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Blog from February, 2017

SNOMED International is pleased to announce the publication of version 1.2 of the Expression Constraint Language at http://snomed.org/ecl.

The Expression Constraint Language is a formal syntax for representing computable rules used to define sets of clinical meanings. Expression constraints can be used to define intensional reference sets, to query SNOMED CT data, and to restrict the valid values in an information model.

ECL version 1.2 incorporates updates that were requested by implementers of the language, including:

  • The ability for the memberOf function to be applied to a set of reference set concepts defined using an expression constraint; and
  • A correction to the definition of numericValue to allow negative decimal values to be fully supported.

The SNOMED CT MRCM represents the rules in the SNOMED CT concept model in a form that can be read by a computer and applied to test that concept definitions and expressions comply with these rules. The MRCM may be used for a variety of purposes, including the authoring and validation of SNOMED CT concepts, expressions, expression constraints and queries, natural language processing (NLP) and binding terminology to information models to support querying and interoperability. For more information about the MRCM, please visit http://snomed.org/mrcm.

Members can download the MRCM Beta release package via the MLDS distribution site. Others may request access by contacting the Release Management Team by email (info@snomed.org), with the subject "Release Management Team - MRCM Beta access request". The SNOMED CT MRCM Beta release notes are available here. Please note that the Beta release package is distributed for evaluation purposes only. It must not be used in production clinical systems or in clinical settings. Subject to feedback on the Beta release, the MRCM data will be included in the July 2017 SNOMED CT International Release. 

To comment on the MRCM Beta release, please click on the Feedback button at the bottom of this MRCM page. All feedback must be submitted by Friday 31st March 2017.

Visit the SNOMED International at Booth #4088 to learn more about how clinical terminology is contributing to healthcare interoperability globally. Our team is eager to share with you exciting new partnerships and initiatives that will leverage the power of standards-based healthcare language.

Check in here for the SNOMED International Booth and Vendor Meeting Schedule.

Here’s the Lineup of SNOMED International Presentations at HIMSS17:

Monday February 20th, 2017:

  • 10:30am SNOMED International Software, Rory Davidson, Location: BOOTH #4088
  • 2:30pm High Value Implementations, Peter Hendler, Location: BOOTH #4088

Tuesday February 21st, 2017:

  • 10:30am Presentation by Jamie Ferguson, Location: BOOTH #4088
  • 1:00pm SNOMED and HL7 Working Together, Location: BOOTH #4088
  • 2:30pm Improving Data Documentation for Chronic Disease Reporting Using SNOMED CT, Location: BOOTH #4088
  • 5:30pm Pharmacy HIT Collaborative Medication – Related eCare Plan Meeting,
    Location: W240D (A non-SNOMED International organized event)

Wednesday February 22nd, 2017:

  • 10:30am SNOMED CT as a Component of EHR Systems, Location: BOOTH #4088
  • 1:30pm Olympic Healthcare Interoperability Initiative, BOOTH #9000
    (A non-SNOMED International organized event)

Thursday February 23rd, 2017:

  • 12:00pm Enabling Advanced Analytics with Clinical Terminology, Location: W207C

Participating Remotely?
Join in the Conversation @SnomedCT and #snomedct

 

Send on behalf of the GA Chair, MB Chair and CEO...

To all staff, stakeholders and Members of IHTSDO:

As you may know, in April 2016 it was decided to investigate whether the governance structure of IHTSDO needed revision as a result of the rapid growth of the organisation. The General Assembly, Management Board and Management Team, collectively agreed it was timely to commission external experts to review and advise us on our governance structures. We informed you of the progress in this process last August and in the October meeting in Wellington. We wish to inform you on the results of the process and resulting MB recruitment process.

Based on the external review report that was received in August, a governance review committee comprised of members of the General Assembly, Management Board and Management Team considered options to position the organisation for growth.   The review committee has agreed that the organisation embark on a Management Board renewal process to coincide with its move to the United Kingdom.  All members of the current Management Board and the Executive of the General Assembly supported the review committee proposal that SNOMED International adopt best governance practice and move to a seven person Management Board.

The General Assembly has therefore invited current Management Board members to stand down. All current Management Board members may be eligible and are indeed encouraged to apply for the seven positions available on the new Board.

The Management Board has the legal and oversight responsibility for the management of SNOMED International. The terms of the appointments to the Management Board will be staggered with the longest term being three years and the shortest being one year.  This will ensure continuity of experience in the Management Board into the future.

SNOMED International is seeking individuals with varying skills/abilities and experience.  The Management Board’s skills matrix and its independence policy areattached for  information.

Each year the Management Board meets face-to-face at least three times and holds at least three additional teleconferences. Face-to-face meeting locations are London (UK) and a variety of other locations around the world. The GA Executive is invited to take part in all MB meetings as observers.

The Management Board are non-executive Director positions and carry legal responsibility for the governance of the organisation.   By law, the application criteria require the applicant to provide data on their personal experience and statutory declarations relating to financial status i.e. that they are not disqualified or an undischarged bankrupt etc. Further information on the requirements can be found at https://ihtsdo.freshdesk.com/solution/articles/4000096705-applications-for-positions-on-the-snomed-international-management-board, which is accessible by clicking on FAQ at the top of any page of the www.snomed.org website.

The call for nominations of the new slate of board members will begin on February 3rd.

If anyone has questions please contact Don Sweete, Chief Executive Officer (dsw@snomed.org).

With kind regards,

Stewart Jessamine, Chair General Assembly
Jamie Ferguson, Chair Management Board
Don Sweete, CEO