Contract | Medplum

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Legally enforceable, formally recorded unilateral or bilateral directive i.e., a policy or agreement.

Elements [​](/content/docs/api/fhir/resources/contract#elements "Direct link to Elements"/index.html)

Name Required Type Description
identifier Identifier[] Contract number
Details
Unique identifier for this Contract or a derivative that references a Source Contract.
url uri Basal definition
Details
Canonical identifier for this contract, represented as a URI (globally unique).
Used in a domain that uses a supplied contract repository.
version string Business edition
Details
An edition identifier used for business purposes to label business significant variants.
Note - This is a business versionId, not a resource version id (see discussion http://build.fhir.org/resource.html#versions)
Comments - There may be different contract instances that have the same identifier but different versions. The version can be appended to the url in a reference to allow a reference to a particular business version of the plan definition with the format [url]|[version].
status code amended | appended | cancelled | disputed | entered-in-error | executable | executed | negotiable | offered | policy | rejected | renewed | revoked | resolved | terminated
Details
The status of the resource instance.
This element is labeled as a modifier because the status contains codes that mark the contract as not currently valid or active.
legalState CodeableConcept Negotiation status
Details
Legal states of the formation of a legal instrument, which is a formally executed written document that can be formally attributed to its author, records and formally expresses a legally enforceable act, process, or contractual duty, obligation, or right, and therefore evidences that act, process, or agreement.
instantiatesCanonical Reference< Contract > Source Contract Definition
Details
The URL pointing to a FHIR-defined Contract Definition that is adhered to in whole or part by this Contract.
instantiatesUri uri External Contract Definition
Details
The URL pointing to an externally maintained definition that is adhered to in whole or in part by this Contract.
contentDerivative CodeableConcept Content derived from the basal information
Details
The minimal content derived from the basal information source at a specific stage in its lifecycle.
issued dateTime When this Contract was issued
Details
When this Contract was issued.
applies Period Effective time
Details
Relevant time or time-period when this Contract is applicable.
expirationType CodeableConcept Contract cessation cause
Details
Event resulting in discontinuation or termination of this Contract instance by one or more parties to the contract.
subject Reference[] Contract Target Entity
Details
The target entity impacted by or of interest to parties to the agreement.
The Contract.subject is an entity that has some role with respect to the Contract.topic and Contract.topic.term, which is of focal interest to the parties to the contract and likely impacted in a significant way by the Contract.action/Contract.action.reason and the Contract.term.action/Contract.action.reason.
In many cases, the Contract.subject is a Contract.signer if the subject is an adult; has a legal interest in the contract; and incompetent to participate in the contract agreement.
authority Reference< Organization >[] Authority under which this Contract has standing
Details
A formally or informally recognized grouping of people, principals, organizations, or jurisdictions formed for the purpose of achieving some form of collective action such as the promulgation, administration and enforcement of contracts and policies.
domain Reference< Location >[] A sphere of control governed by an authoritative jurisdiction, organization, or person
Details
Recognized governance framework or system operating with a circumscribed scope in accordance with specified principles, policies, processes or procedures for managing rights, actions, or behaviors of parties or principals relative to resources.
site Reference< Location >[] Specific Location
Details
Sites in which the contract is complied with, exercised, or in force.
name string Computer friendly designation
Details
A natural language name identifying this Contract definition, derivative, or instance in any legal state. Provides additional information about its content. This name should be usable as an identifier for the module by machine processing applications such as code generation.
The name is not expected to be globally unique. The name should be a simple alphanumeric type name to ensure that it is machine-processing friendly.
title string Human Friendly name
Details
A short, descriptive, user-friendly title for this Contract definition, derivative, or instance in any legal state.t giving additional information about its content.
subtitle string Subordinate Friendly name
Details
An explanatory or alternate user-friendly title for this Contract definition, derivative, or instance in any legal state.t giving additional information about its content.
alias string[] Acronym or short name
Details
Alternative representation of the title for this Contract definition, derivative, or instance in any legal state., e.g., a domain specific contract number related to legislation.
author Reference< Patient
| Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| Organization >
Source of Contract
Details
The individual or organization that authored the Contract definition, derivative, or instance in any legal state.
scope CodeableConcept Range of Legal Concerns
Details
A selector of legal concerns for this Contract definition, derivative, or instance in any legal state.
topic[x] CodeableConcept, Reference Focus of contract interest
Details
Narrows the range of legal concerns to focus on the achievement of specific contractual objectives.
type CodeableConcept Legal instrument category
Details
A high-level category for the legal instrument, whether constructed as a Contract definition, derivative, or instance in any legal state. Provides additional information about its content within the context of the Contract's scope to distinguish the kinds of systems that would be interested in the contract.
subType CodeableConcept[] Subtype within the context of type
Details
Sub-category for the Contract that distinguishes the kinds of systems that would be interested in the Contract within the context of the Contract's scope.
contentDefinition ContractContentDefinition Contract precursor content
Details
Precusory content developed with a focus and intent of supporting the formation a Contract instance, which may be associated with and transformable into a Contract.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
type CodeableConcept Content structure and use
Details
Precusory content structure and use, i.e., a boilerplate, template, application for a contract such as an insurance policy or benefits under a program, e.g., workers compensation.
subType CodeableConcept Detailed Content Type Definition
Details
Detailed Precusory content type.
publisher Reference< Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| Organization >
Publisher Entity
Details
The individual or organization that published the Contract precursor content.
publicationDate dateTime When published
Details
The date (and optionally time) when the contract was published. The date must change when the business version changes and it must change if the status code changes. In addition, it should change when the substantive content of the contract changes.
publicationStatus code amended | appended | cancelled | disputed | entered-in-error | executable | executed | negotiable | offered | policy | rejected | renewed | revoked | resolved | terminated
Details
amended | appended | cancelled | disputed | entered-in-error | executable | executed | negotiable | offered | policy | rejected | renewed | revoked | resolved | terminated.
copyright markdown Publication Ownership
Details
A copyright statement relating to Contract precursor content. Copyright statements are generally legal restrictions on the use and publishing of the Contract precursor content.
term ContractTerm[] Contract Term List
Details
One or more Contract Provisions, which may be related and conveyed as a group, and may contain nested groups.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
identifier Identifier Contract Term Number
Details
Unique identifier for this particular Contract Provision.
issued dateTime Contract Term Issue Date Time
Details
When this Contract Provision was issued.
applies Period Contract Term Effective Time
Details
Relevant time or time-period when this Contract Provision is applicable.
topic[x] CodeableConcept, Reference Term Concern
Details
The entity that the term applies to.
type CodeableConcept Contract Term Type or Form
Details
A legal clause or condition contained within a contract that requires one or both parties to perform a particular requirement by some specified time or prevents one or both parties from performing a particular requirement by some specified time.
subType CodeableConcept Contract Term Type specific classification
Details
A specialized legal clause or condition based on overarching contract type.
text string Term Statement
Details
Statement of a provision in a policy or a contract.
securityLabel ContractTermSecurityLabel[] Protection for the Term
Details
Security labels that protect the handling of information about the term and its elements, which may be specifically identified..
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
number unsignedInt[] Link to Security Labels
Details
Number used to link this term or term element to the applicable Security Label.
classification Coding Confidentiality Protection
Details
Security label privacy tag that species the level of confidentiality protection required for this term and/or term elements.
category Coding[] Applicable Policy
Details
Security label privacy tag that species the applicable privacy and security policies governing this term and/or term elements.
control Coding[] Handling Instructions
Details
Security label privacy tag that species the manner in which term and/or term elements are to be protected.
offer ContractTermOffer Context of the Contract term
Details
The matter of concern in the context of this provision of the agrement.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
identifier Identifier[] Offer business ID
Details
Unique identifier for this particular Contract Provision.
party ContractTermOfferParty[] Offer Recipient
Details
Offer Recipient.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
reference Reference< Patient
| RelatedPerson
| Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| Device
| Group
| Organization >[]
Referenced entity
Details
Participant in the offer.
role CodeableConcept Participant engagement type
Details
How the party participates in the offer.
topic Reference Negotiable offer asset
Details
The owner of an asset has the residual control rights over the asset: the right to decide all usages of the asset in any way not inconsistent with a prior contract, custom, or law (Hart, 1995, p. 30).
The Contract.topic may be an application for or offer of a policy or service (e.g., uri to a consent directive form or a health insurance policy), which becomes the Contract once accepted by both the grantor and grantee.
The Contract Resource may function simply as the computable representation of the executed contract, which may be the attached to the Contract Resource as the “binding” or as the “friendly” electronic form. For example, a Contract Resource may be automatically populated with the values expressed in a related QuestionnaireResponse.
However, the Contract Resource may be considered the legally binding contract if it is the only “executed” form of this contract, and includes the signatures as *The Contract Resource may function as the computable representation of an application or offer in a pre-executed Contract if the grantor has not entered any values. In this case, it is populated with values in a “legal” form of the application or offer or by the values in an associated Questionnaire. If the grantor has filled in the legal form or the associated Questionnaire Response, then these values are used to populate a pre-executed Contract Resource.
If the Contract.topic is considered an application or offer, then the policy is often required to be attached as the “legal” basis for the application to ensure “informed consent” to the contract, and that any discrepancy between the application and the policy are interpreted against the policy. Implementers should check organizational and jurisdictional policies to determine the relationship among multiple representations of a contract pre- and post-execution.
type CodeableConcept Contract Offer Type or Form
Details
Type of Contract Provision such as specific requirements, purposes for actions, obligations, prohibitions, e.g. life time maximum benefit.
decision CodeableConcept Accepting party choice
Details
Type of choice made by accepting party with respect to an offer made by an offeror/ grantee.
decisionMode CodeableConcept[] How decision is conveyed
Details
How the decision about a Contract was conveyed.
answer ContractTermOfferAnswer[] Response to offer text
Details
Response to offer text.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
value[x] boolean, decimal, integer, date, dateTime, time, string, uri, Attachment, Coding, Quantity, Reference The actual answer response
Details
Response to an offer clause or question text, which enables selection of values to be agreed to, e.g., the period of participation, the date of occupancy of a rental, warrently duration, or whether biospecimen may be used for further research.
text string Human readable offer text
Details
Human readable form of this Contract Offer.
linkId string[] Pointer to text
Details
The id of the clause or question text of the offer in the referenced questionnaire/response.
securityLabelNumber unsignedInt[] Offer restriction numbers
Details
Security labels that protects the offer.
asset ContractTermAsset[] Contract Term Asset List
Details
Contract Term Asset List.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
scope CodeableConcept Range of asset
Details
Differentiates the kind of the asset .
type CodeableConcept[] Asset category
Details
Target entity type about which the term may be concerned.
typeReference Reference[] Associated entities
Details
Associated entities.
subtype CodeableConcept[] Asset sub-category
Details
May be a subtype or part of an offered asset.
relationship Coding Kinship of the asset
Details
Specifies the applicability of the term to an asset resource instance, and instances it refers to orinstances that refer to it, and/or are owned by the offeree.
context ContractTermAssetContext[] Circumstance of the asset
Details
Circumstance of the asset.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
reference Reference Creator,custodian or owner
Details
Asset context reference may include the creator, custodian, or owning Person or Organization (e.g., bank, repository), location held, e.g., building, jurisdiction.
code CodeableConcept[] Codeable asset context
Details
Coded representation of the context generally or of the Referenced entity, such as the asset holder type or location.
text string Context description
Details
Context description.
condition string Quality desctiption of asset
Details
Description of the quality and completeness of the asset that imay be a factor in its valuation.
periodType CodeableConcept[] Asset availability types
Details
Type of Asset availability for use or ownership.
period Period[] Time period of the asset
Details
Asset relevant contractual time period.
usePeriod Period[] Time period
Details
Time period of asset use.
text string Asset clause or question text
Details
Clause or question text (Prose Object) concerning the asset in a linked form, such as a QuestionnaireResponse used in the formation of the contract.
linkId string[] Pointer to asset text
Details
Id [identifier??] of the clause or question text about the asset in the referenced form or QuestionnaireResponse.
answer [] Response to assets
Details
Response to assets.
securityLabelNumber unsignedInt[] Asset restriction numbers
Details
Security labels that protects the asset.
valuedItem ContractTermAssetValuedItem[] Contract Valued Item List
Details
Contract Valued Item List.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
entity[x] CodeableConcept, Reference Contract Valued Item Type
Details
Specific type of Contract Valued Item that may be priced.
identifier Identifier Contract Valued Item Number
Details
Identifies a Contract Valued Item instance.
effectiveTime dateTime Contract Valued Item Effective Tiem
Details
Indicates the time during which this Contract ValuedItem information is effective.
quantity Quantity Count of Contract Valued Items
Details
Specifies the units by which the Contract Valued Item is measured or counted, and quantifies the countable or measurable Contract Valued Item instances.
unitPrice Money Contract Valued Item fee, charge, or cost
Details
A Contract Valued Item unit valuation measure.
factor decimal Contract Valued Item Price Scaling Factor
Details
A real number that represents a multiplier used in determining the overall value of the Contract Valued Item delivered. The concept of a Factor allows for a discount or surcharge multiplier to be applied to a monetary amount.
points decimal Contract Valued Item Difficulty Scaling Factor
Details
An amount that expresses the weighting (based on difficulty, cost and/or resource intensiveness) associated with the Contract Valued Item delivered. The concept of Points allows for assignment of point values for a Contract Valued Item, such that a monetary amount can be assigned to each point.
net Money Total Contract Valued Item Value
Details
Expresses the product of the Contract Valued Item unitQuantity and the unitPriceAmt. For example, the formula: unit Quantity * unit Price (Cost per Point) * factor Number * points = net Amount. Quantity, factor and points are assumed to be 1 if not supplied.
payment string Terms of valuation
Details
Terms of valuation.
paymentDate dateTime When payment is due
Details
When payment is due.
responsible Reference< Organization
| Patient
| Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| RelatedPerson >
Who will make payment
Details
Who will make payment.
recipient Reference< Organization
| Patient
| Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| RelatedPerson >
Who will receive payment
Details
Who will receive payment.
linkId string[] Pointer to specific item
Details
Id of the clause or question text related to the context of this valuedItem in the referenced form or QuestionnaireResponse.
securityLabelNumber unsignedInt[] Security Labels that define affected terms
Details
A set of security labels that define which terms are controlled by this condition.
action ContractTermAction[] Entity being ascribed responsibility
Details
An actor taking a role in an activity for which it can be assigned some degree of responsibility for the activity taking place.
Several agents may be associated (i.e. has some responsibility for an activity) with an activity and vice-versa.
For example, in cases of actions initiated by one user for other users, or in events that involve more than one user, hardware device, software, or system process. However, only one user may be the initiator/requestor for the event.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
doNotPerform boolean True if the term prohibits the action
Details
True if the term prohibits the action.
type CodeableConcept Type or form of the action
Details
Activity or service obligation to be done or not done, performed or not performed, effectuated or not by this Contract term.
subject ContractTermActionSubject[] Entity of the action
Details
Entity of the action.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
reference Reference< Patient
| RelatedPerson
| Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| Device
| Group
| Organization >[]
Entity of the action
Details
The entity the action is performed or not performed on or for.
role CodeableConcept Role type of the agent
Details
Role type of agent assigned roles in this Contract.
intent CodeableConcept Purpose for the Contract Term Action
Details
Reason or purpose for the action stipulated by this Contract Provision.
linkId string[] Pointer to specific item
Details
Id [identifier??] of the clause or question text related to this action in the referenced form or QuestionnaireResponse.
status CodeableConcept State of the action
Details
Current state of the term action.
context Reference< Encounter | EpisodeOfCare > Episode associated with action
Details
Encounter or Episode with primary association to specified term activity.
contextLinkId string[] Pointer to specific item
Details
Id [identifier??] of the clause or question text related to the requester of this action in the referenced form or QuestionnaireResponse.
occurrence[x] dateTime, Period, Timing When action happens
Details
When action happens.
requester Reference< Patient
| RelatedPerson
| Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| Device
| Group
| Organization >[]
Who asked for action
Details
Who or what initiated the action and has responsibility for its activation.
requesterLinkId string[] Pointer to specific item
Details
Id [identifier??] of the clause or question text related to the requester of this action in the referenced form or QuestionnaireResponse.
performerType CodeableConcept[] Kind of service performer
Details
The type of individual that is desired or required to perform or not perform the action.
performerRole CodeableConcept Competency of the performer
Details
The type of role or competency of an individual desired or required to perform or not perform the action.
performer Reference< RelatedPerson
| Patient
| Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| CareTeam
| Device
| Substance
| Organization
| Location >
Actor that wil execute (or not) the action
Details
Indicates who or what is being asked to perform (or not perform) the ction.
performerLinkId string[] Pointer to specific item
Details
Id [identifier??] of the clause or question text related to the reason type or reference of this action in the referenced form or QuestionnaireResponse.
reasonCode CodeableConcept[] Why is action (not) needed?
Details
Rationale for the action to be performed or not performed. Describes why the action is permitted or prohibited.
reasonReference Reference< Condition
| Observation
| DiagnosticReport
| DocumentReference
| Questionnaire
| QuestionnaireResponse >[]
Why is action (not) needed?
Details
Indicates another resource whose existence justifies permitting or not permitting this action.
reason string[] Why action is to be performed
Details
Describes why the action is to be performed or not performed in textual form.
reasonLinkId string[] Pointer to specific item
Details
Id [identifier??] of the clause or question text related to the reason type or reference of this action in the referenced form or QuestionnaireResponse.
note Annotation[] Comments about the action
Details
Comments made about the term action made by the requester, performer, subject or other participants.
securityLabelNumber unsignedInt[] Action restriction numbers
Details
Security labels that protects the action.
group [] Nested Contract Term Group
Details
Nested group of Contract Provisions.
supportingInfo Reference[] Extra Information
Details
Information that may be needed by/relevant to the performer in their execution of this term action.
relevantHistory Reference< Provenance >[] Key event in Contract History
Details
Links to Provenance records for past versions of this Contract definition, derivative, or instance, which identify key state transitions or updates that are likely to be relevant to a user looking at the current version of the Contract. The Provence.entity indicates the target that was changed in the update. http://build.fhir.org/provenance-definitions.html#Provenance.entity.
signer ContractSigner[] Contract Signatory
Details
Parties with legal standing in the Contract, including the principal parties, the grantor(s) and grantee(s), which are any person or organization bound by the contract, and any ancillary parties, which facilitate the execution of the contract such as a notary or witness.
Signers who are principal parties to the contract are bound by the Contract.activity related to the Contract.topic, and the Contract.term(s), which either extend or restrict the overall action on the topic by, for example, stipulating specific policies or obligations constraining actions, action reason, or agents with respect to some or all of the topic.
For example, specifying how policies or obligations shall constrain actions and action reasons permitted or denied on all or a subset of the Contract.topic (e.g., all or a portion of property being transferred by the contract), agents (e.g., who can resell, assign interests, or alter the property being transferred by the contract), actions, and action reasons; or with respect to Contract.terms, stipulating, extending, or limiting the Contract.period of applicability or valuation of items under consideration.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
type Coding Contract Signatory Role
Details
Role of this Contract signer, e.g. notary, grantee.
party Reference< Organization
| Patient
| Practitioner
| PractitionerRole
| RelatedPerson >
Contract Signatory Party
Details
Party which is a signator to this Contract.
signature Signature[] Contract Documentation Signature
Details
Legally binding Contract DSIG signature contents in Base64.
friendly ContractFriendly[] Contract Friendly Language
Details
The "patient friendly language" versionof the Contract in whole or in parts. "Patient friendly language" means the representation of the Contract and Contract Provisions in a manner that is readily accessible and understandable by a layperson in accordance with best practices for communication styles that ensure that those agreeing to or signing the Contract understand the roles, actions, obligations, responsibilities, and implication of the agreement.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
content[x] Attachment, Reference< Composition
| DocumentReference
| QuestionnaireResponse >
Easily comprehended representation of this Contract
Details
Human readable rendering of this Contract in a format and representation intended to enhance comprehension and ensure understandability.
legal ContractLegal[] Contract Legal Language
Details
List of Legal expressions or representations of this Contract.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
content[x] Attachment, Reference< Composition
| DocumentReference
| QuestionnaireResponse >
Contract Legal Text
Details
Contract legal text in human renderable form.
rule ContractRule[] Computable Contract Language
Details
List of Computable Policy Rule Language Representations of this Contract.
id string Unique id for inter-element referencing
Details
Unique id for the element within a resource (for internal references). This may be any string value that does not contain spaces.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the element and that modifies the understanding of the element in which it is contained and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
content[x] Attachment, Reference< DocumentReference > Computable Contract Rules
Details
Computable Contract conveyed using a policy rule language (e.g. XACML, DKAL, SecPal).
legallyBinding[x] Attachment, Reference< Composition
| DocumentReference
| QuestionnaireResponse
| Contract >
Binding Contract
Details
Legally binding Contract: This is the signed and legally recognized representation of the Contract, which is considered the "source of truth" and which would be the basis for legal action related to enforcement of this Contract.

Search Parameters [​](/content/docs/api/fhir/resources/contract#search-parameters "Direct link to Search Parameters"/index.html)

Name Type Description Expression
authority reference The authority of the contract Contract.authority
domain reference The domain of the contract Contract.domain
identifier token The identity of the contract Contract.identifier
instantiates uri A source definition of the contract Contract.instantiatesUri
issued date The date/time the contract was issued Contract.issued
patient reference The identity of the subject of the contract (if a patient) Contract.subject.where((resolve() is Patient))
signer reference Contract Signatory Party Contract.signer.party
status token The status of the contract Contract.status
subject reference The identity of the subject of the contract Contract.subject
url uri The basal contract definition Contract.url

Inherited Elements [​](/content/docs/api/fhir/resources/contract#inherited-elements "Direct link to Inherited Elements"/index.html)

Name Required Type Description
id string Logical id of this artifact
Details
The logical id of the resource, as used in the URL for the resource. Once assigned, this value never changes.
The only time that a resource does not have an id is when it is being submitted to the server using a create operation.
meta Meta Metadata about the resource
Details
The metadata about the resource. This is content that is maintained by the infrastructure. Changes to the content might not always be associated with version changes to the resource.
implicitRules uri A set of rules under which this content was created
Details
A reference to a set of rules that were followed when the resource was constructed, and which must be understood when processing the content. Often, this is a reference to an implementation guide that defines the special rules along with other profiles etc.
Asserting this rule set restricts the content to be only understood by a limited set of trading partners. This inherently limits the usefulness of the data in the long term. However, the existing health eco-system is highly fractured, and not yet ready to define, collect, and exchange data in a generally computable sense. Wherever possible, implementers and/or specification writers should avoid using this element. Often, when used, the URL is a reference to an implementation guide that defines these special rules as part of it's narrative along with other profiles, value sets, etc.
language code Language of the resource content
Details
The base language in which the resource is written.
Language is provided to support indexing and accessibility (typically, services such as text to speech use the language tag). The html language tag in the narrative applies to the narrative. The language tag on the resource may be used to specify the language of other presentations generated from the data in the resource. Not all the content has to be in the base language. The Resource.language should not be assumed to apply to the narrative automatically. If a language is specified, it should it also be specified on the div element in the html (see rules in HTML5 for information about the relationship between xml:lang and the html lang attribute).
text Narrative Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
Details
A human-readable narrative that contains a summary of the resource and can be used to represent the content of the resource to a human. The narrative need not encode all the structured data, but is required to contain sufficient detail to make it "clinically safe" for a human to just read the narrative. Resource definitions may define what content should be represented in the narrative to ensure clinical safety.
Contained resources do not have narrative. Resources that are not contained SHOULD have a narrative. In some cases, a resource may only have text with little or no additional discrete data (as long as all minOccurs=1 elements are satisfied). This may be necessary for data from legacy systems where information is captured as a "text blob" or where text is additionally entered raw or narrated and encoded information is added later.
contained Resource[] Contained, inline Resources
Details
These resources do not have an independent existence apart from the resource that contains them - they cannot be identified independently, and nor can they have their own independent transaction scope.
This should never be done when the content can be identified properly, as once identification is lost, it is extremely difficult (and context dependent) to restore it again. Contained resources may have profiles and tags In their meta elements, but SHALL NOT have security labels.
extension Extension[] Additional content defined by implementations
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer can define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension.
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.
modifierExtension Extension[] Extensions that cannot be ignored
Details
May be used to represent additional information that is not part of the basic definition of the resource and that modifies the understanding of the element that contains it and/or the understanding of the containing element's descendants. Usually modifier elements provide negation or qualification. To make the use of extensions safe and manageable, there is a strict set of governance applied to the definition and use of extensions. Though any implementer is allowed to define an extension, there is a set of requirements that SHALL be met as part of the definition of the extension. Applications processing a resource are required to check for modifier extensions.
Modifier extensions SHALL NOT change the meaning of any elements on Resource or DomainResource (including cannot change the meaning of modifierExtension itself).
There can be no stigma associated with the use of extensions by any application, project, or standard - regardless of the institution or jurisdiction that uses or defines the extensions. The use of extensions is what allows the FHIR specification to retain a core level of simplicity for everyone.

This resource allows for the instantiation of various types of legally enforceable agreements or policies as shareable, consumable, and executable artifacts as well as precursory content upon which instances may be based or derivative artifacts supporting management of their basal instance. The resource is general enough to encode broad range of legal artifacts such as:

Contracts are promises or understandings that are enforceable by law in case of any violation or breech by any involved party or organization. A Contract instance may be a unilateral mandate such as a policy, or a unilateral, bilateral, or multilateral agreement, which impacts the influence of the parties over the terms of the agreement, and the burdens and risks incurred.

Contract Resource may be typed to support multiple types of domain policies and contractual agreements, and specializations of those types.

A Contract instance must include at least one term with an offer, which obligates the offerer to or not to do, perform, or effectuate some action in exchange for some consideration in return from the offeree, e.g., another obligatory action or non-action, or an asset.

The Contract action element follows the Request Pattern to describe the proposal, plan, or order to effectuate the obligatory service or activity specified in a term’s offer. The Contract action may reference and specify the roles for one or more target entities, the requesters, and performers. By following the Request Pattern, the Contract provides the criteria needed to assess whether the contract obligations have been enforced, for example, in the case of a privacy policy, by an access control system.

The Contract asset element supports detailed description of the consideration being exchanged in a Contract instance or the satisfaction of a policy imperative such as the obligation to render aid as required by local law.

The Contract valuedItem element supports detailed description of the monetary worth of a Contract asset being marketed, the price of products being sold, or the property taxes required under a jurisdictional tax law.

A Contract may be used as a content derivative, which contains the minimal content derived from the basal information source at a specific stage in its lifecycle, which is needed for management and communications about the basal information source. For example, the metadata used to register a Contract’s characteristics and retrieval address in a federated registry/repository exchange ecosystem.

In addition to other uses of derivatives, the Contract Resource may function simply as the computable representation of the executed contract, which may be the attached to the Contract Resource as the 'legally binding' scanned paper contract attachment or referenced location, or as the 'friendly' electronic form such as an html page or a QuestionnaireResponse.

By using the Contract linkID elements, which are associated with key Contract elements, a Contract Resource may be automatically populated with the values expressed in a related QuestionnaireResponse.

Note that the Contract Resource may be considered the legally binding contract only if it is intended to be the sole 'executed' encoding of this contract, and includes the legally binding signatures. I.e., even if the Contract Resource is populated based on content in a hard-copy contract or an electronic contract form intended to collect both the content and the signature of relevant parties to the contract, if contracting parties have agreed or acknowledged that the Contract Resource conveys the binding and enforceable legal contract and that it is fully traceable to the forms used to collect its content, meeting the legal concept of being within the 'four corners of a contract', i.e., that the meaning of the contract, will, or deed is represented solely by this instance of the Contract Resource. This usage could be implemented with digital ledger technology to form a 'smart contract' to the extent that an instance supports elements critical to computable algorithms intended to achieve some output.

Where the Consent resource applies, the Consent resource should be used. Where a Contract exists for a consent directive then if a Consent for this also exists the Consent shall reference the Contract.

Implementers should be familiar with legal concepts, Ricardian Contracts and have a general knowledge of recording agreements.

Legal State Machine link to here

This Resource supports tracking of the progress of a Contract instance during its lifecycle as a 'legal instrument' from inception as a draft, possibly based on a definitional contract template to negotiations and the various permutation on term elements that may occur, on to execution. Then it follows the Contract as enforceable obligations, which may be breached, disputed, or modified, until the Contract reaches renewal, termination, or revocation. This is flow is orthogonal to the Contract.status, which tracks the progress of the documentation of the Contract whether it is definitional, a derivative, or an instance. The legal state value set specifies the characteristics of these states based on legal definitions.