HL7 LAN Language Detail
HL7 field reference LAN fields from HL7 v2.5.1 Show fields
These are the generated fields for the version selected at the top of the page. The document stays the same, but the reference panel follows that version.
Fields
LAN describes a language record, usually in staff, practitioner, or master-file contexts.
The standard describes LAN this way: The LAN segment adds detailed language information to the staff member identified by the STF segment. An LAN segment may optionally follow an STF segment. An LAN segment must always have been preceded by a corresponding STF segment.
Master-file segments update reference data rather than describing a single patient event. They define locations, staff, providers, test catalogs, charge items, inventory items, languages, certificates, and other shared records.
Because many downstream messages depend on this data, small changes here can have large effects. Use stable identifiers, effective dates, action codes, and clear ownership rules instead of treating a master-file feed like a loose spreadsheet export.
The v2.5.1 structures show LAN in MFN_M02 - Master file - staff practitioner, PMU_B01 - Add personnel record, and RSP_K25 - RSP - Personnel Information by Segment Response. That tells you where it can appear, but the implementation guide still decides which optional fields are meaningful.
For practical interface work, read the generated field panel for datatype, required, repeatable, and table details, then use the notes below to decide what the field should mean in the receiving workflow.
LAN-1 is the sequence number for this LAN segment within its repeating group. It keeps multiple LAN lines in order; it is not the business identifier for the master-file record.
LAN-2 identifies the Language Code for this master-file record. Send the identifier that the receiving system actually keys on, and keep the assigning authority or coding system visible when the datatype supports it.
The generated panel links this to HL7 table 0296; many real interfaces narrow that list further, so follow the receiver's implementation guide.
LAN-3 identifies the Language Ability Code for this master-file record. Send the identifier that the receiving system actually keys on, and keep the assigning authority or coding system visible when the datatype supports it.
If there are several identifiers, use repetitions deliberately and make each repeat self-explanatory rather than relying on position alone.
LAN-4 identifies the Language Proficiency Code for this master-file record. Send the identifier that the receiving system actually keys on, and keep the assigning authority or coding system visible when the datatype supports it.
The generated panel links this to HL7 table 0404; many real interfaces narrow that list further, so follow the receiver's implementation guide.
Related links
- MFI - Master File Identification
- MFE - Master File Entry
- MFA - Master File Acknowledgment
- LOC - Location Identification
- STF - Staff Identification
- PRA - Practitioner Detail
- OM1 - General Segment
- CDM - Charge Description Master
- MFN_M02 - Master file - staff practitioner
- PMU_B01 - Add personnel record