A record target element must be present and records the patient whose health information is described by the clinical document, including patient identification,  patient characteristics, the patient’s name, address and phone number.
The future state principles in the BC Client ID Subject Strategy include the following statements as it relates to the PHN:
•  All recipients of service who should be identified, will be identified and will attract a PHN,
•  The PHN will become the universal client identifier throughout the health sector,
•  All points of service will be required to identify clients, and resolve PHNs, and all will be equipped to do so.
 It is recognized, however, that not all stakeholder organizations or groups have achieved this ideal in the current state.  As such, the conformance statement for patientRole/id reflects that the PHN should be the primary identifier.  It is expected that organizations and groups will incorporate concrete plans to become compliant to the BC Client ID Subject principles as previously noted.  Active integration with the BC provincial EMPI solution is encouraged.