The HL7 EHR System Functional Model provides a reference list of over 160 functions that may be present in an Electronic Health Record System (EHR-S). This EHR-S Functional Model, through the creation of Functional Profiles, enables a standardized description and common understanding of functions sought or available in a given setting (e.g. intensive care, cardiology, office practice in one country or primary care in another country).

Creating a functional profile is a method for defining subsets of the Functional Model. A functional profile is a specification which uses the Functional Model to indicate which functions are required, desired, or implemented for certain EHR systems, Healthcare Delivery Settings, or for other purposes (e.g. profile for legal EHR).

Functional profiles can be created by healthcare community stakeholders with interest in using and/or providing a functional profile for an EHR system. Functional profiles can represent the functionality required and desired for a care setting or application, or reflect the functionality incorporated in a vendor's EHR system.

A formal process exists for registering functional profiles. Functional profiles that are submitted to the HL7 EHR TC with an attestation of conformance to Chapter 2: Conformance Clause of the HL7 EHR-S Standard and successfully complete review by the TC are designated as "Registered functional profiles". For additional information on registering and/or balloting functional profiles, see the reference information in the How To Guide for Profiles.

A subset of functions (a "profile") can describe a particular care setting or a particular use of the functions. Over time, vendors, and providers will create profiles across and within (country-specific) realms.

The EHR-S Profile Registry provides the registration form and instructions for submitting a profile for registration. Registration involves completing the on-line form and uploading the profile. By registering, the submitter is making an attestation that the profile conforms to the EHR-S FM.

As part of the EHR-S FM there is the Chapter 2, Conformance and there is also a How To Guide reference document to provide direction on the steps needed to create a profile.

Continued stakeholder involvement and the development of additional profiles will provide the basis for the ongoing evolution of the EHR-S FM. Thanks for your interest!