XML Encoding Rules for Version 2 Messages: XML Encoding Syntax

This document presents alternate encoding rules for HL7 Version 2.3.1 to 2.7 messages. It also includes a mechanism for determining alternate XML-based encoding rules for subsequent HL7 2.x versions that could be used in environments in which senders and receivers both understand XML.

The document supersedes Release 1 and contains additional specifications to accommodate new features introduced with HL7 Version 2.3.1, such as the use of choices within message structures.

Main sections:

· Benefits of using XML as an alternative v2 interchange format

· Introduction to the XML representation

· Message identification and trigger events

· Segments

· Fields

· Data types

· Processing rules for v2.xml messages

· Translating between standard encoding and XML encoding

· Normative appendix

· Informative appendix