The Direktoratet for e-helse (Norwegian Directorate of ehealth) and SNOMED International announced today that as of January 1, 2017 Norway has joined as SNOMED International’s thirtieth Member.

Direktoratet for e-helse (Norwegian Directorate of ehealth) is a subordinate institution of the Ministry of Health and Care Services and is leading the implementation of SNOMED CT in Norway. The decision to join SNOMED International was taken following a thorough analysis of how the Norwegian health sector could potentially benefit from implementing SNOMED CT as a terminology in selected areas. This resulted in SNOMED CT being evaluated as the most promising standard clinical terminology to best cover clinical documentation needs. Norway will initially explore SNOMED CT further to gain more competence and learn more about how SNOMED CT can support the future vision of healthcare in Norway, while at the same time provide pilot access to stakeholders with immediate needs within dentistry and terminology areas like anatomic location. SNOMED CT will also be evaluated as a reference terminology for health registries in Norway.

“We are very pleased to join SNOMED International and look forward to strengthen our knowledge and cooperation between Norway and SNOMED International in order to support our healthcare in the best possible way” said the Norwegian Directorate of eHealth’s CEO Christine Bergland. “Our expectations regarding the effect of implementing SNOMED CT are high, beginning with the EHR within dentistry”.

“We have had several countries join in the last few months and are very pleased to welcome Norway as a Member,” said SNOMED International CEO Don Sweete. “It is an exciting time for the organization with the new trading name, several major projects launching imminently and work continuing under collaboration agreements. As a Member, Norway adds to our organizational strength and will also benefit from all of this activity”.

The addition of Norway has grown SNOMED International’s Membership to 30 countries and territories across five continents. As SNOMED International’s newest Member, Norway will be able to manage and use SNOMED CT and other related products within the country, participate on the General Assembly and more.

For more information about e-health and SNOMED CT’s use in Norway please visit ehelse.no.