Message from the CEO

Charles Jaffe, MD, PHD, FHL7

HL7 CEO

2024 was a pivotal year for HL7 International. Together, we strengthened global interoperability, advanced the responsible use of artificial intelligence, built new collaborations, and sustained a culture of leadership and community. This report reflects the extraordinary efforts of our staff, volunteers, members, and partners who continue to make HL7 the trusted leader in health data standards and embody our shared commitment to improving healthcare through standards innovation.

Advancing Our Mission on the Global Stage

At the heart of HL7’s mission is our commitment to provide access to the correct data when and where its needed. In 2024, HL7 expanded its global outreach and strengthened HL7’s reputation as the world’s foremost health standards organization.

I presented HL7’s vision at eight international conferences, including PM World Conference, Health Impact, KHIS (Korean Health Informatics), IEEE Global Emerging Technologies, HIMSS AI Conference, CHAI Global Summit, BioIT World, and NVIDIA Global
Our Advisory Council grew to 21 distinguished leaders representing government, academia, and industry, ensuring broad perspectives guide HL7’s strategic direction
HL7 launched a new AI Taskforce with global experts, including David Bray, Janet Marchibroda, Marc Overhage, and Ken Rubin, focused on the role of AI in payment integrity, supported by a forthcoming white paper
Five national regulatory bodies — Korea, Belgium, Japan, Brazil, and Israel — formally committed to FHIR adoption in regulation, exceeding our original goal of two
In Europe, an EU-funded program adopted FHIR as the base standard for exchanging lab, imaging, discharge, and summary patient reports

Driving Innovation in Emerging Technologies

As generative AI and machine learning reshape healthcare, HL7 has taken a leadership role in ensuring that these technologies are applied responsibly.

HL7 formed formal relationships with organizations committed to responsible AI, including CHAI, HAIP, and ICH
HL7 developed and vetted six new use cases with thought leaders, including those focused on data provenance and countering healthcare fraud
A new AI-focused Advisory Council was convened, comprising internationally recognized experts
HL7 partnered with organizations such as PMWC, IMIA, Microsoft, Accenture, and Epic to advance responsible AI use in healthcare
HL7 leadership was privileged to speak at numerous conferences about HL7’s role in interoperability and AI, including national bodies, public forums and academic health centers
HL7 leadership published in peer-reviewed journals and introduced AI capabilities at multiple international conferences

These efforts have established HL7 as a convener and trusted leader at the intersection of health standards and artificial intelligence.

Strengthening Resources and Sustainability

Sustaining innovation requires sustainable funding. In 2024, HL7 pursued both traditional and new avenues of support.

Developed six proposals for new revenue streams, informed by Advisory Council insights
Engaged major technology companies, presenting HL7’s AI vision to NVIDIA and Samsung
Identified and engaged supporters of HL7’s AI initiatives, including CHAI and HAIP
Advanced conversations with charitable foundations such as Pew and Gates, though new commitments remain a challenge
Met with the ONC and FDA to discuss proposals for FY25 funding, though commitments are still pending due to US administrative transitions

While philanthropic pressures and economic headwinds constrained contributions in 2024, HL7 remains focused on expanding its base of support through partnerships, grants, and new technical initiatives such as the FHIR Foundry.

Expanding Global Collaboration

HL7’s vision is amplified by the partnerships it forges. In 2024, HL7 broadened our collaborative reach.

HL7 strengthened partnerships with multiple national and global organizations and government agencies
Promoted HL7’s mission at 14 conferences worldwide
Expanded relationships with international technology developers, though larger organizations like Intel and AstraZeneca remain cautious about investing in early-stage concepts
Advanced conversations with corporations to align partnerships with potential funding opportunities
Supported programs promoting FHIR adoption, even while navigating the challenge of “selling what we give away”

Although HL7 did not achieve formal recognition, the organization’s participation in multiple equity-focused conferences reinforced its role as a trusted collaborator.

Leadership and Community

One of HL7’s greatest strengths is its people. The leadership team—comprised of Karen Van Hentenryck, Dan Vreeman, Viet Nguyen, MD, and Diego Kaminker—represents a uniquely effective collaboration built on mutual respect, trust and shared commitment.

Collaborated with work group chairs and FHIR Accelerator leaders to deliver important implementation guides and conformance tools
Supported the substantial growth of the FHIR Accelerator programs, including CodeX, FAST, and Gravity, while continuing strong performance by DaVinci and Argonaut
Supported new efforts including FHIR Accelerator for Devices
Strengthened relationships with WHO and OHDSI, while building an emerging relationship with OpenEHR
Continued government engagement through Friends of HL7 and other international liaison bodies

Looking Ahead

The progress made by HL7 in 2024 underscores its unique role in shaping the future of healthcare. Looking toward 2025 and beyond, HL7’s priorities remain clear: expanding global FHIR adoption, leading responsibly in AI, strengthening our financial base, and supporting our members with innovative tools, resources, and partnerships.
None of these accomplishments would be possible without you — the HL7 community. I extend my deepest gratitude for your vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to interoperability.
Together, we are transforming healthcare for patients, clinicians, and communities worldwide.

For more detail about 2024, please read the full reports from our HL7 Divisions.

Standards Implementation CSDO Treasurer COO International