Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Data Set – HL7® FHIR® Implementation Guide (Version 2.0.0)

The Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Data Set will be implemented in a phased approach to standardize the collection of data across the sector and lifespan. As a Prescribed Entity, Ontario Health will leverage this standardized data to support aggregate-level system performance measurement and to inform service planning at local, regional, and provincial levels.

Key enhancements in this version of the Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Data Set include:

• Incorporation of data from Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) and Community Addictions Services.
• Resolution of data collection issues identified in Provincial Data Set (PDS) 1.0.
• Additional information to support Mental Health and Addiction Centre of Excellence clinical priority programs.

Scope

The Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Data Set Implementation Guide is built on the HL7® FHIR® (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard Release 4 and provides guidance to implementers on how to submit data to the MHA repository using the HL7 FHIR standard. It ensures all point of care systems that submit MHA data to the provincial repository do so through HL7 FHIR R4 RESTful APIs and standard terminologies.

It is a web-based specification hosted on the Canadian FHIR Registry powered by SIMPLIFIER.NET*. The reader will be re-directed to the implementation guide’s home page on Canadian FHIR Registry website after registering and clicking the “Agree and Download” button.

Status

The provincial open review period starts March 27, 2025, and runs to April 30, 2025. Download the comment spreadsheet to provide feedback.

PDS 2.0 Logical Data Dictionary is available to download here.

This implementation guide is for trial use and is subject to a formal review and approval process. 

FHIR is an evolving trial-for-use standard, so additional changes by HL7 are expected. We will continue to monitor developments and assess any potential impacts and publish updates as they emerge.

*SIMPLIFIER.NET is a web-based FHIR registry built by Firely that serves as the hosting platform for the Canadian FHIR Registry sponsored by Canada Health Infoway.