ]; # 0..1 Total number of codes in the expansion
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.offset [ integer ]; # 0..1 Offset at which this resource starts
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter [ # 0..* Parameter that controlled the expansion process
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.name [ string ]; # 1..1 Name as assigned by the server
      # ValueSet.expansion.parameter.value[x] : 0..1 Value of the named parameter. One of these 6
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueString [ string ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueBoolean [ boolean ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueInteger [ integer ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueDecimal [ decimal ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueUri [ uri ]
        fhir:ValueSet.expansion.parameter.valueCode [ code ]
    ], ...;
    fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains [ # 0..* Codes in the value set
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.system [ uri ]; # 0..1 System value for the code
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.abstract [ boolean ]; # 0..1 If user cannot select this entry
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.inactive [ boolean ]; # 0..1 If concept is inactive in the code system
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.version [ string ]; # 0..1 Version in which this code/display is defined
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.code [ code ]; # 0..1 Code - if blank, this is not a selectable code
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.display [ string ]; # 0..1 User display for the concept
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.designation [ See ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation ], ... ; # 0..* Additional representations for this item
      fhir:ValueSet.expansion.contains.contains [ See ValueSet.expansion.contains ], ... ; # 0..* Codes contained under this entry
    ], ...;
  ];
]

Changes since DSTU2

ValueSet
ValueSet.identifier Max Cardinality changed from 1 to *
ValueSet.title added Element
ValueSet.status Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/conformance-resource-status to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/publication-status
ValueSet.experimental Now marked as Modifier
ValueSet.contact Type changed from BackboneElement to ContactDetail
ValueSet.description Type changed from string to markdown
ValueSet.useContext Type changed from CodeableConcept to UsageContext
Remove Binding http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/use-context (extensible)
ValueSet.jurisdiction added Element
ValueSet.purpose added Element
ValueSet.copyright Type changed from string to markdown
ValueSet.compose.lockedDate added Element
ValueSet.compose.inactive added Element
ValueSet.compose.include Min Cardinality changed from 0 to 1
ValueSet.compose.include.system Min Cardinality changed from 1 to 0
ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.language added Element
ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.use added Element
ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.value added Element
ValueSet.compose.include.filter.op Now marked as Modifier
ValueSet.compose.include.valueSet added Element
ValueSet.expansion.contains.abstract Default Value "false" added
ValueSet.expansion.contains.inactive added Element
ValueSet.expansion.contains.designation added Element
ValueSet.contact.name deleted
ValueSet.contact.telecom deleted
ValueSet.lockedDate deleted
ValueSet.requirements deleted
ValueSet.codeSystem deleted
ValueSet.compose.import deleted

See the Full Difference for further information

 

Alternate definitions: Master Definition ( XML , JSON ), XML Schema / Schematron (for ) + JSON Schema , ShEx (for Turtle ), JSON-LD (for RDF as JSON-LD ),

4.7.4.1 Terminology Bindings

Path Definition Type Reference
ValueSet.status The lifecycle status of a Value Set or Concept Map. Required PublicationStatus
ValueSet.jurisdiction Countries and regions within which this artifact is targeted for use Extensible Jurisdiction ValueSet
ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.language A human language. Extensible , but limited to All Languages Common Languages
ValueSet.compose.include.concept.designation.use Details of how a designation would be used. Extensible Designation Use
ValueSet.compose.include.filter.op The kind of operation to perform as a part of a property based filter. Required FilterOperator

4.7.4.2 Constraints

  • vsd-1 : On ValueSet.compose.include: A value set include/exclude SHALL have a value set or a system ( expression on ValueSet.compose.include: valueSet.exists() or system.exists() )
  • vsd-10 : On ValueSet.expansion.contains: Must have a system if a code is present ( expression on ValueSet.expansion.contains: code.empty() or system.exists() )
  • vsd-2 : On ValueSet.compose.include: A value set with concepts or filters SHALL include a system ( expression on ValueSet.compose.include: (concept.exists() or filter.exists()) implies system.exists() )
  • vsd-3 : On ValueSet.compose.include: Cannot have both concept and filter ( expression on ValueSet.compose.include: concept.empty() or filter.empty() )
  • vsd-5 : Value set SHALL contain at least one of a a compose, or an expansion element ( expression : compose.exists() or expansion.exists() )
  • vsd-6 : On ValueSet.expansion.contains: SHALL have a code or a display ( expression on ValueSet.expansion.contains: code.exists() or display.exists() )
  • vsd-9 : On ValueSet.expansion.contains: Must have a code if not abstract ( expression on ValueSet.expansion.contains: code.exists() or abstract = true )

4.7.5 Composition Rules

A value set can be a simple list of included codes, or it can be some kind of general selection criteria using the facilities provided by the code system. For these value sets:

  • Multiple include statements are cumulative - e.g. the value set contains the union of all the includes
  • Within an include , all the criterion apply -e.g. the value set contains the intersection of the criterion
  • Within an include , a single system with selection criteria may be listed, and/or one or more value sets may be listed. Rules for interpretation:
    • System only : Codes are 'selected' for inclusion if they are selected by the code system selection (see next point)
    • valueSet only : Codes are 'selected' for inclusion if they are in all the referenced value sets
    • System and valueSet : Codes are 'selected' for inclusion if they are selected by the code system selection and if they are in all the referenced value sets
  • If a system is specified, the following rules apply:
    • no concept or filter : All codes in the system are included
    • concept : Only the enumerated codes are selected
    • filter : Any codes meeting the filter criteria are selected
  • If the system reference is not version specific and filters are present, then the contents of the value set are open and change over time as the underlying code systems are updated
  • Using the property filters is only possible where the code system in use defines the relevant properties. Note that in some cases the underlying code system defines the logical concepts but not the syntax for exercising them. In such cases, the literal definitions may be provided by a third party
  • In addition to include rules, codes may be excluded. Rules for interpretation of exclude statements match those for includes, but codes in the exlude statements are never in the value set
  • Value sets may include abstract codes - that is, codes designated by the underlying code system as not for use as a selectable concept in a particular context. These abstract codes are typically used as a grouping/searching mechanism, and can be included either by enumerating them, or by using a filter.

When a value set enumerates codes, it is sometimes useful to define an alternative display for the code that is to be used wherever the value set is expanded and used in a UI. This facility is provided to cover the following circumstances:

  • The system that defines the code or expression doesn't provide a display for this code (or any codes).
  • The system that defines the code or expression defines multiple choices for display.
  • The system provides a very long display name that is unnecessary or inappropriate in the context of this value set (e.g. a display name of "Glucose [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma --10 PM specimen" for LOINC code 48991-4, when the value set only includes Glucose mass/vol in serum/plasma codes). As the display names get longer, this becomes more important.

Note that care must be taken in order to avoid "changing the meaning" of the concept by implying that it means something other than the explicit definition of the concept in the underlying code system (e.g., in the case above, using a display of "Glucose Concentration at 10pm"). For this reason, some contexts of use do not allow a display to be associated with a specific code in a value set.

Any display name for a concept provided in the value set is only used in the UI. The display in a Coding must be taken from the underlying code system definition, even if a value set is referenced explicitly in the Coding (e.g. by an extension). The alternative display specified in the value set would go in CodeableConcept .text, perhaps appended to the UI label for the matching data element.

4.7.6 Value Sets with multiple code systems

Value sets may select codes from multiple code systems - either by including codes from different systems, or importing other value sets that include them. A typical use for crossing code systems is when including a set of codes, and adding a few additional codes to cover cases not catered to by the included codes (e.g. Data missing or workflow error codes).

Best Practice Note: Mixing definitional systems offers the potential for confusing, overlapping, and inconsistent definitions. Creating value sets that cross code systems should be done with care to avoid creating definitional confusion.

4.7.6.1 Code systems Note

Each Code System defines which filters can be used in ValueSet.compose.include.filter . All code systems have base filters and any additional filters defined in in ( CodeSystem.filter) .

This specification also defines filters for various published code systems:

4.7.7 Value Set Expansion

A value set can be "expanded", where the definition of the value set is used to create a simple collection of codes suitable for use for data entry or validation. There is a defined operation $expand to ask a server to perform this expansion. Expansions are most useful when a value set includes all the codes in a code system, or a set of codes by filter.

A resource that represents a value set expansion includes the same identification details as the definition of the value set, and MAY include the definition of the value set ( .compose ). In addition, it has an .expansion element which contains the list of codes that constitute the value set expansion. If the expansion has nested contains elements, there is no implication about the logical relationship between them, and the structure cannot be used for logical inferencing. The structure exists to provide navigational assistance for helping human users to locate codes in the expansion.

When a request for an expansion is received (e.g., for the $expand operation), the following process should be followed:

  • If the value set already has an expansion (e.g., a stored expansion), simply take the existing expansion as it is. If not, then:
  • For each compose.include :
    1. If there is a system, identify the correct version of the code system, and then:
      • If there are no codes or filters, add every code in the code system to the result set.
      • If codes are listed, check that they are valid, and check their active status, and if ok, add them to the result set (the profile parameter to the $expand operation may be used to control whether active codes are included).
      • If any filters are present, process them in order (as explained above), and add the intersection of their results to the result set.
    2. For each valueSet , find the referenced value set by ValueSet.url, expand that (e.g., using the $expand operation: GET [base]/ValueSet/$expand$url=[compose.include.valueSet]), and add it to the result set. This means that expansion across imports is a recursive process.
    3. Add the intersection of the result set from the system and the result sets from the value sets to the expansion
  • For each compose.exclude , follow the same process as for compose.include , but remove any codes from the result set, instead of adding them.

The final "result set" is then represented in expansion . Note that the expansion structure is inherently ordered, and also provides support for a hierarchical tree of items. This specification does not fix the meaning of use of either the order or the heirarchy, and the conceptual approach described should not be understood to prohibit any implementation approach in these regards. In addition, note that the method described above is a conceptual approach; individual servers may choose to follow alternative approaches that are more efficient, as long as the outcome is the same.

An expansion may include entries in the expansion that only serve an arbitrary grouping purpose, to make it easier for a human to use the list. These entries have no system or code, and must be marked as abstract. Note that the value set codeSystem and compose offer no support for defining these, but this does not exclude servers from using extensions or other knowledge to introduce such groups as an implementation feature.

The codes in the expansion should be treated as case sensitive - implementers should use the correct case. Implementers can consult the definition of the underlying code systems to determine whether the code system that defines the code is case sensitive or not.

Whether to store expanded value sets, or simply to store their definitions and expand on the fly is a matter for system deployment. Some servers, including public value sets servers, only store expansions. However any system that stores an expansion must be concerned with how to determine whether the expansion is still current, and this requires deep knowledge of how the expansion was created. A system with a dedicated terminology server that returns expansions on demand avoids this problem, but leaves open the question of how to audit the specific expansion that was used for a particular case. One solution to this is to use a dedicated terminology server, and have the clients ask for expansions on demand based on the value set definitions, and for the server to store (and reuse as appropriate) the returned expansion (when it reuses the expansion, ValueSet.expansion.identifier will be the same).

4.7.8 Search Parameters

Search parameters for this resource. The common parameters also apply. See Searching for more information about searching in REST, messaging, and services.

Name Type Description Paths In Common
date date The value set publication date ValueSet.date
description string Text search against the description of the value set ValueSet.description
expansion uri Uniquely identifies this expansion ValueSet.expansion.identifier
identifier token External identifiers for the value set ValueSet.identifier
jurisdiction token Intended jurisdiction for value set ValueSet.jurisdiction
name string Name of the value set ValueSet.name
publisher string Name of the publisher of the value set ValueSet.publisher
reference uri A code system included or excluded in the value set or an imported value set ValueSet.compose.include.system
status token The current status of the value set ValueSet.status
title string Text search against the title of the value set ValueSet.title
url uri The uri that identifies the value set ValueSet.url
version token The version identifier of the value set ValueSet.version