1.1 This specification addresses requirements for the headings, arrangement, and appearance of sections and subsections when used within an individual's healthcare documents. This specification will facilitate identification and retrieval of health information in a manner that will enhance the quality and efficiency of health services. Use of this specification in conjunction with XML DTDs (extensible markup language document type definitions) and the EHR (electronic health records) would further enhance efficiency in time and cost. This specification applies across multiple healthcare settings in which healthcare documents are generated, such as hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, ambulatory care facilities, outpatient surgery centers, and private healthcare providers' offices.

1.2 This specification addresses the headings, arrangement, and appearance of sections and subsections of healthcare documents, however generated (dictation/transcription, speech recognition, touch-screen entry, and so forth) and whether displayed electronically or on paper. It does not address the titles of healthcare documents or the content of sections and subsections.

1.2.1 The author of a healthcare document may choose to summarize subsection information within a general section rather than creating subsections.

1.3 The format and content of patient-identifying data are addressed in Guide E 1384.

1.4 Issues of confidentiality and security are addressed in Guide E 1869, Guide E 1902, Guide E 1762, Guide E 1985, Guide E 1986, Guide E 1987, Guide E 1988, Specification E 2084, Guide E 2085, and Guide E 2086, as well as in Specification E 2147.

1.5 Issues of XML DTDs are addressed in Specification E 2182 and Guide E 2183.