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What
Does the Name HL7 Mean
"Level Seven" refers to the highest level of the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) communications model
for Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) - the application level.
The application level addresses definition of the data to be
exchanged, the timing of the interchange, and the communication of certain
errors to the application. The seventh level supports such functions as
security checks, participant identification, availability checks, exchange
mechanism negotiations and, most importantly, data exchange structuring.
Why HL7
There are several health care standards development efforts
currently underway throughout the world. Why then, embrace HL7? HL7 is
singular as it focuses on the interface requirements of the entire health
care organization, while most other efforts focus on the requirements of a
particular department. Moreover, on an ongoing basis, HL7 develops a set of
protocols on the fastest possible track that is both responsive and
responsible to its members. The group addresses the unique requirements of
already installed hospital and departmental systems, some of which use
mature technologies.
HL7 strives to identify and support the diverse requirements
of each of its membership constituencies: Users, Vendors, and Consultants.
Cognizant of their needs, requirements, priorities and interests, HL7 supports
all groups as they make important contributions to the quality of the
organization. The committee structure, balanced balloting procedures and
open membership policies ensure that all requirements are addressed
uniformly and equitably with quality and consistency.
Besides Singapore, the other international affiliates include,
Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany,
India, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, The Netherlands,
New Zealand, Southern
Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey
and the United Kingdom.
Reference source: www.HL7.org
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