Frequently Asked Questions About The Management Information System Standards
Frequently Asked Questions About the MIS Standards
- What is the MIS Standards?
- Who uses the MIS Standards?
- Who advises CIHI on the development of and revisions to the MIS Standards?
- How do I obtain a copy of the MIS Standards?
- Is there implementation support for the MIS Standards?
- Does CIHI offer education on the MIS Standards?
- What is a workload measurement system?
What is the MIS Standards?
The MIS Standards is the Standards for Management Information Systems in Canadian Health Service Organizations. It is a set of national standards for gathering and processing data and for reporting financial and statistical data on the day-to-day operations of a health service organization. It provides a framework for integrating clinical, financial and statistical data.
Why was it developed?
The MIS Standards was developed to
- Better measure the use of resources in relation to services, by integrating financial, activity and clinical data; and
- Improve the timeliness and comparability of information being collected within Canadian health care facilities.
What is included?
The MIS Standards includes
- Chart of accounts;
- Accounting principles and procedures, and use of information;
- Workload measurement systems;
- Glossary of terms; and
- 2025 changes.
Who uses the MIS Standards?
Health service organizations and health regions are expected to submit MIS Standards–compliant financial and statistical data relating to health services to the Canadian MIS Database. Most provinces and territories submit data through their respective ministries or departments of health. This information can be used to cost the activities of health service organizations, and it forms the basis of management reporting, including annual general purpose financial statements and operational budgeting.
Who advises CIHI on the development of and revisions to the MIS Standards?
The Technical Working Group provides expert technical advice on the development, maintenance and effective implementation of the MIS Standards across the continuum of health service delivery. The working group is composed of members of the Financial Standards and Information team at CIHI and provincial and territorial representatives.
How do I obtain a copy of the MIS Standards?
Core Plan subscribers can obtain the MIS Standards for free from eStore. To find out whether your organization is a Core Plan subscriber, please send an email to help@cihi.ca.
Is there implementation support for the MIS Standards?
Each province and territory can adapt the national standard to meet its needs. Implementation support can be provided from each province or territory and from CIHI. For CIHI implementation support, please email fsi@cihi.ca.
Does CIHI offer education on the MIS Standards?
CIHI offers self-directed online learning and web conferences (recorded and live) related to the MIS Standards. Please visit CIHI’s Learning Centre for courses and web conferences.
What is a workload measurement system?
A workload measurement system (WMS) is a tool for measuring the volume of activity provided by a specific functional centre in standardized units of time. When used with other financial and statistical data, a functional centre’s workload gives managers a good indication of the amount and kinds of services provided. Section 4.4 of the MIS Standards provides an overview of discipline-specific workload measurement systems.
More questions?
Please contact us at fsi@cihi.ca.
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