HL7 Affiliate Chair Election 2016-2017

The evolution of the Health Level Seven (HL7) Standards in Canada is regulated through an international agreement with HL7 International Inc., co-owners of the intellectual property. Under the HL7 Affiliate Agreement, Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) is the legal signatory authority and host of HL7 Canada - a vibrant community of Health Information Technology experts operating within the recently launched Digital Health Alliance for Clinical Interoperability.

The HL7 community, in addition to many others, is hosted on the InfoCentral collaboration platform and offers free access to a wealth of information, tools and resources for implementers working along the entire life cycle of digital health standards in Canada. If you haven’t already joined we highly encourage you to do so and get involved in shaping the future of Canadian digital health standards. Register today.

The agreement with HL7 International entitles member countries (Affiliates) to a voting position at the HL7 International Council, a right that is exercised through an Affiliate representative called the Affiliate Chair. Having just renewed a two year agreement, Infoway is delighted to host the election for the Affiliate Chair position representing the HL7 Canada Constituency internationally for the term of this agreement (2016-2017).

This election is open to any Canadian currently registered on InfoCentral and serves as an invitation to nominate next HL7 Canada Affiliate Chair, outlining the election process. In addition to participation in the HL7 International Council, it is expected that the Affiliate Chair will take a lead role in the Canadian HL7 Community and help shape and prioritize HL7 standards work in Canada.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the current Affiliate Chair - Melva Peters - Melva is a global industry leader in Medication Management. She has represented HL7 Canada interests on the international stage and led the Canadian standards work through the InfoCentral HL7 Community. Thanks again Melva.

Requirements for nomination and voting

Nominating and voting for the Affiliate Chair is open to all registered HL7 Community members on InfoCentral who are currently living and working in Canada. Note that a paid membership in HL7 International is not required to nominate or to vote for the Affiliate Chair. However, the Affiliate Chair must be a member in good standing with HL7 International. Once submissions for nominations are closed, voting will take place on InfoCentral.

Requirements for nominees

Recognizing that the HL7 Canada Affiliate Chair is a volunteer position with significant responsibilities, candidates for this position are expected to be:

• Active member of the HL7 Canada Community on InfoCentral and current HL7 International membership;
• Previous participation and experience at HL7 International Working Group Meetings is a definite asset;
• Demonstrated knowledge of digital health standards in Canada with a desire to influence and shape HL7 Canada;
• Strong communication and collaboration with a desire to foster consensus;
• Demonstrated commitment to the Canadian health care system, whether through employment, consulting, academia or related activities

Nominations and the election process

The election process for the Affiliate Chair position begins with a three-week nomination period starting January 25, 2016. Eligible candidates may be nominated or may choose to self-nominate by submitting a short description of their qualifications and aspirations for the Affiliate Chair position.

Nomination submissions should be posted on the HL7 Community under the "Affiliate Chair Election – Candidates" forum thread. The nomination period will close February 12, 2016 and submissions will be consolidated by Infoway during the week of February 14, 2016 in preparation for balloting.

Voting will open on February 22, 2016 and run until March 4, 2016, in the format of a public poll which will be hosted on InfoCentral. Each Canadian HL7 Community member will be entitled to submit a single, confidential vote.

The successful candidate will be selected by simple majority. The elected Chair will be announced on March 7, 2016. Detailed information, reminders and dates will be published in the monthly Dispatch newsletter and in the InfoCentral communities. We highly encourage you to get involved and best of luck to all the candidates.

Schedule

Note: In the event that there is only one candidate nominated, a vote will not be necessary and the candidate will be appointed as the incoming HL7 Affiliate Chair.