Clarifications:
- Through the C-CDA Patch Process, the HL7® Structured Documents Work Group (SDWG) approves C-CDA “patches”, which are corrections for issues with the C-CDA implementation guide (C-CDA IG) and companion guides. C-CDA “patches” include corrections for issues such as ambiguous requirements and requirements incompatible with real world deployment. Similar to C-CDA “patches” are C-CDA “additional guidance”. C-CDA “additional guidance” approved by the SDWG indicates guidance included in a newer version of the C-CDA IG or companion guide as being relevant to a previous version of the C-CDA IG or companion guide. A C-CDA “patch” may require a code change to correct errors or ambiguities in the guide, while “additional guidance” is purely clarifying and does not require any code changes. Though C-CDA “patches” and “additional guidance” are not required for certification purposes (unless indicated in the Certification Companion Guide), health IT developers may optionally implement C-CDA “additional guidance” in their Health IT Module and still be conformant with § 170.315(b)(7) criterion requirements.
- More information regarding the C-CDA Patch Process and C-CDA “patches” and “additional guidance” approved by the SDWG is available on the HL7® Confluence pages of C-CDA 'Patch' Process and Approved Patches and Additional Guidance.