1.1 This document describes the implementation principles needed to create a Voluntary Universal Healthcare Identification (VUHID) system. The purpose of this system is to enable unambiguous identification of individuals in order to facilitate the delivery of healthcare. 1.2 The VUHID system should be dedicated exclusively to the needs and functions of healthcare. 1.3 The VUHID system is designed to represent no, or at least minimal, increased risk to healthcare privacy and security. 1.4 The system should be as cost-effective as possible. 1.5 The system must be created and maintained in a way to provide sustained benefit to healthcare. 1.6 The system should be designed and implemented in a manner that ensures that it can operate indefinitely. 1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.