By Aghata Gerlo
After 25 years working on the development of international interoperability standards for Health Information Technology, on the 4th of September the Health Level Seven (HL7) organization made an announcement as welcome as it was unexpected: from the first quarter of 2013, licenses for its standards and a significant part of its intellectual property will be made available for free and public use throughout the world. E-Health Reporter Latin America spoke to Diego Kaminker, a member of the Board of Directors of HL7 International, about the announcement and its impact on the sector.
EHealth Reporter Latin America: What were the main reasons that led the company to take this decision?
Diego Kaminker: Making our standards available for free is an important step for their global adoption. Charging is a barrier to adoption for doctors, nurses and other healthcare service providers who are working to increase the use of shared information. Furthermore, given that HL7 standards are created by volunteers, many of whom are paid by employers who use those standards, this decision should encourage continued participation and provide added value for volunteers and their employers.
EHRLA: Will this simplify adoption of HL7?
DK: That’s what we’re hoping. HL7 standards can be integrated with and reference other implementation standards and profiles. This step will encourage and simplify the use and alignment of HL7 with the work of other organizations that develop profiles and standards.
EHRLA: On which sectors do you expect the decision to make an impact?
DK: Making the license free to the public will be a key change that will be well received in every country at a national level as there is growing demand from governments for the use of standards that do not require a paid license. This is particularly true for the US HITSC (U.S. Health Information Technology Standards Committee) which does not want to adopt standards whose cost would be a barrier to implementation.
EHRLA: Will there be any restrictions on the free access to HL7 standards?
DK: If an affiliate wishes to require a membership or other kind of charge for materials developed by the affiliate, they are allowed to. The content that will be made freely available only includes standards and implementation guides. The free access does not include courses or certification exams.
EHRLA: Did you consider the risks associated with the decision with regard to partners and/or affiliates who had to pay for their license?
DK: It could mean that many associates decide not to renew membership. However, being a part of HL7 is still an advantage with regard to ongoing training and the opportunity for international exchange.
EHRLA: Is there any chance that the charge for the license will be reinstated in the future?
DK: I don’t think that’s possible. The HL7 Board took the decision after deliberating on it for several years.
Related News: HL7 announces that its standards for the exchange of information will be free
Leave a comment: What do you think of the announcement? Is it good news? Will the measure tip the balance towards HL7 adoption in comparison with other standards?
