NAACCR Laboratory Electronic Pathology Reporting Guidelines, Version 5.1 to go through the HL7 Ballot Process

The NAACCR Pathology Reporting Work Group (WG) is a work group under the Standardization and Registry Development Steering Committee (S&RD SC). This group maintains the NAACCR Laboratory Electronic Pathology Reporting Guidelines, Version 5.0. These pathology reporting guidelines have been utilized for over two decades and the Pathology Reporting WG has recommended that the guidelines go through the Health Level 7 (HL7) balloting process. Sending the NAACCR pathology reporting guidelines through the HL7 ballot process will provide ANSI-accreditation with national recognition as a well-established standard for cancer pathology laboratory reporting. In October 2024, the S&RD SC approved moving forward with the HL7 ballot process.

Sandy Jones of the CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries volunteered to take the lead in this initiative to shepherd the NAACCR pathology reporting guidelines through the HL7 ballot process. Sandy recently stepped down as the NAACCR Pathology Reporting WG co-chair; however, she continues to be an integral member of the WG as she leads this initiative. The HL7 ballot process will go through the HL7 Orders and Observations Work Group (O&O WG). Sandy will work closely with the HL7 O&O WG, taking feedback to the NAACCR Pathology Reporting WG. Any issues identified through the HL7 ballot process will be discussed with the NAACCR Pathology Reporting WG.