ONC Releases Draft US Core Data for Interoperability Version 4

ONC has released the Draft United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) Version 4, which proposes to add 20 data elements across a new data class and eight existing data classes.

The new data class is “Facility Information,” which includes the data elements facility identifier, facility type, and facility name.

If finalized, USCDI v4 would have 112 data elements organized in 19 data classes.

The v4 submission cycle ended on September 30, 2022. ONC received approximately 150 submissions for new data elements and almost 350 comments on previously submitted data elements. ONC applied prioritization criteria discussed in Standards Bulletin 2022-2 to develop the final list of proposed new data elements for Draft USCDI v4.

The agency encourages the public to evaluate the Draft USCDI v4 and submit comments on data classes and elements that ONC should include in the final USCDI v4.

Specifically, ONC encourages the community to provide feedback on improvements in data classes or elements included in Draft USCDI v4, including data class and data element definitions.

ONC also asks if data elements classified as Level two should be added to USCDI v4 instead or in addition to those in Draft USCDI v4.

Additionally, the agency asks for feedback on if there are barriers to the development, implementation, or use of any of these data elements that warrant a change in definition or removal from Draft USCDI v4.

ONC accepts feedback until April 17, 2023, 11:59 pm ET, on the main Draft USCDI v4 page or individual data class or data element pages. ONC will consider comments and recommendations when preparing the final USCDI v4 for publication in July 2023.

Once ONC finalizes USCDI v4, the agency will consider its inclusion in a future Standards Version Advancement Process (SVAP) cycle, which permits EHR vendors to voluntarily update their certified health IT with new USCDI data elements.