Health informatics — Directory services for security, communications and identification of professionals and patients

ISO/TS 21091:2005 defines minimal specifications for directory services for health care using the X.500 framework. This Technical Specification provides the common directory information and services needed to support the secure exchange of health care information over public networks. ISO/TS 21091:2005 addresses the health directory from a community perspective in anticipation of supporting inter-enterprise, inter-jurisdiction and international health care communications.

ISO/TS 21091:2005 also supports directory services aiming to support identification of health professionals and organizations and the patients/consumers. The latter services include aspects sometimes referred to as master patient indices.

The health care directory will only support standard LDAP Client searches. Specific implementation guidance, search criteria and support are out of scope of this document.