HEALTH LEVEL SEVEN INTERNATIONAL

HL7, the leading authority for global healthcare IT standards, provides standards for interoperability that improve care delivery, optimize workflow, reduce ambiguity and enhance knowledge transfer among all of our stakeholders, including healthcare providers, government agencies, the vendor community, fellow SDOs and patients. In all of our processes we exhibit timeliness, scientific rigor and technical expertise without compromising transparency, accountability, practicality, or our willingness to put the needs of our stakeholders first.

What is a Working Group Meeting?

HL7 Working Group Meetings are held three times per year at varying locations. These Working Group Meetings serve two important purposes:

1. They give the HL7 work groups a chance to meet face-to-face to work on the standards;
2. They provide an invaluable educational resource for the healthcare IT community.

Standards Development

HL7 has more than 40 work groups dedicated to specialized areas of interest such as Orders and Observations and Electronic Health Records. These work groups are directly responsible for the content of the standards and spend much of their time at the Working Group Meetings hard at work on standards development. Attending a Working Group Meeting can be a great way to get a handle on what is going on in a particular area, and everyone attending an HL7 Working Group Meeting is invited to attend any of the Working Group Meetings.

Educational Sessions

This Working Group Meeting will offer numerous educational opportunities. Sessions will cover a full range of HL7-specific topics such as Version 2.x Implementation, Version 3, and the Clinical Document Architecture (CDA), among others. Educational sessions also branch out to cover general interest industry topics such as the Electronic Health Record, XML and Vocabulary Terminology.

Now Offering CME Credit Sponsored through The American College of Physicians!

The tutorials offered at the May 2010 Working Group Meeting qualify for continuing medical education for physicians. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the American College of Physicians and Health Level Seven® International. The American College of Physicians is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The American College of Physician’s designates the educational activity for a maximum number of 21 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Schedule Overview

The General Session will be held Monday – Thursday, 8:00 – 8:45 am; Tutorials are scheduled Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Work Groups meet Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Registration

Online registration will open March 10, 2010

Onsite registration will be open Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

The complete WGM Schedule is available in the Meeting Brochure.

"Early Bird" Rate Deadline

Early Bird registration, including payment, is required by April 27, 2010 to receive the discounted rates. Otherwise the full fee structure will apply. Consult the registration form for a schedule of meeting fees.

To Register

Please complete the registration form.

You have several payment options

• If paying by credit card, you may submit your registration electronically;
• or you can fill out the form in the brochure and fax it along with your credit card information to +1 (734) 677-3128;
• or you can fill out the form in the brochure and mail it along with your credit card information, or check payable to Health Level Seven International in U.S. funds;

The mailing address for payments is:

Health Level Seven International
3300 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 227
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
USA

Advance registrations will be accepted until May 9, 2010. After May 9, 2010, registrations can only be made on-site in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. All registrations require payment in full at the time of registration.

Cancellation Policy

Prepaid registrants who cancel prior to April 27, 2010 will receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee. After April 27, 2010, no refunds will be made.

Tutorial Cancellation

The tutorial schedule is subject to change. A tutorial may be cancelled by April 27 if expected registration numbers are not met. If a tutorial is cancelled, pre-registrants will be notified via e-mail. The registrant can select another tutorial at that time, or a full refund of the tutorial fee will be made. However, registration fees will not be refunded.

Dress

The dress code is casual for all HL7 functions. Layered clothing is advised as room temperatures may vary.

Meals

Continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks and lunches are included in the meeting registration fee and will be provided for all registered attendees Monday through Friday.

Vegetarian and diabetic meals are available upon request. Please be sure to specify your meal preference on the registration form.

Please Book Your Room at the HL7 Meeting Hotel

HL7 urges all meeting attendees to secure their hotel reservations at the HL7 Working Group Meeting Host Hotel. The hotel has been contracted to provide the best rate and service to our HL7 meeting attendees, including the vast number of meeting rooms that HL7 uses. In order to secure the required meeting space, HL7 has a contractual obligation to fill its sleeping room blocks. If you make reservations at a different hotel, HL7 risks falling short on its obligation, which translates to HL7 paying additional costs (penalties) to the hotel. Therefore, to help avoid penalties, we urge you to book your hotel room at our host hotel. Thank you!

Hotel Information

HL7’s May 2010 Working Group Meeting will be held at the Windsor Barra Hotel & Congressos.

Windsor Barra Hotel & Congressos
Av. Sernambetiba, 2630
Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro
CEP: 22620-172
Phone: +21 2195-5000

The Windsor Barra Hotel is located in one of Rio de Janeiro’s most elegant areas, Barra da Tijuca. The hotel is sophisticatedly designed offering attractions such as fine bars and restaurants serving world class cuisine, and easy access to nearby shopping malls featuring designer labels, theme parks, ecological reserves, and sporting events of all types. All rooms and suites feature air conditioning, voice mail, digital TV, mini-bar, radio, clock, safe, internet access and electronic keys. There is a pool and sauna in the hotel.

Lodging Reservations

PLEASE NOTE: The final deadline for making a lodging room reservation is APRIL 16th, with no guarantee of room availability after this date. After April 16th, room rates are likely to exceed $350 USD. Please reserve your rooms now as area hotels are also filling fast and close to capacity.

All lodging reservations will be made through Blumar Events. To reserve your room, HL7 attendees should log on to http://www.blumar.com.br/wgmhl7, then click Hotel Reservation. Next click the circle under Select Hotel and continue. You can also call Blumar events directly at +55 21 2142-9315.

You can also phone your reservation to Blumar Events at +55 21 2142-9315, or fax your completed form to +55 21 2511-3739.

Room rates apply to 5 days prior (May 11^th, 2010) and post (May 26^th, 2010).

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations requested up to 30 days prior to the arrival date: Blumar will charge an administrative fee of $40.00.

Cancellations requested less than 30 days from check-in date, there will be a one (1) night stay, plus, a $40.00 administrative fee charged to your credit card.

Refunds will be credited to the same method of payment.

Pre and Post/Local Tours

Many tours are available during your stay in Brazil. Go to http://www.blumar.com.br/wgmhl7 and click on Pre and Post Tours or Local Tours. If you have specific places you would like to see, or if you would like to alter any of the tours listed, Blumar Events would be happy to assist. Just call them at +55 21 2142-9315.

Transportation To/From Airport

Transfer reservations are now available online through Blumar Events. Please go to http://www.blumar.com.br/wgmhl7 and click on Transfer Reservations. One way transfers are R$111 (approximately $63 USD). Please be sure to enter your airline as well as arrival and departure information when making your reservation. This is a private car reserved from the main taxi company that can transport up to two people with luggage.

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro: "The Marvelous City"

By Marivan Santiago Abrahão, MD, Chair of HL7 Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is the tourism gateway to Brazil. With unparalleled natural beauty and hospitable people, it is known as "The Marvelous City." Inside the cosmopolitan area, you will enjoy the beauty of nature with the biggest urban forest in the world as well as 90 kilometers of beaches and mountains.

The city has received many accolades. In 2009, Rio de Janeiro was named South America's best tourist destination by World Travel Awards, the British edition of Travel Weekly magazine. In 2007, the statue of Christ the Redeemer on the top of Corcovado Mountain was elected one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Forbes Magazine declared Rio de Janeiro as the world's happiest city in 2009. In addition, Rio de Janeiro was recently elected to host the FIFA World Soccer Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.

Experience all that Rio de Janeiro has to offer first-hand and attend the May 2010 HL7 International Working Group Meeting at the Windsor Barra Convention Center. Your visit will be an unforgettable experience and will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.

THE CITY

A natural port of the Baía de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay) in southeast Brazil, the city was founded by the Portuguese on January 1, 1502. They named it Rio de Janeiro (January River), under the mistaken impression that it was an enormous river mouth. Since then, it has grown to a metropolitan area with more than 11 million people.

Rio de Janeiro is an awe-inspiring city where impossibly steep granite mountains rise from the ocean between glorious stretches of golden sand. Brash skyscrapers vie for space with impeccable colonial buildings, and lush forests tumble down hillsides into densely populated residential areas.

The city revels in life, with the beach, football, samba and Carnival as the principal diversions. High above all this fun and frivolity are Rio's ever-present landmarks - the statue of Christ the Redeemer on the summit of Corcovado (hunchback) mountain and Sugar Loaf with its historic cable car.

In addition to these twin icons, Rio boasts a wealth of attractions and activities, plus great food, music and entertainment. Rio de Janeiro's world-renowned celebrations on New Year's Eve and Carnival attract people from all over the world who seek the unique experience of being in the Marvelous City.

ARRIVING AND GETTING AROUND

Flight time from London to São Paulo and to Rio de Janeiro is approximately 11 hours. Flight time from New York City to São Paulo and to Rio de Janeiro is about 10 hours.

Rio de Janeiro (GIG) (Galeão) is 20km (13 miles) north of the city. To/from the airport: Public buses to the city operate from 5:30 am - 11:30 pm, with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes. An airport shuttle bus runs hourly and stops at all major resorts and hotels. Taxis are also available.

The main port Rio de Janeiro (website: www.portosrio.gov.br) is used by many international cruise ships. Passenger services are limited, but cruise companies offer sailings from Europe. Most major international cruise lines sail to Brazilian ports.

DINING OUT AND NIGHT LIFE

Rio has restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Eating out is a major attraction with the Cariocas (Rio's residents) so you can expect the best, whether you choose top quality French cuisine, or something more traditionally Brazilian, such as barbecue or a filling feijoada. Feijoada is made with black beans and pork. It is typically served city-wide on Saturdays. For connoisseurs of meat, nothing beats a good rodízio. Brazil has the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan, and sushi has become widely popular in Rio.

The city also boasts an active night life. Lapa is the city's most bohemian neighborhood, and is close to downtown. Considered by many as the cradle of carioca irreverence, today the district houses many bars, show venues and nightclubs, which mix diverse musical genres. Traditional samba and choro styles are the most popular. It is common to walk through the neighborhood and find a samba group playing.

Another highlight of the carioca nights are the samba schools. Most of them are located to the north of the city, and attract large crowds. Demand grows as Carnival approaches.

SIGHTSEEING

Rio de Janeiro is known for its natural beauty: picturesque beaches, mountains and green areas make the city a pleasant place for its residents and a must-see destination for tourists.

Christ the Redeemer is the symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. This iconic post card subject stands 38 meters high and the represents the image of the carioca peoples' faith and sympathy.

The Sugar Loaf (Pão de Açúcar) is surrounded by tropical vegetation, with vestiges of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) containing native species that have disappeared from other areas of the Brazilian coast. The Sugar Loaf has the greatest number of climbing tracks of any Brazilian mountain and is visited daily by hundreds of Brazilian and foreign climbers, mountaineers and ecologists.

Ipanema is a famous meeting point in Rio de Janeiro. This sophisticated neighborhood offers a lively night life scene with an enticing blend of beach, bars and boutiques.

A major attraction throughout the day, its sands also welcome countless after-dark visitors, including joggers and other athletes who cluster at its kiosks, pedal along the bicycle path and make good use of special lighting to exercise and relax.

This neighborhood's beach is a center of activity during the day and at night. It is lined with modernized kiosks, a bicycle path and racks, lifeguard posts, public showers and bathrooms, hotels, bars and open-air restaurants. Built in 1914 to defend Guanabara Bay, the Copacabana Fort offers visitors many interesting attractions. Outstanding events are recorded for posterity at the Army Historical Museum through displays, video exhibitions, maquettes and a hi-tech multi-media terminal.

The Tijuca Forest was reforested in the middle of the 19th Century after years of intense deforesting and planting. The replanting was a pioneer initiative in all Latin America. It is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife and is the largest urban forest replanted by man.

Barra da Tijuca Beach is another highlight of the Rio coastline. Eighteen kilometers in length, the longest beach in the city attracts families, young people and sports-lovers. Surfers, windsurfers and kite-surfers enjoy perfect conditions in its waters.

CULTURE

Rio's diverse culture and people live in varying degrees of wealth or poverty. Exclusive areas stand in stark contrast and close proximity to the slum areas known as favelas. However, regardless of their background or economic standing, the Cariocas are characterized by a passion and enthusiasm for life.

The official song of Rio de Janeiro is "Cidade Maravilhosa," and is considered the "civic anthem" of Rio. The city is integral to the development of the urban music of Brazil. Rio is the birthplace of the music known as "Funk Carioca," which became the largest movement in the city and represented an outlet for the youth to voice their feelings about the problems residents face in Rio.

Rio was eternalized in the hit song "The Girl from Ipanema," composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim. It is recognized worldwide and was recorded by Astrud Gilberto & João Gilberto, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. This is also the key song of the bossa nova, a musical genre that was born in Rio.

MONEY

Brazil is an affordable destination that is gaining in popularity. It is currently the world's tenth largest economy and is predicted to become the fifth largest by 2016. The country is the world's second biggest food exporter, one of the world's largest oil and ore producers, and has the fifth largest advertising market. The Brazilian economy is the engine of South America and is one of the world's top 10 consumer markets.

The currency of Brazil is the Real (BRL). Notes are in denominations of R$100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. There are 100 centavos to the real. Coins are in denominations of R$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 centavos.

All banks, cambios, travel agencies and authorized hotels exchange traveler's cheques and foreign currency. There is an extensive network of ATMs in the country and most major international credit cards are accepted. The US dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING

Rio has a tropical savanna climate. In May, the average high for temperature is 80F/ 26.4C and the average low is 68F/20.4C. Temperature is moderated by the cool ocean breezes in the main tourist areas located on the city's south side.

Lightweight natural fabrics work well in Rio. The sunlight is extremely bright so be sure to bring sunglasses.

ELECTRICITY

Electricity in Rio de Janeiro is predominantly supplied at 110 or 120V, 60 cycles, AC. You should always check with your hotel before plugging any electrical appliance to the outlet. Some hotels have both 110 and 220V outlets. Electrical plugs in Brazil usually have two flat pins (as in the US, but are not polarized) or two round pins. Outlets usually accept both types of plugs. Some outlets may require a third (grounding) pin.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

The Brazilian Government adopts a reciprocity policy regarding Visas. Citizens of countries that do not demand visas from Brazilian nationals usually do not need Visas to enter Brazil (most European and South American countries fall in this category). However, natives of US, Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Angola and Russia need a visa to enter BRAZIL. For a complete list for Visa requirements by country, please visit: http://en.brazilny.org/index.php?/consulado/t_c/visa_requirements_by_country

Tourist Visa Requirements

• A valid passport - original - with the expiration date at least six months after the intended date of arrival in Brazil
• One Visa Application Form per applicant, completely filled out online, dated and signed by the passport holder or his/her parents/guardians. The application form is located at https://scedv.serpro.gov.br/. (You will need to print only the receipt page, with the bar code, where you will affix the picture and the signature). Please, click here for additional instructions.
• One photograph, passport size, color, front view, no head cover, taken within the last six months. Snapshots, copies and computer photos will not be accepted.
• A copy of the trip travel itinerary or a statement from a travel agency or a personal statement addressed to the Brazilian Consulate, with a clear explanation of the purpose of the trip.
• A non-refundable reciprocity fee. Please check here to see visa fees information for your country.

Tourist visa applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:

• To the applicant's jurisdiction: in person (by the applicant), or by an authorized third party (a family member, friend, co-worker, travel agency, or visa service); for US Citizens for Canadian Citizens. All other Countries.
• The visa section is open between 9:00 AM and 12:00 noon, from Monday through Friday. Visa applicants must set up individual appointments to deliver the visa applications previously filled out online.
• The Consulate General does not accept visa applications sent by mail.
• Nevertheless, an applicant's passport may be returned by mail if the applicant or his/her representative leaves a self-addressed pre-paid envelope from the U.S. Postal Service (Express Mail only) at the moment the application is delivered at the Consulate (we can return a maximum of four passports in one single envelope).
• The Consulate does not receive and it will not send envelopes transported by FedEx, UPS, DHL and other private carriers. The Consulate is not responsible for passports lost in the mail.
• Applicants who cannot come to the Consulate personally may wish to pay a visa service/visa agency to help them process their visa applications. The Consulate has no commercial ties with any visa service/visa agency/travel agency and the Consulate's employees are not allowed to recommend any of these companies in particular.

Important Notes:

After the Consulate receives all documentation, tourist visa applications take at least 10 (ten) working days to be processed. Longer periods may apply. Emergency cases may be considered if presented directly by the interested party and all cases must be documented.

All consular fees must be paid in U. S. Postal Service money order made to the Consulate General of Brazil (if you are applying for a family, one single money order for the total amount is fine). Cash, personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

The International Immunization Certificate against Yellow Fever will only be required from international travelers coming from countries which pose a risk of international dissemination. Currently there are no countries posing such risk. (Please see FAQ 1402 at www.anvisa.gov.br). Nevertheless, Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended if the applicant intends to visit one of the following regions in Brazil: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Federal District, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins.

Minors under 18 years of age

A copy of the minor's birth certificate is required in all cases; A certificate of vaccination against polio is required for children between ages of three months and six years. A signed letter from the child's physician is required if the child cannot be inoculated.

Brazilian tourist visas are valid for multiple entries within the period of time shown on the visa stamp. Unless specified otherwise, Brazilian tourist visas allow for stays (one or multiple) in Brazil for a combined total of 90 days during the one-year period following the date of the first entry.

Visa applicants must set up an individual appointment to deliver the visa applications previously filled out online. Each appointment slot allows you to make ONE SINGLE application. Some Consulates offers scheduling page options of dates and time slots. Click here to go to the scheduling page for an example for San Francisco Consulate.

Validity

Visas are normally valid for 90 days from date of issue, although this is at the discretion of Brazilian immigration officials. Tourist visas can be used for multiple entries within the period of validity and can be extended up to a further 90 days, provided the application is made at least two weeks before the expiration of the visa.

Tourist Visa

All visa applications must be submitted in person, by the applicant, or by a duly authorized third party (for example: a family member, friend, co-worker, travel agency, visa service).

A tourist visa includes visits to relatives and/or friends; scientists, professors or researchers attending cultural, technological or scientific conferences, seminars; and participation in artistic or amateur sport competitions, whenever no monetary prize or paid admission is involved.

Visa Fees

Reciprocity Fee: American citizens must pay a $130 processing fee per visa in reciprocity for an identical fee charged to Brazilian citizens applying for a US visa. British citizens must pay US $155 processing fee when the validity of their visas is over 180 days, in reciprocity for an identical fee charged to Brazilian citizens applying for a British visa under same condition.

Handling Fee: Regardless of nationality, if visa submission is not presented personally by the applicant, an additional fee payment of US$20 per visa applies to visa submissions sent by mail or presented by a third party (friends, co-workers, visa/travel agencies, etc), except when submitted by an immediate member of applicant's family (spouse, son, daughter, father and mother).

TAXES AND TIPPING

Consumption taxes are always included in the price advertised in store windows or shown in bills. Tips in restaurants are often included in your bill, usually a 10% charge over the total bill. Tipping US $1 to bellboys and chambermaids is adequate. In some airports porters may charge as much as US $1 per bag. In some cities, taxi drivers are allowed to charge for helping you with your luggage, though you are not expected to tip them.

TELEPHONE & MOBILE PHONES

Users currently have many options of international carriers: Embratel (AT$T) (carrier code 21) 01 (carrier code 31). Please see below for instruction on how to place a direct international phone call from Brazil:

00 (int'l access code) + [carrier code] + [country code] + [area code] + number

For example, to call New York City, you would dial: 00 + 21 or 31 + 1 (for the US) + 212 (for Manhattan) + 555-5555 (number)

Public phones do not accept coins, but rather tokens or phone cards, both of which can be bought at newsstands.

TIME ZONE

Brazil spans several time zones. Rio de Janeiro is in GMT - 3. Note that Rio will not be on daylight savings time in May.

WARNING!!!

Be warned: Rio's powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of indescribable longing when you leave. Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the Marvelous City has many charms, most notably, its exuberant residents.