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5.3 5.4 Resource StructureDefinition - Content

Responsible Owner: FHIR Infrastructure icon Work Group Maturity Level : N   Normative (from v4.0.0) Security Category : Anonymous Compartments : Not linked to any No defined compartments
This page has been approved as part of an ANSI standard. See the Conformance Package for further details.

A definition of a FHIR structure. This resource is used to describe the underlying resources, data types defined in FHIR, and also for describing extensions and constraints on resources and data types.

5.3.1 5.4.1 Scope and Usage

The StructureDefinition resource describes a structure - a set of data element definitions, and their associated rules of usage. These structure definitions are used to describe both the content defined in the FHIR specification itself - Resources, data types, the underlying infrastructural types, and also are used to describe how these structures are used in implementations. This allows the definitions of the structures to be shared and published through repositories of structure definitions, compared with each other, and used as the basis for code, report and UI generation.

Note that as part of the specification itself, a full set of structure definitions for all resources and data types is published.

5.3.2 5.4.2 Boundaries and Relationships

  • StructureDefinitions are used by CapabilityStatement instances for specifying how resources are used
  • StructureDefinitions use Value Sets to specify the content of coded elements

5.3.3 5.4.3 Background and Context

Implementers should be familiar with the background and concepts described in Profiling FHIR before working with this resource.

5.3.3.1 5.4.3.1 Metadata

The StructureDefinition resource has a set of metadata that is mostly shared with the Value Set , CapabilityStatement and other infrastructure resources. The metadata describes the structure and helps find the structure when registered in repositories.

url The identifier that is used to identify this structure when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance. This URL is where the structure can be accessed
identifier Other identifiers that are used to identify this structure
version

The identifier that is used to identify this version of the structure definition when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the structure definition author manually and the value should is not expected to be globally unique. There is no expectation that versions can be placed in a timestamp. lexicographical sequence, so authors are encouraged to populate the StructureDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x] element to enable comparisons. If there is no managed version available, authors can consider using ISO date/time syntax (e.g., "2023-01-01"). This is a business versionId, not a resource version id (see discussion ).

Note that there may be multiple resource versions of the structure that have this same identifier. The resource will have updates that create new versions for technical reasons, whereas the stated version number needs to be under the author's control control. The version can be appended to the url in a reference to allow a reference to a particular business version of the structure definition with the format [url]|[version].

name versionAlgorithm Indicates the mechanism used to compare versions to determine which is more current
name A Computer-ready name (e.g. a token) that identifies the structure - suitable for code generation. Note that this name (and other names relevant for code generation, including element & slice names, codes etc) etc.) may collide with reserved words in the relevant target language, and code generators will need to handle this
title A free text natural language name identifying the structure
status The status of the structure allows filtering of StructureDefinitions that are appropriate for use vs. not. See the Status Codes
experimental This structure was authored for testing purposes (or education/evaluation/marketing), and is not intended for genuine usage
date The date this version of the structure was published
publisher Details of the individual or organization who accepts responsibility for publishing the structure. This helps establish the "authority/credibility" of the structure.
contact Contact details to assist a user in finding and communicating with the publisher
description A free text natural language description of the structure and its use
purpose Why this structure was created - what the intent of it is
useContext & Jurisdiction Computable details about purpose and scope of use
keyword A set of terms from external terminologies that may be used to assist with indexing and searching of StructureDefinitionss copyright Use and/or publishing Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use
fhirVersion The version of the FHIR specification on which this structure is based. It is not necessary to specify the version, as most SructureDefinitions StructureDefinitions are valid across multiple versions, and the validity of a structure against a particular version of FHIR can easily be checked by tooling.
type The type the structure describes.
contextType & context For extensions, the types of contexts in which the extension can be used. For further details, see Defining Extensions

Notes:

  • The name and title of the structure are not required to be globally unique, but the name amd and title should have some scoping information (e.g. AcmeAllergies / Acme Inc. (USA), Allergy List)
  • Multiple keywords may be assigned to the structure. These may either describe the structure, the focus of the structure or both. They are solely to help find the structure by searching for structured concepts
  • The 3 status codes (draft, active, and retired) are the codes that are relevant to structure consumers. Authors may wish to use the authoring-status extension to track the life cycle of a structure as it is prepared
This resource is referenced by

5.4.4 References to this Resource

5.3.4 5.4.5 Resource Content

Structure

1..1 Intended jurisdiction for Use and/or publishing
Name Flags Card. Type Description & Constraints      Filter: Filters doco
. . StructureDefinition I N DomainResource Structural Definition
+ Warning: Name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation
+ Rule: Element paths must be unique unless the structure is a constraint
+ Rule: If the first element in a differential has no "." in the path and it's not a logical model, it has no type + Rule: If the structure is not abstract, then there SHALL be a baseDefinition
+ Rule: If the structure defines an extension then the structure must have context information
+ Rule: A structure must have either a differential, or a snapshot (or both)
+ Rule: In any snapshot or differential, no label, code or requirements on an element without a "." in the path (e.g. the first element) + Rule: If there's a type, its content must match the path name in the first element of a snapshot
+ Rule: All element definitions must have an id
+ Rule: The first element in a snapshot has no type unless model is a logical model.
+ Rule: If the first element in a differential has no "." in the path and it's not a logical model, it has no type
+ Rule: In any snapshot or differential, no requirements on an element without a "." in the path (e.g. the first element)
+ Rule: All element definitions must have unique ids (snapshot)
+ Rule: All element definitions must have unique ids (diff)
+ Rule: Context Invariants can only be used for extensions
+ Rule: FHIR Specification models only use FHIR defined types
+ Rule: Default values can only be specified on specializations
+ Rule: FHIR Specification models never have default values
+ Rule: No slice name on root
+ Rule: If there's a base definition, there must be a derivation
+ Warning: Elements in Resources must have a min cardinality or 0 or 1 and a max cardinality of 1 or *
+ Rule: ContentReferences can only be defined in specializations, not constrained types

Elements defined in Ancestors: id , meta , implicitRules , language , text , contained , extension , modifierExtension
Interfaces Implemented: CanonicalResource
. . . url Σ C 1..1 uri Canonical identifier for this structure definition, represented as a URI (globally unique)
+ Warning: URL should not contain | or # - these characters make processing canonical references problematic
. . . identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Additional identifier for the structure definition

. . . version Σ 0..1 string Business version of the structure definition
. . name . versionAlgorithm[x] Σ I 0..1 How to compare versions
Binding: Version Algorithm ( Extensible )
. . . . versionAlgorithmString string
. . . . versionAlgorithmCoding Coding
... name Σ C 1..1 string Name for this structure definition (computer friendly)
. . . title Σ T 0..1 string Name for this structure definition (human friendly)
. . . status ?! Σ 1..1 code draft | active | retired | unknown
Binding: PublicationStatus ( Required )
. . . experimental Σ 0..1 boolean For testing purposes, not only - never for real usage
. . . date Σ 0..1 dateTime Date last changed
. . . publisher Σ T 0..1 string Name of the publisher publisher/steward (organization or individual)
. . . contact Σ 0..* ContactDetail Contact details for the publisher

. . . description T 0..1 markdown Natural language description of the structure definition
. . . useContext Σ TU 0..* UsageContext The context that the content is intended to support

. . . jurisdiction Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the structure definition (if applicable)
Binding: Jurisdiction ValueSet icon ( Extensible )

. . . purpose T 0..1 markdown Why this structure definition is defined
. . . copyright T 0..1 markdown Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use
. . . copyrightLabel T 0..1 string Copyright holder and year(s)
. . . keyword Σ 0..* Coding Assist with indexing and finding
Binding: Structure Definition Use Codes / Keywords ( Extensible )

. . . fhirVersion Σ 0..1 code FHIR Version this StructureDefinition targets
Binding: FHIRVersion ( Required )
. . . mapping I C 0..* BackboneElement External specification that the content is mapped to
+ Rule: Must have at least a name or a uri (or both)

. . . . identity 1..1 id Internal id when this mapping is used
. . . . uri I C 0..1 uri Identifies what this mapping refers to
. . . . name I C 0..1 string Names what this mapping refers to
. . . . comment 0..1 string Versions, Issues, Scope limitations etc. etc
. . . kind Σ C 1..1 code primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical
StructureDefinitionKind Binding: Structure Definition Kind ( Required )
. . . abstract Σ C 1..1 boolean Whether the structure is abstract
. . . context Σ I C 0..* BackboneElement If an extension, where it can be used in instances

. . . . type Σ 1..1 code fhirpath | element | extension
ExtensionContextType Binding: Extension Context Type ( Required )
. . . . expression Σ 1..1 string Where the extension can be used in instances
. . . contextInvariant Σ I C 0..* string FHIRPath invariants - when the extension can be used

. . . type Σ I C 1..1 uri Type defined or constrained by this structure
FHIRDefinedType Binding: All FHIR Types ( Extensible )
. . . baseDefinition Σ I C 0..1 canonical ( StructureDefinition ) Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from
. . . derivation Σ C 0..1 code specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition
TypeDerivationRule Binding: Type Derivation Rule ( Required )
. . . snapshot I C 0..1 BackboneElement Snapshot view of the structure
+ Rule: Each element definition in a snapshot must have a formal definition and cardinalities cardinalities, unless model is a logical model
+ Rule: All snapshot elements must start with the StructureDefinition's specified type for non-logical models, or with the same type name for logical models
+ Rule: For CodeableReference elements, target profiles must be listed on the CodeableReference, not the CodeableReference.reference
+ Rule: For CodeableReference elements, bindings must be listed on the CodeableReference, not the CodeableReference.concept
+ Guideline: The root element of a profile should not have mustSupport = true
+ Rule: All snapshot elements must have a base definition
. . . . element I C 1..* ElementDefinition Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)
+ Rule: provide either a binding reference or a description (or both)
+ Rule: If there are no discriminators, there must be a definition

. . . differential I C 0..1 BackboneElement Differential view of the structure
+ Rule: No slicing on the root element
+ Rule: In any differential, all the elements must start with the StructureDefinition's specified type for non-logical models, or with the same type name for logical models
. . . . element C 1..* ElementDefinition Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)


doco Documentation for this format icon

See the Extensions for this resource

UML Diagram ( Legend )

StructureDefinition ( DomainResource ) + CanonicalResource An absolute URI that is used to identify this structure definition when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance; also called its canonical identifier. This SHOULD be globally unique and SHOULD be a literal address at which at which an authoritative instance of this structure definition is (or will be) published. This URL can be the target of a canonical reference. It SHALL remain the same when the structure definition is stored on different servers url : uri [1..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » A formal identifier that is used to identify this structure definition 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 structure definition when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the structure definition 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 can be placed in a lexicographical sequence sequence, so authors are encouraged to populate the StructureDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x] element to enable comparisons. If there is no managed version available, authors can consider using ISO date/time syntax (e.g., '2023-01-01') version : string [0..1] Indicates the mechanism used to compare versions to determine which is more current versionAlgorithm[x] : DataType [0..1] « string | Coding ; null (Strength=Extensible) VersionAlgorithm + » A natural language name identifying the structure definition. This name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation name : string [1..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » A short, descriptive, user-friendly title for the structure definition title : string [0..1] The status of this structure definition. Enables tracking the life-cycle of the content (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) status : code [1..1] « The lifecycle status of an artifact. null (Strength=Required) PublicationStatus ! » A Boolean value to indicate that this structure definition is authored for testing purposes (or education/evaluation/marketing) and is not intended to no version of this resource will ever be used intended for genuine usage experimental : boolean [0..1] The date (and optionally time) when the structure definition was published. last significantly changed. The date must change when the business version changes and it must change if the status code changes. In addition, it should change when the substantive content of the structure definition changes date : dateTime [0..1] The name of the organization or individual that published responsible for the release and ongoing maintenance of the structure definition publisher : string [0..1] Contact details to assist a user in finding and communicating with the publisher contact : ContactDetail [0..*] A free text natural language description of the structure definition from a consumer's perspective description : markdown [0..1] The content was developed with a focus and intent of supporting the contexts that are listed. These contexts may be general categories (gender, age, ...) or may be references to specific programs (insurance plans, studies, ...) and may be used to assist with indexing and searching for appropriate structure definition instances useContext : UsageContext [0..*] A legal or geographic region in which the structure definition authority that maintains the resource is intended to be used operating. In general, the jurisdiction is also found in the useContext. The useContext may reference additional jurisdictions because the defining jurisdiction does not necessarily limit the jurisdictions of use jurisdiction : CodeableConcept [0..*] « Countries and regions within which this artifact is targeted for use. null (Strength=Extensible) Jurisdiction ValueSet JurisdictionValueSet + » Explanation of why this structure definition is needed and why it has been designed as it has purpose : markdown [0..1] A copyright statement relating to the structure definition and/or its contents. Copyright statements are generally legal notices of intellectual property ownership and can include restrictions on the use and publishing of the structure definition definition. The short copyright declaration (e.g. (c) '2015+ xyz organization') should be sent in the copyrightLabel element without the copyright prefix (i.e., do not include '(c)' or the symbol) copyright : markdown [0..1] A short string (<50 characters), suitable for inclusion in a page footer that identifies the copyright holder, effective period, and optionally whether rights are restricted. (e.g. 'All rights reserved', 'Some rights reserved') copyrightLabel : string [0..1] (DEPRECATED) A set of key words or terms from external terminologies that may be used to assist with indexing and searching of templates nby describing the use of this structure definition, or the content it describes keyword : Coding [0..*] « Codes for the meaning of the defined structure (SNOMED CT and LOINC codes, as an example). null (Strength=Extensible) DefinitionUseCodes + » The version of the FHIR specification on which this StructureDefinition is based - this is the formal version of the specification, without the revision number, e.g. [publication].[major].[minor], which is 4.0.1. 4.6.0. for this version fhirVersion : code [0..1] « All published FHIR Versions. null (Strength=Required) FHIRVersion ! » Defines the kind of structure that this definition is describing kind : code [1..1] « Defines the type of structure that a definition is describing. null (Strength=Required) StructureDefinitionKind ! » « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » Whether structure this definition describes is abstract or not - that is, whether the structure is not intended to be instantiated. For Resources and Data types, abstract types will never be exchanged between systems abstract : boolean [1..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » A set of rules as FHIRPath Invariants about when the extension can be used (e.g. co-occurrence variants for the extension). All the rules must be true contextInvariant : string [0..*] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » The type this structure describes. If the derivation kind is 'specialization' then this is the master definition for a type, and there is always one of these (a data type, an extension, a resource, including abstract ones). Otherwise the structure definition is a constraint on the stated type (and in this case, the type cannot be an abstract type). References are URLs that are relative to http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition e.g. "string" is a reference to http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/string. Absolute URLs are only allowed in logical models models, where they are required type : uri [1..1] « Either a resource or a data type, including logical model types. null (Strength=Extensible) FHIRDefinedType FHIRTypes + » « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » An absolute URI that is the base structure from which this type is derived, either by specialization or constraint baseDefinition : canonical [0..1] « StructureDefinition » « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » How the type relates to the baseDefinition derivation : code [0..1] « How a type relates to its baseDefinition. null (Strength=Required) TypeDerivationRule ! » « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » Mapping An Internal id that is used to identify this mapping set when specific mappings are made identity : id [1..1] An absolute URI that identifies the specification that this mapping is expressed to uri : uri [0..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » A name for the specification that is being mapped to name : string [0..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » Comments about this mapping, including version notes, issues, scope limitations, and other important notes for usage comment : string [0..1] Context Defines how to interpret the expression that defines what the context of the extension is type : code [1..1] « How an extension context is interpreted. null (Strength=Required) ExtensionContextType ! » An expression that defines where an extension can be used in resources expression : string [1..1] Snapshot Captures constraints on each element within the resource element : ElementDefinition [1..*] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » Differential Captures constraints on each element within the resource element : ElementDefinition [1..*] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » An external specification that the content is mapped to mapping [0..*] Identifies the types of resource or data type elements to which the extension can be applied applied. For more guidance on using the 'context' element, see the [defining extensions page](defining-extensions.html#context) context [0..*] A snapshot view is expressed in a standalone form that can be used and interpreted without considering the base StructureDefinition snapshot [0..1] A differential view is expressed relative to the base StructureDefinition - a statement of differences that it applies differential [0..1]

XML Template 

<StructureDefinition xmlns="http://hl7.org/fhir"> doco
 <!-- from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language -->
 <!-- from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension -->
 <

 <url value="[uri]"/><!-- I 1..1 Canonical identifier for this structure definition, represented as a URI (globally unique) -->

 <identifier><!-- 0..* Identifier Additional identifier for the structure definition --></identifier>
 <
 <

 <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Business version of the structure definition -->
 <versionAlgorithm[x]><!-- 0..1 string|Coding How to compare versions --></versionAlgorithm[x]>
 <name value="[string]"/><!-- I 1..1 Name for this structure definition (computer friendly) -->

 <title value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name for this structure definition (human friendly) -->
 <status value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 draft | active | retired | unknown -->
 <
 <
 <

 <experimental value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 For testing only - never for real usage -->
 <date value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 0..1 Date last changed -->
 <publisher value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name of the publisher/steward (organization or individual) -->

 <contact><!-- 0..* ContactDetail Contact details for the publisher --></contact>
 <description value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Natural language description of the structure definition -->
 <useContext><!-- 0..* UsageContext The context that the content is intended to support --></useContext>
 <</jurisdiction>

 <jurisdiction><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the structure definition (if applicable) icon --></jurisdiction>

 <purpose value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Why this structure definition is defined -->
 <
 <</keyword>
 <

 <copyright value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use -->
 <copyrightLabel value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Copyright holder and year(s) -->
 <keyword><!-- 0..* Coding Assist with indexing and finding --></keyword>
 <fhirVersion value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 FHIR Version this StructureDefinition targets -->

 <mapping>  <!-- 0..* External specification that the content is mapped to -->
  <identity value="[id]"/><!-- 1..1 Internal id when this mapping is used -->
  <
  <
  <

  <uri value="[uri]"/><!-- I 0..1 Identifies what this mapping refers to -->
  <name value="[string]"/><!-- I 0..1 Names what this mapping refers to -->
  <comment value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Versions, Issues, Scope limitations etc -->

 </mapping>
 <
 <
 <

 <kind value="[code]"/><!-- I 1..1 primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical -->
 <abstract value="[boolean]"/><!-- I 1..1 Whether the structure is abstract -->
 <context>  <!-- I 0..* If an extension, where it can be used in instances -->

  <type value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 fhirpath | element | extension -->
  <expression value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Where the extension can be used in instances -->
 </context>
 <
 <
 <</baseDefinition>
 <
 <
  <</element>

 <contextInvariant value="[string]"/><!-- I 0..* FHIRPath invariants - when the extension can be used -->
 <type value="[uri]"/><!-- I 1..1 Type defined or constrained by this structure -->
 <baseDefinition><!-- I 0..1 canonical(StructureDefinition) Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from --></baseDefinition>
 <derivation value="[code]"/><!-- I 0..1 specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition -->
 <snapshot>  <!-- I 0..1 Snapshot view of the structure -->
  <element><!-- I 1..* ElementDefinition Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition) --></element>

 </snapshot>
 <
  <</element>

 <differential>  <!-- I 0..1 Differential view of the structure -->
  <element><!-- I 1..* ElementDefinition Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition) --></element>

 </differential>
</StructureDefinition>

JSON Template 

{doco
  "resourceType" : "StructureDefinition",
  // from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language
  // from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension
  "

  "url" : "<uri>", // I R!  Canonical identifier for this structure definition, represented as a URI (globally unique)

  "identifier" : [{ Identifier }], // Additional identifier for the structure definition
  "
  "

  "version" : "<string>", // Business version of the structure definition
  // versionAlgorithm[x]: How to compare versions. One of these 2:

  "versionAlgorithmString" : "<string>",
  "versionAlgorithmCoding" : { Coding },
  "name" : "<string>", // I R!  Name for this structure definition (computer friendly)

  "title" : "<string>", // Name for this structure definition (human friendly)
  "status" : "<code>", // R!  draft | active | retired | unknown
  "
  "
  "

  "experimental" : <boolean>, // For testing only - never for real usage
  "date" : "<dateTime>", // Date last changed
  "publisher" : "<string>", // Name of the publisher/steward (organization or individual)

  "contact" : [{ ContactDetail }], // Contact details for the publisher
  "description" : "<markdown>", // Natural language description of the structure definition
  "useContext" : [{ UsageContext }], // The context that the content is intended to support
  "

  "jurisdiction" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the structure definition (if applicable) icon

  "purpose" : "<markdown>", // Why this structure definition is defined
  "
  "
  "

  "copyright" : "<markdown>", // Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use
  "copyrightLabel" : "<string>", // Copyright holder and year(s)
  "keyword" : [{ Coding }], // Assist with indexing and finding
  "fhirVersion" : "<code>", // FHIR Version this StructureDefinition targets

  "mapping" : [{ // External specification that the content is mapped to
    "identity" : "<id>", // R!  Internal id when this mapping is used
    "
    "
    "

    "uri" : "<uri>", // I Identifies what this mapping refers to
    "name" : "<string>", // I Names what this mapping refers to
    "comment" : "<string>" // Versions, Issues, Scope limitations etc

  }],
  "
  "
  "

  "kind" : "<code>", // I R!  primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical
  "abstract" : <boolean>, // I R!  Whether the structure is abstract
  "context" : [{ // I If an extension, where it can be used in instances

    "type" : "<code>", // R!  fhirpath | element | extension
    "expression" : "<string>" // R!  Where the extension can be used in instances
  }],
  "
  "
  "
  "
  "
    "

  "contextInvariant" : ["<string>"], // I FHIRPath invariants - when the extension can be used
  "type" : "<uri>", // I R!  Type defined or constrained by this structure
  "baseDefinition" : "<canonical(StructureDefinition)>", // I Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from
  "derivation" : "<code>", // I specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition
  "snapshot" : { // I Snapshot view of the structure
    "element" : [{ ElementDefinition }] // I R!  Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)

  },
  "
    "

  "differential" : { // I Differential view of the structure
    "element" : [{ ElementDefinition }] // I R!  Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)

  }
}

Turtle Template 

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


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

  # from 
  # from 
  fhir:
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  ], ...;
  fhir:
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  ], ...;
  fhir:
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    fhir:
  ];
  fhir:
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  ];

  # from Resource: fhir:id, fhir:meta, fhir:implicitRules, and fhir:language
  # from DomainResource: fhir:text, fhir:contained, fhir:extension, and fhir:modifierExtension
  fhir:url [ uri ] ; # 1..1 I Canonical identifier for this structure definition, represented as a URI (globally unique)
  fhir:identifier  ( [ Identifier ] ... ) ; # 0..* Additional identifier for the structure definition
  fhir:version [ string ] ; # 0..1 Business version of the structure definition
  # versionAlgorithm[x] : 0..1 How to compare versions. One of these 2
    fhir:versionAlgorithm [  a fhir:String ; string ]
    fhir:versionAlgorithm [  a fhir:Coding ; Coding ]
  fhir:name [ string ] ; # 1..1 I Name for this structure definition (computer friendly)
  fhir:title [ string ] ; # 0..1 Name for this structure definition (human friendly)
  fhir:status [ code ] ; # 1..1 draft | active | retired | unknown
  fhir:experimental [ boolean ] ; # 0..1 For testing only - never for real usage
  fhir:date [ dateTime ] ; # 0..1 Date last changed
  fhir:publisher [ string ] ; # 0..1 Name of the publisher/steward (organization or individual)
  fhir:contact  ( [ ContactDetail ] ... ) ; # 0..* Contact details for the publisher
  fhir:description [ markdown ] ; # 0..1 Natural language description of the structure definition
  fhir:useContext  ( [ UsageContext ] ... ) ; # 0..* The context that the content is intended to support
  fhir:jurisdiction  ( [ CodeableConcept ] ... ) ; # 0..* Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the structure definition (if applicable)
  fhir:purpose [ markdown ] ; # 0..1 Why this structure definition is defined
  fhir:copyright [ markdown ] ; # 0..1 Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use
  fhir:copyrightLabel [ string ] ; # 0..1 Copyright holder and year(s)
  fhir:keyword  ( [ Coding ] ... ) ; # 0..* Assist with indexing and finding
  fhir:fhirVersion [ code ] ; # 0..1 FHIR Version this StructureDefinition targets
  fhir:mapping ( [ # 0..* External specification that the content is mapped to
    fhir:identity [ id ] ; # 1..1 Internal id when this mapping is used
    fhir:uri [ uri ] ; # 0..1 I Identifies what this mapping refers to
    fhir:name [ string ] ; # 0..1 I Names what this mapping refers to
    fhir:comment [ string ] ; # 0..1 Versions, Issues, Scope limitations etc
  ] ... ) ;
  fhir:kind [ code ] ; # 1..1 I primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical
  fhir:abstract [ boolean ] ; # 1..1 I Whether the structure is abstract
  fhir:context ( [ # 0..* I If an extension, where it can be used in instances
    fhir:type [ code ] ; # 1..1 fhirpath | element | extension
    fhir:expression [ string ] ; # 1..1 Where the extension can be used in instances
  ] ... ) ;
  fhir:contextInvariant  ( [ string ] ... ) ; # 0..* I FHIRPath invariants - when the extension can be used
  fhir:type [ uri ] ; # 1..1 I Type defined or constrained by this structure
  fhir:baseDefinition [ canonical(StructureDefinition) ] ; # 0..1 I Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from
  fhir:derivation [ code ] ; # 0..1 I specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition
  fhir:snapshot [ # 0..1 I Snapshot view of the structure
    fhir:element  ( [ ElementDefinition ] ... ) ; # 1..* I Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)
  ] ;
  fhir:differential [ # 0..1 I Differential view of the structure
    fhir:element  ( [ ElementDefinition ] ... ) ; # 1..* I Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)
  ] ;

]

Changes since R3 from R5 to R6

StructureDefinition
StructureDefinition.status StructureDefinition.jurisdiction
  • Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/publication-status http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/jurisdiction to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/publication-status|4.0.1 Jurisdiction ValueSet icon
StructureDefinition.experimental StructureDefinition.fhirVersion
  • No longer marked as Modifier Remove codes 0.0.80 , 0.0.81 , 0.0.82 , 0.4.0 , 0.5.0 , 1.0.0 , 1.0.1 , 1.0.2 , 1.1.0 , 1.4.0 , 1.6.0 , 1.8.0 , 3.0.0 , 3.0.1 , 3.0.2 , 3.3.0 , 3.5.0 , 4.0.0 , 4.0.1 , 4.1.0 , 4.2.0 , 4.3.0 , 4.3.0-cibuild , 4.3.0-snapshot1 , 4.4.0 , 4.5.0 , 4.6.0 , 5.0.0 , 5.0.0-cibuild , 5.0.0-snapshot1 , 5.0.0-snapshot2 , 5.0.0-ballot , 5.0.0-snapshot3 , 5.0.0-draft-final
  • Add code 6.0

Changes from R4B to R6

StructureDefinition
StructureDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x]
  • Added Element
StructureDefinition.keyword StructureDefinition.jurisdiction
  • Add Binding Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/definition-use http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/jurisdiction (extensible) to Jurisdiction ValueSet icon
StructureDefinition.copyrightLabel
  • Added Element
StructureDefinition.fhirVersion
  • Type changed from id to code Remove codes 0.0.80 , 0.0.81 , 0.0.82 , 0.4.0 , 0.5.0 , 1.0.0 , 1.0.1 , 1.0.2 , 1.1.0 , 1.4.0 , 1.6.0 , 1.8.0 , 3.0.0 , 3.0.1 , 3.0.2 , 3.3.0 , 3.5.0 , 4.0.0 , 4.0.1 , 4.1.0 , 4.3.0-cibuild , 4.3.0-snapshot1 , 4.3.0
  • Add Binding codes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/FHIR-version|4.0.1 0.0 , 0.4 , 0.5 , 1.0 , 1.1 , 1.4 , 1.6 , 1.8 , 3.0 , 3.3 , 3.5 , 4.0 , 4.1 , 4.2 , 4.3 , 4.4 , 4.5 , 4.6 , 5.0 , 6.0 (required)
StructureDefinition.kind StructureDefinition.type
  • Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/structure-definition-kind http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/defined-types to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/structure-definition-kind|4.0.1 All FHIR Types

Changes from R4 to R6

StructureDefinition.context StructureDefinition Type changed from string to BackboneElement
StructureDefinition.context.type StructureDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x]
  • Added Mandatory Element
StructureDefinition.context.expression StructureDefinition.jurisdiction
StructureDefinition.type StructureDefinition.copyrightLabel
  • Type changed from code to uri Added Element
StructureDefinition.baseDefinition StructureDefinition.fhirVersion
  • Type changed from uri to canonical(StructureDefinition) Remove codes 0.0.80 , 0.0.81 , 0.0.82 , 0.4.0 , 0.5.0 , 1.0.0 , 1.0.1 , 1.0.2 , 1.1.0 , 1.4.0 , 1.6.0 , 1.8.0 , 3.0.0 , 3.0.1 , 3.3.0 , 3.5.0 , 4.0.0
  • Add codes 0.0 , 0.4 , 0.5 , 1.0 , 1.1 , 1.4 , 1.6 , 1.8 , 3.0 , 3.3 , 3.5 , 4.0 , 4.1 , 4.2 , 4.3 , 4.4 , 4.5 , 4.6 , 5.0 , 6.0
StructureDefinition.derivation StructureDefinition.type
  • Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/type-derivation-rule http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/defined-types to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/type-derivation-rule|4.0.1 StructureDefinition.contextType deleted All FHIR Types

See the Full Difference for further information

This analysis is available for R4 as XML or JSON . See R3 <--> R4 Conversion Maps (status = 206 tests that all execute ok. 4 fail round-trip testing and 206 r3 resources are invalid (0 errors). ) for R4B as XML or JSON .

Structure

1..1 Intended jurisdiction for Use and/or publishing
Name Flags Card. Type Description & Constraints      Filter: Filters doco
. . StructureDefinition I N DomainResource Structural Definition
+ Warning: Name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation
+ Rule: Element paths must be unique unless the structure is a constraint
+ Rule: If the first element in a differential has no "." in the path and it's not a logical model, it has no type + Rule: If the structure is not abstract, then there SHALL be a baseDefinition
+ Rule: If the structure defines an extension then the structure must have context information
+ Rule: A structure must have either a differential, or a snapshot (or both)
+ Rule: In any snapshot or differential, no label, code or requirements on an element without a "." in the path (e.g. the first element) + Rule: If there's a type, its content must match the path name in the first element of a snapshot
+ Rule: All element definitions must have an id
+ Rule: The first element in a snapshot has no type unless model is a logical model.
+ Rule: If the first element in a differential has no "." in the path and it's not a logical model, it has no type
+ Rule: In any snapshot or differential, no requirements on an element without a "." in the path (e.g. the first element)
+ Rule: All element definitions must have unique ids (snapshot)
+ Rule: All element definitions must have unique ids (diff)
+ Rule: Context Invariants can only be used for extensions
+ Rule: FHIR Specification models only use FHIR defined types
+ Rule: Default values can only be specified on specializations
+ Rule: FHIR Specification models never have default values
+ Rule: No slice name on root
+ Rule: If there's a base definition, there must be a derivation
+ Warning: Elements in Resources must have a min cardinality or 0 or 1 and a max cardinality of 1 or *
+ Rule: ContentReferences can only be defined in specializations, not constrained types

Elements defined in Ancestors: id , meta , implicitRules , language , text , contained , extension , modifierExtension
Interfaces Implemented: CanonicalResource
. . . url Σ C 1..1 uri Canonical identifier for this structure definition, represented as a URI (globally unique)
+ Warning: URL should not contain | or # - these characters make processing canonical references problematic
. . . identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Additional identifier for the structure definition

. . . version Σ 0..1 string Business version of the structure definition
. . name . versionAlgorithm[x] Σ I 0..1 How to compare versions
Binding: Version Algorithm ( Extensible )
. . . . versionAlgorithmString string
. . . . versionAlgorithmCoding Coding
... name Σ C 1..1 string Name for this structure definition (computer friendly)
. . . title Σ T 0..1 string Name for this structure definition (human friendly)
. . . status ?! Σ 1..1 code draft | active | retired | unknown
Binding: PublicationStatus ( Required )
. . . experimental Σ 0..1 boolean For testing purposes, not only - never for real usage
. . . date Σ 0..1 dateTime Date last changed
. . . publisher Σ T 0..1 string Name of the publisher publisher/steward (organization or individual)
. . . contact Σ 0..* ContactDetail Contact details for the publisher

. . . description T 0..1 markdown Natural language description of the structure definition
. . . useContext Σ TU 0..* UsageContext The context that the content is intended to support

. . . jurisdiction Σ 0..* CodeableConcept Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the structure definition (if applicable)
Binding: Jurisdiction ValueSet icon ( Extensible )

. . . purpose T 0..1 markdown Why this structure definition is defined
. . . copyright T 0..1 markdown Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use
. . . copyrightLabel T 0..1 string Copyright holder and year(s)
. . . keyword Σ 0..* Coding Assist with indexing and finding
Binding: Structure Definition Use Codes / Keywords ( Extensible )

. . . fhirVersion Σ 0..1 code FHIR Version this StructureDefinition targets
Binding: FHIRVersion ( Required )
. . . mapping I C 0..* BackboneElement External specification that the content is mapped to
+ Rule: Must have at least a name or a uri (or both)

. . . . identity 1..1 id Internal id when this mapping is used
. . . . uri I C 0..1 uri Identifies what this mapping refers to
. . . . name I C 0..1 string Names what this mapping refers to
. . . . comment 0..1 string Versions, Issues, Scope limitations etc. etc
. . . kind Σ C 1..1 code primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical
StructureDefinitionKind Binding: Structure Definition Kind ( Required )
. . . abstract Σ C 1..1 boolean Whether the structure is abstract
. . . context Σ I C 0..* BackboneElement If an extension, where it can be used in instances

. . . . type Σ 1..1 code fhirpath | element | extension
ExtensionContextType Binding: Extension Context Type ( Required )
. . . . expression Σ 1..1 string Where the extension can be used in instances
. . . contextInvariant Σ I C 0..* string FHIRPath invariants - when the extension can be used

. . . type Σ I C 1..1 uri Type defined or constrained by this structure
FHIRDefinedType Binding: All FHIR Types ( Extensible )
. . . baseDefinition Σ I C 0..1 canonical ( StructureDefinition ) Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from
. . . derivation Σ C 0..1 code specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition
TypeDerivationRule Binding: Type Derivation Rule ( Required )
. . . snapshot I C 0..1 BackboneElement Snapshot view of the structure
+ Rule: Each element definition in a snapshot must have a formal definition and cardinalities cardinalities, unless model is a logical model
+ Rule: All snapshot elements must start with the StructureDefinition's specified type for non-logical models, or with the same type name for logical models
+ Rule: For CodeableReference elements, target profiles must be listed on the CodeableReference, not the CodeableReference.reference
+ Rule: For CodeableReference elements, bindings must be listed on the CodeableReference, not the CodeableReference.concept
+ Guideline: The root element of a profile should not have mustSupport = true
+ Rule: All snapshot elements must have a base definition
. . . . element I C 1..* ElementDefinition Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)
+ Rule: provide either a binding reference or a description (or both)
+ Rule: If there are no discriminators, there must be a definition

. . . differential I C 0..1 BackboneElement Differential view of the structure
+ Rule: No slicing on the root element
+ Rule: In any differential, all the elements must start with the StructureDefinition's specified type for non-logical models, or with the same type name for logical models
. . . . element C 1..* ElementDefinition Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)


doco Documentation for this format icon

See the Extensions for this resource

UML Diagram ( Legend )

StructureDefinition ( DomainResource ) + CanonicalResource An absolute URI that is used to identify this structure definition when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or an instance; also called its canonical identifier. This SHOULD be globally unique and SHOULD be a literal address at which at which an authoritative instance of this structure definition is (or will be) published. This URL can be the target of a canonical reference. It SHALL remain the same when the structure definition is stored on different servers url : uri [1..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » A formal identifier that is used to identify this structure definition 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 structure definition when it is referenced in a specification, model, design or instance. This is an arbitrary value managed by the structure definition 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 can be placed in a lexicographical sequence sequence, so authors are encouraged to populate the StructureDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x] element to enable comparisons. If there is no managed version available, authors can consider using ISO date/time syntax (e.g., '2023-01-01') version : string [0..1] Indicates the mechanism used to compare versions to determine which is more current versionAlgorithm[x] : DataType [0..1] « string | Coding ; null (Strength=Extensible) VersionAlgorithm + » A natural language name identifying the structure definition. This name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation name : string [1..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » A short, descriptive, user-friendly title for the structure definition title : string [0..1] The status of this structure definition. Enables tracking the life-cycle of the content (this element modifies the meaning of other elements) status : code [1..1] « The lifecycle status of an artifact. null (Strength=Required) PublicationStatus ! » A Boolean value to indicate that this structure definition is authored for testing purposes (or education/evaluation/marketing) and is not intended to no version of this resource will ever be used intended for genuine usage experimental : boolean [0..1] The date (and optionally time) when the structure definition was published. last significantly changed. The date must change when the business version changes and it must change if the status code changes. In addition, it should change when the substantive content of the structure definition changes date : dateTime [0..1] The name of the organization or individual that published responsible for the release and ongoing maintenance of the structure definition publisher : string [0..1] Contact details to assist a user in finding and communicating with the publisher contact : ContactDetail [0..*] A free text natural language description of the structure definition from a consumer's perspective description : markdown [0..1] The content was developed with a focus and intent of supporting the contexts that are listed. These contexts may be general categories (gender, age, ...) or may be references to specific programs (insurance plans, studies, ...) and may be used to assist with indexing and searching for appropriate structure definition instances useContext : UsageContext [0..*] A legal or geographic region in which the structure definition authority that maintains the resource is intended to be used operating. In general, the jurisdiction is also found in the useContext. The useContext may reference additional jurisdictions because the defining jurisdiction does not necessarily limit the jurisdictions of use jurisdiction : CodeableConcept [0..*] « Countries and regions within which this artifact is targeted for use. null (Strength=Extensible) Jurisdiction ValueSet JurisdictionValueSet + » Explanation of why this structure definition is needed and why it has been designed as it has purpose : markdown [0..1] A copyright statement relating to the structure definition and/or its contents. Copyright statements are generally legal notices of intellectual property ownership and can include restrictions on the use and publishing of the structure definition definition. The short copyright declaration (e.g. (c) '2015+ xyz organization') should be sent in the copyrightLabel element without the copyright prefix (i.e., do not include '(c)' or the symbol) copyright : markdown [0..1] A short string (<50 characters), suitable for inclusion in a page footer that identifies the copyright holder, effective period, and optionally whether rights are restricted. (e.g. 'All rights reserved', 'Some rights reserved') copyrightLabel : string [0..1] (DEPRECATED) A set of key words or terms from external terminologies that may be used to assist with indexing and searching of templates nby describing the use of this structure definition, or the content it describes keyword : Coding [0..*] « Codes for the meaning of the defined structure (SNOMED CT and LOINC codes, as an example). null (Strength=Extensible) DefinitionUseCodes + » The version of the FHIR specification on which this StructureDefinition is based - this is the formal version of the specification, without the revision number, e.g. [publication].[major].[minor], which is 4.0.1. 4.6.0. for this version fhirVersion : code [0..1] « All published FHIR Versions. null (Strength=Required) FHIRVersion ! » Defines the kind of structure that this definition is describing kind : code [1..1] « Defines the type of structure that a definition is describing. null (Strength=Required) StructureDefinitionKind ! » « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » Whether structure this definition describes is abstract or not - that is, whether the structure is not intended to be instantiated. For Resources and Data types, abstract types will never be exchanged between systems abstract : boolean [1..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » A set of rules as FHIRPath Invariants about when the extension can be used (e.g. co-occurrence variants for the extension). All the rules must be true contextInvariant : string [0..*] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » The type this structure describes. If the derivation kind is 'specialization' then this is the master definition for a type, and there is always one of these (a data type, an extension, a resource, including abstract ones). Otherwise the structure definition is a constraint on the stated type (and in this case, the type cannot be an abstract type). References are URLs that are relative to http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition e.g. "string" is a reference to http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/string. Absolute URLs are only allowed in logical models models, where they are required type : uri [1..1] « Either a resource or a data type, including logical model types. null (Strength=Extensible) FHIRDefinedType FHIRTypes + » « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » An absolute URI that is the base structure from which this type is derived, either by specialization or constraint baseDefinition : canonical [0..1] « StructureDefinition » « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » How the type relates to the baseDefinition derivation : code [0..1] « How a type relates to its baseDefinition. null (Strength=Required) TypeDerivationRule ! » « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » Mapping An Internal id that is used to identify this mapping set when specific mappings are made identity : id [1..1] An absolute URI that identifies the specification that this mapping is expressed to uri : uri [0..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » A name for the specification that is being mapped to name : string [0..1] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » Comments about this mapping, including version notes, issues, scope limitations, and other important notes for usage comment : string [0..1] Context Defines how to interpret the expression that defines what the context of the extension is type : code [1..1] « How an extension context is interpreted. null (Strength=Required) ExtensionContextType ! » An expression that defines where an extension can be used in resources expression : string [1..1] Snapshot Captures constraints on each element within the resource element : ElementDefinition [1..*] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » Differential Captures constraints on each element within the resource element : ElementDefinition [1..*] « This element has or is affected by some invariants C » An external specification that the content is mapped to mapping [0..*] Identifies the types of resource or data type elements to which the extension can be applied applied. For more guidance on using the 'context' element, see the [defining extensions page](defining-extensions.html#context) context [0..*] A snapshot view is expressed in a standalone form that can be used and interpreted without considering the base StructureDefinition snapshot [0..1] A differential view is expressed relative to the base StructureDefinition - a statement of differences that it applies differential [0..1]

XML Template 

<StructureDefinition xmlns="http://hl7.org/fhir"> doco
 <!-- from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language -->
 <!-- from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension -->
 <

 <url value="[uri]"/><!-- I 1..1 Canonical identifier for this structure definition, represented as a URI (globally unique) -->

 <identifier><!-- 0..* Identifier Additional identifier for the structure definition --></identifier>
 <
 <

 <version value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Business version of the structure definition -->
 <versionAlgorithm[x]><!-- 0..1 string|Coding How to compare versions --></versionAlgorithm[x]>
 <name value="[string]"/><!-- I 1..1 Name for this structure definition (computer friendly) -->

 <title value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name for this structure definition (human friendly) -->
 <status value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 draft | active | retired | unknown -->
 <
 <
 <

 <experimental value="[boolean]"/><!-- 0..1 For testing only - never for real usage -->
 <date value="[dateTime]"/><!-- 0..1 Date last changed -->
 <publisher value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Name of the publisher/steward (organization or individual) -->

 <contact><!-- 0..* ContactDetail Contact details for the publisher --></contact>
 <description value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Natural language description of the structure definition -->
 <useContext><!-- 0..* UsageContext The context that the content is intended to support --></useContext>
 <</jurisdiction>

 <jurisdiction><!-- 0..* CodeableConcept Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the structure definition (if applicable) icon --></jurisdiction>

 <purpose value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Why this structure definition is defined -->
 <
 <</keyword>
 <

 <copyright value="[markdown]"/><!-- 0..1 Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use -->
 <copyrightLabel value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Copyright holder and year(s) -->
 <keyword><!-- 0..* Coding Assist with indexing and finding --></keyword>
 <fhirVersion value="[code]"/><!-- 0..1 FHIR Version this StructureDefinition targets -->

 <mapping>  <!-- 0..* External specification that the content is mapped to -->
  <identity value="[id]"/><!-- 1..1 Internal id when this mapping is used -->
  <
  <
  <

  <uri value="[uri]"/><!-- I 0..1 Identifies what this mapping refers to -->
  <name value="[string]"/><!-- I 0..1 Names what this mapping refers to -->
  <comment value="[string]"/><!-- 0..1 Versions, Issues, Scope limitations etc -->

 </mapping>
 <
 <
 <

 <kind value="[code]"/><!-- I 1..1 primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical -->
 <abstract value="[boolean]"/><!-- I 1..1 Whether the structure is abstract -->
 <context>  <!-- I 0..* If an extension, where it can be used in instances -->

  <type value="[code]"/><!-- 1..1 fhirpath | element | extension -->
  <expression value="[string]"/><!-- 1..1 Where the extension can be used in instances -->
 </context>
 <
 <
 <</baseDefinition>
 <
 <
  <</element>

 <contextInvariant value="[string]"/><!-- I 0..* FHIRPath invariants - when the extension can be used -->
 <type value="[uri]"/><!-- I 1..1 Type defined or constrained by this structure -->
 <baseDefinition><!-- I 0..1 canonical(StructureDefinition) Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from --></baseDefinition>
 <derivation value="[code]"/><!-- I 0..1 specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition -->
 <snapshot>  <!-- I 0..1 Snapshot view of the structure -->
  <element><!-- I 1..* ElementDefinition Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition) --></element>

 </snapshot>
 <
  <</element>

 <differential>  <!-- I 0..1 Differential view of the structure -->
  <element><!-- I 1..* ElementDefinition Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition) --></element>

 </differential>
</StructureDefinition>

JSON Template 

{doco
  "resourceType" : "StructureDefinition",
  // from Resource: id, meta, implicitRules, and language
  // from DomainResource: text, contained, extension, and modifierExtension
  "

  "url" : "<uri>", // I R!  Canonical identifier for this structure definition, represented as a URI (globally unique)

  "identifier" : [{ Identifier }], // Additional identifier for the structure definition
  "
  "

  "version" : "<string>", // Business version of the structure definition
  // versionAlgorithm[x]: How to compare versions. One of these 2:

  "versionAlgorithmString" : "<string>",
  "versionAlgorithmCoding" : { Coding },
  "name" : "<string>", // I R!  Name for this structure definition (computer friendly)

  "title" : "<string>", // Name for this structure definition (human friendly)
  "status" : "<code>", // R!  draft | active | retired | unknown
  "
  "
  "

  "experimental" : <boolean>, // For testing only - never for real usage
  "date" : "<dateTime>", // Date last changed
  "publisher" : "<string>", // Name of the publisher/steward (organization or individual)

  "contact" : [{ ContactDetail }], // Contact details for the publisher
  "description" : "<markdown>", // Natural language description of the structure definition
  "useContext" : [{ UsageContext }], // The context that the content is intended to support
  "

  "jurisdiction" : [{ CodeableConcept }], // Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the structure definition (if applicable) icon

  "purpose" : "<markdown>", // Why this structure definition is defined
  "
  "
  "

  "copyright" : "<markdown>", // Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use
  "copyrightLabel" : "<string>", // Copyright holder and year(s)
  "keyword" : [{ Coding }], // Assist with indexing and finding
  "fhirVersion" : "<code>", // FHIR Version this StructureDefinition targets

  "mapping" : [{ // External specification that the content is mapped to
    "identity" : "<id>", // R!  Internal id when this mapping is used
    "
    "
    "

    "uri" : "<uri>", // I Identifies what this mapping refers to
    "name" : "<string>", // I Names what this mapping refers to
    "comment" : "<string>" // Versions, Issues, Scope limitations etc

  }],
  "
  "
  "

  "kind" : "<code>", // I R!  primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical
  "abstract" : <boolean>, // I R!  Whether the structure is abstract
  "context" : [{ // I If an extension, where it can be used in instances

    "type" : "<code>", // R!  fhirpath | element | extension
    "expression" : "<string>" // R!  Where the extension can be used in instances
  }],
  "
  "
  "
  "
  "
    "

  "contextInvariant" : ["<string>"], // I FHIRPath invariants - when the extension can be used
  "type" : "<uri>", // I R!  Type defined or constrained by this structure
  "baseDefinition" : "<canonical(StructureDefinition)>", // I Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from
  "derivation" : "<code>", // I specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition
  "snapshot" : { // I Snapshot view of the structure
    "element" : [{ ElementDefinition }] // I R!  Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)

  },
  "
    "

  "differential" : { // I Differential view of the structure
    "element" : [{ ElementDefinition }] // I R!  Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)

  }
}

Turtle Template 

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


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

  # from 
  # from 
  fhir:
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  fhir:
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  fhir:
    fhir:
    fhir:
    fhir:
    fhir:
  ], ...;
  fhir:
  fhir:
  fhir:
    fhir:
    fhir:
  ], ...;
  fhir:
  fhir:
  fhir:
  fhir:
  fhir:
    fhir:
  ];
  fhir:
    fhir:
  ];

  # from Resource: fhir:id, fhir:meta, fhir:implicitRules, and fhir:language
  # from DomainResource: fhir:text, fhir:contained, fhir:extension, and fhir:modifierExtension
  fhir:url [ uri ] ; # 1..1 I Canonical identifier for this structure definition, represented as a URI (globally unique)
  fhir:identifier  ( [ Identifier ] ... ) ; # 0..* Additional identifier for the structure definition
  fhir:version [ string ] ; # 0..1 Business version of the structure definition
  # versionAlgorithm[x] : 0..1 How to compare versions. One of these 2
    fhir:versionAlgorithm [  a fhir:String ; string ]
    fhir:versionAlgorithm [  a fhir:Coding ; Coding ]
  fhir:name [ string ] ; # 1..1 I Name for this structure definition (computer friendly)
  fhir:title [ string ] ; # 0..1 Name for this structure definition (human friendly)
  fhir:status [ code ] ; # 1..1 draft | active | retired | unknown
  fhir:experimental [ boolean ] ; # 0..1 For testing only - never for real usage
  fhir:date [ dateTime ] ; # 0..1 Date last changed
  fhir:publisher [ string ] ; # 0..1 Name of the publisher/steward (organization or individual)
  fhir:contact  ( [ ContactDetail ] ... ) ; # 0..* Contact details for the publisher
  fhir:description [ markdown ] ; # 0..1 Natural language description of the structure definition
  fhir:useContext  ( [ UsageContext ] ... ) ; # 0..* The context that the content is intended to support
  fhir:jurisdiction  ( [ CodeableConcept ] ... ) ; # 0..* Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the structure definition (if applicable)
  fhir:purpose [ markdown ] ; # 0..1 Why this structure definition is defined
  fhir:copyright [ markdown ] ; # 0..1 Notice about intellectual property ownership, can include restrictions on use
  fhir:copyrightLabel [ string ] ; # 0..1 Copyright holder and year(s)
  fhir:keyword  ( [ Coding ] ... ) ; # 0..* Assist with indexing and finding
  fhir:fhirVersion [ code ] ; # 0..1 FHIR Version this StructureDefinition targets
  fhir:mapping ( [ # 0..* External specification that the content is mapped to
    fhir:identity [ id ] ; # 1..1 Internal id when this mapping is used
    fhir:uri [ uri ] ; # 0..1 I Identifies what this mapping refers to
    fhir:name [ string ] ; # 0..1 I Names what this mapping refers to
    fhir:comment [ string ] ; # 0..1 Versions, Issues, Scope limitations etc
  ] ... ) ;
  fhir:kind [ code ] ; # 1..1 I primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical
  fhir:abstract [ boolean ] ; # 1..1 I Whether the structure is abstract
  fhir:context ( [ # 0..* I If an extension, where it can be used in instances
    fhir:type [ code ] ; # 1..1 fhirpath | element | extension
    fhir:expression [ string ] ; # 1..1 Where the extension can be used in instances
  ] ... ) ;
  fhir:contextInvariant  ( [ string ] ... ) ; # 0..* I FHIRPath invariants - when the extension can be used
  fhir:type [ uri ] ; # 1..1 I Type defined or constrained by this structure
  fhir:baseDefinition [ canonical(StructureDefinition) ] ; # 0..1 I Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from
  fhir:derivation [ code ] ; # 0..1 I specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition
  fhir:snapshot [ # 0..1 I Snapshot view of the structure
    fhir:element  ( [ ElementDefinition ] ... ) ; # 1..* I Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)
  ] ;
  fhir:differential [ # 0..1 I Differential view of the structure
    fhir:element  ( [ ElementDefinition ] ... ) ; # 1..* I Definition of elements in the resource (if no StructureDefinition)
  ] ;

]

Changes since Release 3 from R5 to R6

StructureDefinition
StructureDefinition.status StructureDefinition.jurisdiction
  • Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/publication-status http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/jurisdiction to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/publication-status|4.0.1 Jurisdiction ValueSet icon
StructureDefinition.experimental StructureDefinition.fhirVersion
  • No longer marked as Modifier Remove codes 0.0.80 , 0.0.81 , 0.0.82 , 0.4.0 , 0.5.0 , 1.0.0 , 1.0.1 , 1.0.2 , 1.1.0 , 1.4.0 , 1.6.0 , 1.8.0 , 3.0.0 , 3.0.1 , 3.0.2 , 3.3.0 , 3.5.0 , 4.0.0 , 4.0.1 , 4.1.0 , 4.2.0 , 4.3.0 , 4.3.0-cibuild , 4.3.0-snapshot1 , 4.4.0 , 4.5.0 , 4.6.0 , 5.0.0 , 5.0.0-cibuild , 5.0.0-snapshot1 , 5.0.0-snapshot2 , 5.0.0-ballot , 5.0.0-snapshot3 , 5.0.0-draft-final
  • Add code 6.0

Changes from R4B to R6

StructureDefinition
StructureDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x]
  • Added Element
StructureDefinition.keyword StructureDefinition.jurisdiction
  • Add Binding Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/definition-use http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/jurisdiction (extensible) to Jurisdiction ValueSet icon
StructureDefinition.copyrightLabel
  • Added Element
StructureDefinition.fhirVersion
  • Type changed from id to code Remove codes 0.0.80 , 0.0.81 , 0.0.82 , 0.4.0 , 0.5.0 , 1.0.0 , 1.0.1 , 1.0.2 , 1.1.0 , 1.4.0 , 1.6.0 , 1.8.0 , 3.0.0 , 3.0.1 , 3.0.2 , 3.3.0 , 3.5.0 , 4.0.0 , 4.0.1 , 4.1.0 , 4.3.0-cibuild , 4.3.0-snapshot1 , 4.3.0
  • Add Binding codes http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/FHIR-version|4.0.1 0.0 , 0.4 , 0.5 , 1.0 , 1.1 , 1.4 , 1.6 , 1.8 , 3.0 , 3.3 , 3.5 , 4.0 , 4.1 , 4.2 , 4.3 , 4.4 , 4.5 , 4.6 , 5.0 , 6.0 (required)
StructureDefinition.kind StructureDefinition.type
  • Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/structure-definition-kind http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/defined-types to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/structure-definition-kind|4.0.1 All FHIR Types

Changes from R4 to R6

StructureDefinition.context StructureDefinition Type changed from string to BackboneElement
StructureDefinition.context.type StructureDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x]
  • Added Mandatory Element
StructureDefinition.context.expression StructureDefinition.jurisdiction
StructureDefinition.type StructureDefinition.copyrightLabel
  • Type changed from code to uri Added Element
StructureDefinition.baseDefinition StructureDefinition.fhirVersion
  • Type changed from uri to canonical(StructureDefinition) Remove codes 0.0.80 , 0.0.81 , 0.0.82 , 0.4.0 , 0.5.0 , 1.0.0 , 1.0.1 , 1.0.2 , 1.1.0 , 1.4.0 , 1.6.0 , 1.8.0 , 3.0.0 , 3.0.1 , 3.3.0 , 3.5.0 , 4.0.0
  • Add codes 0.0 , 0.4 , 0.5 , 1.0 , 1.1 , 1.4 , 1.6 , 1.8 , 3.0 , 3.3 , 3.5 , 4.0 , 4.1 , 4.2 , 4.3 , 4.4 , 4.5 , 4.6 , 5.0 , 6.0
StructureDefinition.derivation StructureDefinition.type
  • Change value set from http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/type-derivation-rule http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/defined-types to http://hl7.org/fhir/ValueSet/type-derivation-rule|4.0.1 StructureDefinition.contextType deleted All FHIR Types

See the Full Difference for further information

This analysis is available for R4 as XML or JSON . See R3 <--> R4 Conversion Maps (status = 206 tests that all execute ok. 4 fail round-trip testing and 206 r3 resources are invalid (0 errors). ) for R4B as XML or JSON .

 

See the Profiles & Extensions and the alternate Additional definitions: Master Definition XML + JSON , XML Schema / Schematron + JSON Schema , ShEx (for Turtle ) + see , the extensions spreadsheet version & the dependency analysis

5.3.4.1 5.4.5.1 Terminology Bindings

StructureDefinition.status
Path Definition ValueSet Type Reference Documentation
StructureDefinition.versionAlgorithm[x] The lifecycle status of an artifact. VersionAlgorithm Required Extensible

Indicates the mechanism used to compare versions to determine which is more current.

StructureDefinition.status PublicationStatus Required

The lifecycle status of an artifact.

StructureDefinition.jurisdiction Countries and regions within which this artifact is targeted for use. JurisdictionValueSet icon Extensible Jurisdiction ValueSet

This value set defines a base set of codes for country, country subdivision and region for indicating where a resource is intended to be used.

Note: The codes for countries and country subdivisions are taken from ISO 3166 icon while the codes for "supra-national" regions are from UN Standard country or area codes for statistical use (M49) icon.
StructureDefinition.keyword DefinitionUseCodes (a valid code from Structure Definition Use Codes for the meaning of the defined structure (SNOMED CT and LOINC codes, as an example). / Keywords icon ) Extensible DefinitionUseCodes

Structure Definition Use Codes / Keywords

StructureDefinition.fhirVersion All published FHIR Versions. FHIRVersion Required FHIRVersion

All published FHIR Versions.

StructureDefinition.kind StructureDefinitionKind Required

Defines the type of structure that a definition is describing. Required StructureDefinitionKind

StructureDefinition.context.type How an extension context is interpreted. ExtensionContextType Required ExtensionContextType

How an extension context is interpreted.

StructureDefinition.type Either a resource or a data type, including logical model types. FHIRTypes (a valid code from All FHIR Types ) Extensible FHIRDefinedType

All FHIR types

StructureDefinition.derivation How a type relates to its baseDefinition. TypeDerivationRule Required TypeDerivationRule

How a type relates to its baseDefinition.

5.3.4.2 5.4.5.2 Constraints

id UniqueKey Level Location Description Expression
sdf-0 img  cnl-0 Warning (base) Name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation name.matches('[A-Z]([A-Za-z0-9_]){0,254}') name.exists() implies name.matches('^[A-Z]([A-Za-z0-9_]){1,254}$')
sdf-1 img  sdf-1 Rule (base) Element paths must be unique unless the structure is a constraint derivation = 'constraint' or snapshot.element.select(path).isDistinct()
sdf-15a img  cnl-1 Warning StructureDefinition.url URL should not contain | or # - these characters make processing canonical references problematic exists() implies matches('^[^|# ]+$')
img  sdf-15a Rule (base) If the first element in a differential has no "." in the path and it's not a logical model, it has no type (kind!='logical' and differential.element.first().path.contains('.').not()) implies differential.element.first().type.empty()
sdf-2 img  sdf-2 Rule StructureDefinition.mapping Must have at least a name or a uri (or both) name.exists() or uri.exists()
sdf-3 img  sdf-3 Rule StructureDefinition.snapshot Each element definition in a snapshot must have a formal definition and cardinalities cardinalities, unless model is a logical model %resource.kind = 'logical' or element.all(definition.exists() and min.exists() and max.exists())
sdf-4 img  sdf-4 Rule (base) If the structure is not abstract, then there SHALL be a baseDefinition abstract = true or baseDefinition.exists()
sdf-5 img  sdf-5 Rule (base) If the structure defines an extension then the structure must have context information type != 'Extension' or baseDefinition != 'http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Extension' or derivation = 'specialization' or (context.exists())
sdf-6 img  sdf-6 Rule (base) A structure must have either a differential, or a snapshot (or both) snapshot.exists() or differential.exists()
sdf-8 img  sdf-8 Rule StructureDefinition.snapshot All snapshot elements must start with the StructureDefinition's specified type for non-logical models, or with the same type name for logical models (%resource.kind = 'logical' or element.first().path = %resource.type) and element.tail().all(path.startsWith(%resource.snapshot.element.first().path&'.'))
sdf-10 img  sdf-9 Rule (base) In any snapshot or differential, no requirements on an element without a "." in the path (e.g. the first element) children().element.where(path.contains('.').not()).requirements.empty()
img  sdf-10 Rule StructureDefinition.snapshot.element provide either a binding reference or a description (or both) binding.empty() or binding.valueSet.exists() or binding.description.exists()
sdf-11 img  sdf-11 Rule (base) If there's a type, its content must match the path name in the first element of a snapshot kind != 'logical' implies snapshot.empty() or snapshot.element.first().path = type
sdf-14 img  sdf-14 Rule (base) All element definitions must have an id snapshot.element.all(id.exists()) and differential.element.all(id.exists())
sdf-15 img  sdf-15 Rule (base) The first element in a snapshot has no type unless model is a logical model. kind!='logical' implies snapshot.element.first().type.empty()
sdf-16 img  sdf-16 Rule (base) All element definitions must have unique ids (snapshot) snapshot.element.all(id.exists()) and snapshot.element.id.trace('ids').isDistinct()
sdf-17 img  sdf-17 Rule (base) All element definitions must have unique ids (diff) differential.element.all(id.exists()) and differential.element.id.trace('ids').isDistinct()
sdf-18 img  sdf-18 Rule (base) Context Invariants can only be used for extensions contextInvariant.exists() implies type = 'Extension'
sdf-19 img  sdf-19 Rule (base) FHIR Specification models only use FHIR defined types url.startsWith('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition') implies (differential.element.type.code.all(matches('^[a-zA-Z0-9]+$') (differential | snapshot).element.type.code.all(matches('^[a-zA-Z0-9]+$') or matches('^http:\\/\\/hl7\\.org\\/fhirpath\\/System\\.[A-Z][A-Za-z]+$')) and snapshot.element.type.code.all(matches('^[a-zA-Z0-9\\.]+$') or matches('^http:\\/\\/hl7\\.org\\/fhirpath\\/System\\.[A-Z][A-Za-z]+$')))
sdf-20 img  sdf-20 Rule StructureDefinition.differential No slicing on the root element element.where(path.contains('.').not()).slicing.empty()
sdf-21 img  sdf-21 Rule (base) Default values can only be specified on specializations differential.element.defaultValue.exists() implies (derivation = 'specialization')
sdf-22 img  sdf-22 Rule (base) FHIR Specification models never have default values url.startsWith('http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition') implies (snapshot.element.defaultValue.empty() and differential.element.defaultValue.empty())
sdf-23 img  sdf-23 Rule (base) No slice name on root (snapshot | differential).element.all(path.contains('.').not() implies sliceName.empty())
sdf-8a img  sdf-24 Rule StructureDefinition.differential StructureDefinition.snapshot In any differential, all the elements For CodeableReference elements, target profiles must start with be listed on the StructureDefinition's specified type for non-logical models, or with CodeableReference, not the same type name for logical models CodeableReference.reference (%resource.kind = 'logical' or element.first().path.startsWith(%resource.type)) element.where(type.where(code='Reference').exists() and (element.tail().empty() or element.tail().all(path.startsWith(%resource.differential.element.first().path.replaceMatches('\\..*','')&'.'))) path.endsWith('.reference') and type.targetProfile.exists() and (path.substring(0,$this.path.length()-10) in %context.element.where(type.where(code='CodeableReference').exists()).path)).exists().not()
sdf-8b img  sdf-25 Rule StructureDefinition.snapshot All snapshot elements For CodeableReference elements, bindings must be listed on the CodeableReference, not the CodeableReference.concept element.where(type.where(code='CodeableConcept').exists() and path.endsWith('.concept') and binding.exists() and (path.substring(0,$this.path.length()-8) in %context.element.where(type.where(code='CodeableReference').exists()).path)).exists().not()
img  sdf-26 Guideline StructureDefinition.snapshot The root element of a profile should not have mustSupport = true $this.where(element[0].mustSupport='true').exists().not()
This is (only) a best practice guideline because:

It is bad practice to set the root element of a profile to 'mustSupport' as mustSupport should always be determined by the element referencing a type. The designer of a StructureDefinition cannot know all circumstances in which a type or profile might be used

img  sdf-27 Rule (base) If there's a base definition definition, there must be a derivation element.all(base.exists()) baseDefinition.exists() implies derivation.exists()
sdf-9 img  sdf-28 Rule StructureDefinition.snapshot.element If there are no discriminators, there must be a definition slicing.exists().not() or (slicing.discriminator.exists() or slicing.description.exists())
img  sdf-29 Warning (base) In any snapshot Elements in Resources must have a min cardinality or differential, no label, code 0 or requirements on an element without 1 and a "." max cardinality of 1 or * ((kind in 'resource' | 'complex-type') and (derivation = 'specialization')) implies differential.element.where((min != 0 and min != 1) or (max != '1' and max != '*')).empty()
img  sdf-30 Rule (base) ContentReferences can only be defined in specializations, not constrained types differential.element.where(contentReference.empty().not()).exists() implies derivation = 'specialization'
img  sdf-8a Rule StructureDefinition.differential In any differential, all the path (e.g. elements must start with the first element) StructureDefinition's specified type for non-logical models, or with the same type name for logical models children().element.where(path.contains('.').not()).label.empty() and children().element.where(path.contains('.').not()).code.empty() (%resource.kind = 'logical' or element.first().path.startsWith(%resource.type)) and children().element.where(path.contains('.').not()).requirements.empty() (element.tail().empty() or element.tail().all(path.startsWith(%resource.differential.element.first().path.replaceMatches('\\..*','')&'.')))
img  sdf-8b Rule StructureDefinition.snapshot All snapshot elements must have a base definition element.all(base.exists())

5.3.5 5.4.6 Interpretation Notes:

  • A structure is represented as a flat list of elements. The element.path provides the overall structure.
  • Differentials in constraints need only specify elements that they are making rules about. Other elements can be inferred as defined in the base resource
  • Elements specified in the differential (and all elements in the snapshot) must be ordered as such:
    • Elements from the baseDefinition appear before new elements in a StructureDefinition with derivation 'specialization'
    • Elements must be in the same order as the baseDefinition, and child elements appear in depth-first order.
    • Unsliced descendants of sliced elements appear before slices
  • element.short , element.formal , element.comments and element.mapping provide the specific definition for the field in a specific context.
  • element.type is used to specify which types may be used for this element. If there is more than one type, the element offers a choice of types and must have a name that terminates in "[x]". (Note: when substituting [x] with a specific data type, always capitalize the first letter. Choice types are always camel-case. Ex: "effectiveDateTime" is correct, "effectivedateTime" is NOT correct.) When profiling a resource and only one type is specified, the name of the element is changed to include the type instead of '[x]'.
  • When using XPath to define constraints about the relationship between the contents of the narrative and the contents of the data elements, the element against which the rule is expressed is the one against which the error or warning will be reported by a validator.
  • When expression constraints are placed on elements that offer a choice of types, the expression has to select the type to which it applies using the FHIRPath is as operator .
  • For XPath constraints, the prefix "f" should be used for "http://hl7.org/fhir", and "h" for "http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml". XPath constraints are written against the XML representation The condition element is used to assert that a constraint defined on another element affects the allowed cardinality of this element.

5.4.6.1 StructureDefinition Root Elements

The very first element in a snapshot (the one with an element id of just the type name) defines characteristics that apply to the type as a whole. Some of these characteristics affect the constraints that can hold on an element that references the type. For example, if the root element cardinality is 0..1 , then an element declared to be of that type cannot have a maximum cardinality greater than 1. (This is often used when defining extensions to indicate that multiple extension repetitions of that type are not allowed within a single element.)

In some cases, there can be redundancy between content defined on the root element and that defined on the StructureDefinition itself. For example, ElementDefinition has 'definition' while StructureDefinition has 'description'. These may have the same content put both places, though technically the 'definition' is text that describes what the type 'means', while 'description' is broader and may talk a bit about what the resource/data type/profile is for, in addition to its meaning.

5.3.5.1 5.4.6.2 Different Uses for StructureDefinition

The base structure definition is used in a number of different ways to support the FHIR specification. The various uses of the StructureDefinition are controlled by the elements kind , type , base , and url , using this basic pattern: 

{
  "url": the identity of this structure definition,
  "kind": (primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical),
  "type": the type being constrained (if it's a constraint)
  "abstract" : {true | false},

  "baseDefinition": the structure definition from which this is derived
}

This list shows a number of examples, with links to real examples for each:

  1. Base definition of a data type (example: Quantity - XML , JSON ): 
    {
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Quantity",
  "name": "Quantity",
  "kind": "complex-type",
  "abstract" : false,

  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element"
}
  2. A constrained data type (example: Money - XML , JSON ): 
    {
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Money",
  "name": "Money",
  "kind": "complex-type",
  "type": "Quantity",
  "abstract" : false,

  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Quantity"
}
  3. Base definition of a resource (example: Patient - XML , JSON ): 
    {
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Patient",
  "name": "Patient",
  "kind": "resource",
  "abstract" : false,

  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/DomainResource"
}
  4. Constraint on a resource (example: Clinical Document Profile for Composition - XML , JSON ): { "resourceType": "StructureDefinition", "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/clinicaldocument", "name": "Clinical Document Profile for Composition", "kind": "resource", "type": "Composition", "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Composition" } Base Extension (a standard data type) (example: Extension - XML , JSON ): 
    {
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Extension",
  "name": "Extension",
  "kind": "datatype",

  "kind": "complex-type",
  "abstract" : false,

  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Element"
}
  5. A defined Extension (example: Extension Data Absent Reason - XML , JSON ): 
    {
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/data-absent-reason",
  "name": "Data Absent Reason",
  "kind": "complex-type",
  "type": "Extension",
  "abstract" : false,

  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Extension"
}
  6. A constraint on a defined extension (no examples currently defined): 
    {
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://example.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/race",
  "name": "Race codes used by institution (a subset of meaningful use codes)",
  "kind": "complex-type",
  "type": "Extension",
  "abstract" : false,

  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/us-core-race"
}
  7. A base abstract Resource (see e.g. Resource ): 
    
{
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Resource",
  "name": "Resource",
  "kind": "resource",
  "type": "Resource",
  "abstract" : true,
  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/Base"
}
  8. An interface defined in the base specification (see e.g. CanonicalResource ): 
    
{
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/CanonicalResource",
  "name": "CanonicalResource",
  "kind": "resource",
  "type": "CanonicalResource",
  "abstract" : true,
  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/DomainResource"
}
  9. A logical model (see e.g. Definition ): 
    
{
  "resourceType": "StructureDefinition",
  "url": "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/Definition",
  "name": "Definition",
  "kind": "logical",
  "type": "Definition",
  "abstract" : false,
  "baseDefinition": "http://hl7.org/fhir/us/core/StructureDefinition/Base"
}

On this list, structure definitions of type 1, 3, and 5 and 8 - 9 can only be defined by the FHIR specification itself. The other kinds of structure definitions are (or may be) created by the specification but can also be defined by other implementers.

5.3.5.2 5.4.6.3 Rules for Constrained Types

When the structure is a constraint ( derivation = constraint ), see Extending and Restricting Resources for the rules that apply.

5.3.5.3 5.4.6.4 Common Mapping Targets

Structures are able to map elements to concepts in other definition systems. Generally, these are used to map the elements to local implementation models, data paths, and concepts. However they are also used to map to other standards and published terminologies. These are the standard URIs used for common targets of the mapping:

Formal URL: http://hl7.org/v3 Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/provenance
Name Details
Logical Mapping Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/logical

These mappings map logical models to their conceptual equivalents in FHIR. One example of their use is to map from the CDA and V2 coded data types to CodeableConcept and Coding so that the validator can validate them on a terminology server

ClinicalTrials.gov Mapping icon Formal URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov
Workflow Pattern icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/workflow
CDISC Define XML 2.0 metadata standard icon Formal URL: http://www.cdisc.org/define-xml
FiveWs Pattern Mapping icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/fivews
BRIDG 5.1 Mapping icon Formal URL: https://bridgmodel.nci.nih.gov
IDMP Mapping icon Formal URL: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:11615
Bluetooth Technology icon Formal URL: https://www.bluetooth.com
R3-ReferalRequest Mapping icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/rr
HL7 V2 Mapping icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/v2
The mappings provided in this tab are indicative of how HL7 v2 fields relate to NCPDP SCRIPT 10.6 HL7 FHIR attributes in this resource, but is not complete and without critical HL7 v2 context. The HL7 v2-FHIR Implementation guide, located here icon , provides additional guidance on transforming an HL7 v2 message to FHIR resources for FHIR R4 and FHIR R6.
RIM Mapping icon Formal URL: http://ncpdp.org/SCRIPT10_6 http://hl7.org/v3
FiveWs Pattern MDMI Referent Index Mapping icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/fivews http://github.com/MDMI/ReferentIndexContent
BRIDG 5.1 ISBT 128 Codes icon Formal URL: https://www.isbt128.org/uri/
Quality Improvement and Clinical Knowledge (QUICK) icon Formal URL: http://siframework.org/cqf
Canadian Pharmacy Association eclaims standard icon Formal URL: http://www.pharmacists.ca/
UDI Mapping icon Formal URL: https://bridgmodel.nci.nih.gov http://fda.gov/UDI

UDI is a unique numeric or alphanumeric code that consists of two parts: (1) a device identifier (DI), a mandatory, fixed portion of a UDI that identifies the labeler and the specific version or model of a device, and (2) a production identifier (PI), a conditional, variable portion of a UDI that identifies one or more of the following when included on the label of a device: (2a) the lot or batch number within which a device was manufactured; (2b) the serial number of a specific device; (2c) the expiration date of a specific device; (2d) the date a specific device was manufactured; (2e) the distinct identification code required by §1271.290(c) for a human cell, tissue, or cellular and tissue-based product (HCT/P) regulated as a device.

Quality Data Model icon Formal URL: http://www.healthit.gov/quality-data-model
IHE Data Element Exchange (DEX) icon Formal URL: http://ihe.net/data-element-exchange
SNOMED CT Attribute Binding icon Formal URL: http://snomed.org/attributebinding

Attribute bindings link coded data elements in FHIR resources to a corresponding attribute in the SNOMED CT concept model. These bindings help to support:

  • clarifying the intended meaning of the data element
  • Quality checking the alignment between FHIR resource design and any corresponding SNOMED CT concept model
  • Composition and decomposition of data instances by indicating the SNOMED CT concept model attribute whose value may be used to decompose a precoordinated concept into this data element
vCard Mapping icon Formal URL: http://w3.org/vcard
Open EHR Archetype Mapping icon Formal URL: http://openehr.org
ServD icon Formal URL: http://www.omg.org/spec/ServD/1.0/
FHIR Provenance Mapping icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/provenance
FHIR Consent Mapping icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/consent
Mapping to NCPDP SCRIPT 10.6 icon Formal URL: http://ncpdp.org/SCRIPT10_6
FHIR Composition icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/composition
IHE Structured Data Capture icon Formal URL: http://siframework.org/ihe-sdc-profile
IDMP Mapping (Substance) icon Formal URL: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:11238
Canadian Dental Association eclaims standard icon Formal URL: http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/services/cdanet/
XDS metadata equivalent icon Formal URL: https://profiles.ihe.net/ITI/TF/Volume3
SNOMED CT Concept Domain Binding icon Formal URL: http://snomed.info/conceptdomain

Concept domain bindings link a resource or an element to a set of SNOMED CT concepts that represent the intended semantics of the instances (whether or not SNOMED CT is used to encode that data element). This set of concepts is represented using a SNOMED CT expression constraint. Note that the 'Concept domain binding' may be a superset of the 'value set binding'. These bindings help to support:

  • Quality checking FHIR resources by ensuring that (a) the intended semantics of the instances matches the valid range of the corresponding SNOMED CT attribute, and (b) the intended value set is appropriate for the intended semantics of the instances
  • Semantic checking of data instances by helping to detect potential inconsistencies caused by overlap between the semantics incorporated in two concept domains
R3-ReferalRequest Mapping Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/rr HL7 v2 Mapping ISO/IEEE 11073-10207: Domain Information and Service Model for Service-Oriented Point-of-Care Medical Device Communication icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/v2 RIM Mapping urn:iso:std:iso:11073:10207
ISO 11179 icon Formal URL: http://metadata-standards.org/11179/

These mappings are included to indicate where properties of the data elements defined by the FHIR specification relate to similar fields in the ISO 11179 specification.

Mapping to Quality Improvement Domain Analysis Model ISO/IEEE 11073-10206: Personal health device communication--Abstract content information model icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/qidam urn:iso:std:iso:11073:10206
DICOM Tag Mapping to Quality Improvement Domain Analysis Model icon Formal URL: http://nema.org/dicom http://hl7.org/qidam
MDMI Referent Index Mapping Interface Pattern icon Formal URL: http://github.com/MDMI/ReferentIndexContent http://hl7.org/fhir/interface
V3 Pharmacy Dispense RMIM icon Formal URL: http://www.hl7.org/v3/PORX_RM020070UV
XDS metadata equivalent DICOM Tag Mapping icon Formal URL: http://ihe.net/xds http://nema.org/dicom
Equivalent CAP Code icon Formal URL: http://cap.org/ecc
CDA (R2) icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/v3/cda
Quality Improvement and Clinical Knowledge (QUICK) DICOM Tag Mapping icon Formal URL: http://siframework.org/cqf https://dicomstandard.org/current
FHIR DocumentReference icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/documentreference Canadian Pharmacy Associaiton eclaims standard Formal URL: http://www.pharmacists.ca/ UDI Mapping Formal URL: http://fda.gov/UDI UDI is a unique numeric or alphanumeric code that consists of two parts: (1) a device identifier (DI), a mandatory, fixed portion of a UDI that identifies the labeler and the specific version or model of a device, and (2) a production identifier (PI), a conditional, variable portion of a UDI that identifies one or more of the following when included on the label of a device: (2a) the lot or batch number within which a device was manufactured; (2b) the serial number of a specific device; (2c) the expiration date of a specific device; (2d) the date a specific device was manufactured; (2e) the distinct identification code required by §1271.290(c) for a human cell, tissue, or cellular and tissue-based product (HCT/P) regulated as a device.
Quality Data ISO/IEEE 11073-10201: Domain Information Model icon Formal URL: http://www.healthit.gov/quality-data-model urn:iso:std:iso:11073:10201
FHIR AuditEvent Mapping icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/auditevent IHE Data Element Exchange (DEX) Formal URL: http://ihe.net/data-element-exchange SNOMED CT Attribute Binding Formal URL: http://snomed.org/attributebinding Attribute bindings link coded data elements in FHIR resources to a corresponding attribute in the SNOMED CT concept model. These bindings help to support: clarifying the intended meaning of the data element Quality checking the alignment between FHIR resource design and any coresponding SNOMED CT concept model Composition and decomposition of data instances by indicating the SNOMED CT concept model attribute whose value may be used to decompose a precoordinated concept into this data element
W3C PROV icon Formal URL: http://www.w3.org/ns/prov

The provenance resource is based on known practices in the HL7 implementation space, particularly those found in the v2 EVN segment, the v3 ControlAct Wrapper, the CDA header, and IHE ATNA. The conceptual model underlying the design is the W3C provenance Specification icon . Though the content and format of the resource is designed to meet specific requirements for FHIR, all the parts of the resource are formally mapped to the PROV-O specification, and FHIR resources can be transformed to their W3C PROV equivalent.

Ontological RIM Mapping icon Formal URL: http://hl7.org/orim
LOINC code for the element icon Formal URL: http://loinc.org vCard Mapping Formal URL: http://w3.org/vcard Open EHR Archetype Mapping Formal URL: http://openehr.org ServD Formal URL: http://www.omg.org/spec/ServD/1.0/ FHIR Provenance Mapping
iCalendar icon Formal URL: http://ietf.org/rfc/2445

5.3.5.4 5.4.6.5 Logical Models

StructureDefinitions are used to define the basic structures of FHIR: data types, resources, extensions, and profiles. The same definition structure can also be used to define any arbitrary structures that are a directed acyclic graph with typed nodes, where the primitive types are those defined by the FHIR specification.

This technique has many uses:

  • Describing any arbitrary content model
  • Describing existing HL7 content models (e.g. v2, CDA) using FHIR
  • Describing common design patterns used in FHIR
  • Defining a content model to support the mapping language

5.4.6.6 Using StructureDefinitions to Define Additional Resource

Additional resources are defined by StructureDefinition resources, following these rules:

  • The canonical URL of the definition is in some other canonical space than http://hl7.org/fhir
  • The fhirVersion SHALL be 6.0.0 or a subsequent published version of FHIR
  • The kind SHALL be resource
  • abstract SHALL be false
  • The type SHALL match the canonical URL exactly
  • The baseDefinition SHALL be a direct reference to one of the abstract resources published by this specification ( Resource or DomainResource ). Resources MAY also use the implements icon extension to indicate adherence to the CanonicalResource or MetadataResource Interfaces
  • The derivation SHALL be specialization
  • The root of the element path SHALL be the tail of the canonical URL
  • The root of the element SHOULD be the name assigned by HL7 to the resource
  • The compartments for the resource are defined by using the (yet to be published) extension http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/additional-resource-compartment

Here is an example with other properties removed: 


{
  "resourceType" : "StructureDefinition",
  "url" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/uv/sql-on-fhir/StructureDefinition/ViewDefinition",
  "fhirVersion" : "6.0.0",
  "kind" : "resource",
  "abstract" : false,
  "type" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/uv/sql-on-fhir/StructureDefinition/ViewDefinition",
  "baseDefinition" : "http://hl7.org/fhir/StructureDefinition/CanonicalResource",
  "derivation" : "specialization",
  "differential" : {
    "element" : [{
      "path" : "ViewDefinition",
      // snip
    }]
  }
}

Once defined, additional resources are profiled like any other resource.

5.3.6 5.4.7 Search Parameters

Search parameters for this resource. See also the full list of search parameters for this resource , and check the Extensions registry for search parameters on extensions related to this resource. The common parameters also apply. See Searching for more information about searching in REST, messaging, and services.

Name Type Description Expression In Common
abstract TU token Whether the structure is abstract StructureDefinition.abstract
base TU reference Definition that this type is constrained/specialized from StructureDefinition.baseDefinition
( StructureDefinition )
base-path TU token Path that identifies the base element StructureDefinition.snapshot.element.base.path | StructureDefinition.differential.element.base.path
context TU token A use context assigned to the structure definition (StructureDefinition.useContext.value as CodeableConcept) (StructureDefinition.useContext.value.ofType(CodeableConcept)) 24 Resources
context-quantity TU quantity A quantity- or range-valued use context assigned to the structure definition (StructureDefinition.useContext.value as Quantity) (StructureDefinition.useContext.value.ofType(Quantity)) | (StructureDefinition.useContext.value as Range) (StructureDefinition.useContext.value.ofType(Range)) 24 Resources
context-type TU token A type of use context assigned to the structure definition StructureDefinition.useContext.code 24 Resources
context-type-quantity TU composite A use context type and quantity- or range-based value assigned to the structure definition On StructureDefinition.useContext:
  context-type: code
  context-quantity: value.as(Quantity) value.ofType(Quantity) | value.as(Range) value.ofType(Range) 		24 Resources
context-type-value TU composite A use context type and value assigned to the structure definition On StructureDefinition.useContext:
  context-type: code
  context: value.as(CodeableConcept) value.ofType(CodeableConcept) 		24 Resources
date TU date The structure definition publication date StructureDefinition.date 25 Resources
derivation TU token specialization | constraint - How relates to base definition StructureDefinition.derivation
description TU string The description of the structure definition StructureDefinition.description 23 Resources
experimental TU token For testing purposes, not real usage Whether the StructureDefinition is experimental StructureDefinition.experimental
ext-context TU composite An extension context assigned to the structure definition On StructureDefinition.context:
  ext-context-type: type
  ext-context-expression: expression
ext-context-expression token The system is the URL for An expression of extension context assigned to the context-type: e.g. http://hl7.org/fhir/extension-context-type#element|CodeableConcept.text structure definition StructureDefinition.context.expression
ext-context-type token A type of extension context assigned to the structure definition StructureDefinition.context.type
identifier TU token External identifier for the structure definition StructureDefinition.identifier 28 Resources
jurisdiction TU token Intended jurisdiction for Jurisdiction of the authority that maintains the the structure definition StructureDefinition.jurisdiction 21 Resources
keyword TU token A code for the StructureDefinition StructureDefinition.keyword
kind TU token primitive-type | complex-type | resource | logical StructureDefinition.kind
name TU string Computationally friendly name of the structure definition StructureDefinition.name 23 Resources
path TU token A path that is constrained in the StructureDefinition StructureDefinition.snapshot.element.path | StructureDefinition.differential.element.path
publisher TU string Name of the publisher of the structure definition StructureDefinition.publisher 25 Resources
status TU token The current status of the structure definition StructureDefinition.status 28 Resources
title TU string The human-friendly name of the structure definition StructureDefinition.title 23 Resources
type TU uri Type defined or constrained by this structure StructureDefinition.type
url TU uri The uri that identifies the structure definition StructureDefinition.url 29 Resources
valueset TU reference A vocabulary binding reference StructureDefinition.snapshot.element.binding.valueSet
( ValueSet )
version TU token The business version of the structure definition StructureDefinition.version 26 Resources