The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) has announced the release of an updated version of a national standard that establishes a common language for health data and information, which aims to lessen ambiguity and improve transparency and decision-making.
According to the DGSI’s news release, the revised edition of “CAN/DGSI 116: Health Data and Information – Lexicon, a National Standard of Canada” intends to:
- Set clear, consistent, and accessible terms and definitions applicable across the health ecosystem
- Clarify the application of the standard across various contexts
- Expand the guidance on consent and other significant concepts
The DGSI emphasized the importance of a shared language amid the increased focus on health data. The DGSI explained that the amended version of the national standard seeks to:
- Fortify the country’s health data governance foundation
- Help healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, patient communities, and other stakeholders communicate more precisely and confidently when dealing with health data
More on national standard
CAN/DGSI 116 acknowledges patients as the primary rights holders of their personal health data and organizations as data custodians or stewards under the relevant laws.
According to the DGSI’s news release, this distinction recognizes the Canadian regime, affirms responsible data practices, and enables ethical and people-centric data governance approaches.
The DGSI noted that the national standard aims to:
- Promote data literacy
- Align terminology across sectors
- Facilitate effective collaboration
- Build trust among those who create, manage, and utilize health data
- Unify national and possibly international efforts to improve health outcomes and system performance
The DGSI explained that the lexicon established in CAN/DGSI 116 seeks to supplement the Canadian government’s work to improve the use, sharing, and governance of health data across the country, alongside other health data standards and initiatives.
The DGSI’s 13th technical committee on health data and information developed CAN/DGSI 116. The committee comprised diverse experts and stakeholders to address real needs and varying viewpoints. The DGSI expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who helped amend the standard.
With the help of experts, domestic and international partners, and members of the public, the DGSI aims to establish digital technology governance standards fit for use worldwide.
As an independent division of the Digital Governance Council, the DGSI seeks to design national standards that mitigate risk to Canadians individuals and organizations adopting and utilizing innovative technologies within the digital economy.