FHIR Security Model

Healthcare data requires robust security measures. FHIR provides several layers of security:

LayerDescription
AuthenticationVerify identity
AuthorizationControl access
Audit LoggingTrack who accessed what
EncryptionProtect data in transit and at rest
ConsentManage patient permissions

Key Security Resources

ResourcePurpose
ProvenanceTrack resource origin and history
AuditEventRecord security-relevant events
ConsentManage patient consent directives
CapabilityStatementDeclare system capabilities

Security Headers

All API requests must include:

Authorization: Bearer <token>
Content-Type: application/fhir+json

Common Security Standards

  • SMART on FHIR - OAuth 2.0 based authentication
  • HIPAA - US health privacy regulation
  • GDPR - European data protection
  • HL7 FHIR Consent - FHIR consent management

Threat Model

  1. Unauthorized access - Prevented by authentication
  2. Data breaches - Prevented by encryption
  3. Audit failures - Prevented by logging
  4. Consent violations - Prevented by consent checks